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Flora River Nature Park Flora River Nature Park is located 122 kilometres south-west of Katherine. The Park includes approximately 25km of the Flora River and an adjacent area of floodplain and savannah woodland. The principal attraction of the Park is the River with it's spring's, interesting tufa dams and associated riverine vegetation. Recreational opportunities associated with the River such as fishing, canoeing and boating are possible in the Park. Access To access the Park follow the Victoria Highway west from Katherine for 86km and then follow the access road for another 36km to the Park entrance. The access road is suitable for 2WD vehicles during the dry season (April to October). However the Park may become inaccessible at times after heavy rain. The most comfortable time of year to visit the Park is in the drier and slightly cooler months from May to October. Visitor Facilities The Djurring campground and day use area has recently been completed. Facilities include a camping area with toilets, showers, drinking water and wood BBQ's. Picnic tables and BBQ's are provided in the day use area. River access for small boats is provided along with canoe portages over the tufa dams. NO SWIMMING IN FLORA RIVER Things To See And Do The peaceful nature of the Park makes it an ideal destination for passive water activities such as canoeing, fishing and small boating (under 15hp only). Fisherman are required to use lures only, to help protect the local turtle population. Two short walking tracks originating from near the campground lead to Kathleen and Florence Falls. These tracks provide the visitor with an opportunity to view the interesting tufa formations which have formed as a result of precipitation of calcium carbonate onto rock bars and debris. The result is a number of picturesque cascades and small waterfalls. Campers are catered for at Djurrung campground which makes an ideal base for access to the River and the Park's facilities. Cultural History - The Wardaman People The Wardaman people have a rich cultural history. Ceremonies, stories and songs linking the ten clans are performed along a singing trail which traverses the Flora River Nature Park. Ceremonies are conducted in and around the sacred sites located in the Park by senior custodians. Flora And Fauna Flora River Nature Park protects two major vegetation communities. Approximately 85% of the Park, the area defined as flood plain and levee banks, is covered by savannah or open woodland. This habitat consists of widely spaced trees with a grassy understory. The second major vegetation type is the diverse riverine forest which colonises the river banks and islands. Extensive stands of the palm Livistona rigida, a plant with a limited distribution, line the River along with River Pandanus and Melaleucas. The dense vegetation of the River is in stark contrast with the sparse vegetation of the floodplain. The fauna of the Park is presently being surveyed to complete species lists. Aquatic fauna is of interest due to the presence of the Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), which was once thought to occur only in Papua New Guinea but has recently been discovered in a few localities in the Northern Territory. The Flora River also has a variety of fish including Barramundi, Bream, Catfish and Grunters. Both Freshwater (Crocodylus johnstonii) and Estuarine Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are known to inhabit the River. Protecting Our Heritage
More Information Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
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