www.ExplorOz.com
Your browser does not support the site menu
Click Here
to load alternative navigation.
Latest News
Road Conditions
Updated 16/05/2008
Western Deserts
Outback NSW
NSW Coast
Adelaide and Hills
Eyre
Flinders Ranges
Road Conditions
All News...
Site Updates...
Search by Topic
Camper Trailer Hire
4WDriving
Accessories
Accommodation
Boating
Campers & Trailers
Camping
Caravanning
Communications
Cooking
Driving Skills
Electrics
Itineraries & Planning
Membership
Motorhomes
Navigation
Permits
PlotSwap
Recovery Gear
Servicing
Survival
Technical
Things To Do
Topics
Tours
Trek Notes
Trips with Kids
Tyres
Vehicle Choices
Visit Australia
Newsletters
Your Name
Email Address
Past Newsletters
Full Index
154
155
156
Current Users
Members
25
Customers
3
Visitors
26
Anon
737
Total
791
List...
Not Logged on
Click Image to Enlarge
Roper Bar
Difficulty:
Suitable for:
This part of Australia is extremely remote and uninhabited. A 4WD trek through these parts can be an extension of the Gulf Track on your way further up North to Darwin or Arnhem Land.
Start
Katherine
Finish
Borroloola
Distance
868.08 km
Minimum Days
3
Average Speed
73.73 km/hr
Driving Time
11 hr 46 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team Updated: 7 Dec 2007
Advertisement
Description
Camp Sites & Accomodation
Interactive Route Map
Driving Directions
Permits
Trek Feedback
Things to See & Do
Related Pages
Preparation
Recommended Reading
In this Trek Note
Description
If you have a 4WD the opportunities to experience solitude in the
Northern Territory
wilderness is not far away. This trek from Borroloola - Katherine passes through some of the most remote and unvisited areas of the
Top End
. From Borroloola we head north through the Nathan River HS towards Port Roper and finally at Roper Bar, once a secret with the locals it is now a popular spot for fisherpeople who want to catch big barramundi.
It is still a very quiet place, more so out of the peak barramundi season. Generally, very early in the dry the barramundi are at their prime. It is pretty much useless to attempt fishing here without a tinnie although fishing
tours
are available in season.
The approach from Roper Bar into Katherine passes the Elsey National Park and the nearby Mataranka Thermal Springs. After the long dusty route you've just travelled this oasis may be just what you need. The Katherine region is full of fabulous little spots, still remote and relatively untouched but gradually becoming better known with the massive increase in tourism in the
Northern Territory
as a whole.
Interactive Route Map
Katherine
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 132.2635ºE 14.4652ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
King River Rest Area
Distance:
47.98km
Average Speed:
90.56km/h
King River Rest Area
Located 59km north of Mataranka or 46km south of Katherine. 4km south of King River Bridge.
Features:
Position: 132.6322ºE 14.6439ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mataranka Station
Distance:
43.79km
Average Speed:
102.51km/h
Mataranka Station
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 132.9674ºE 14.8370ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Stirling Mill Rest Area
Distance:
0.46km
Average Speed:
102.75km/h
Stirling Mill Rest Area
Located 12km north of Mataranka or 93km south of Katherine.
Features:
Position: 132.9725ºE 14.8386ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mataranka
Distance:
14.6km
Average Speed:
88.5km/h
Mataranka
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 133.0650ºE 14.9213ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Distance:
8.71km
Average Speed:
70.85km/h
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Mataranka Homestead is a great place to rest and unwind. The Mataranka Hot Spring just a short walk from the camp grounds, and the homestead offers everything you may need. The most popular attraction is the crystal clear thermal swimming hole at Mataranka.
Features:
Position: 133.1307ºE 14.9214ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mt Price Rest Area
Distance:
146.18km
Average Speed:
93.97km/h
Mt Price Rest Area
Located 139km east of Stuart Highway or 35km west of Roper Bar.
Features:
Position: 134.1858ºE 14.7617ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Roper Bar
Distance:
38.42km
Average Speed:
77.62km/h
Roper Bar
Roper Bar Store - Phone: (08) 8975 4636 Vehicular access to the coast at Port Roper is not possible - the closest you'll get to the mouth of the river is about 8km away. Recreational fishing is allowed here at No. 1 and No. 2 Landings without a licence.
Features:
Position: 134.4985ºE 14.7269ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Leichhardts Caravan Park
Distance:
0.84km
Average Speed:
70.59km/h
Leichhardts Caravan Park
Located 175km east of Stuart Highway. 3km away from the store. Telephone Number: (08) 8975 4636
Features:
Position: 134.5069ºE 14.7228ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Roper Bar
Distance:
0.84km
Average Speed:
70.59km/h
Roper Bar
Roper Bar Store - Phone: (08) 8975 4636 Vehicular access to the coast at Port Roper is not possible - the closest you'll get to the mouth of the river is about 8km away. Recreational fishing is allowed here at No. 1 and No. 2 Landings without a licence.
Features:
Position: 134.4985ºE 14.7269ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Queensland Crossing
Distance:
21.13km
Average Speed:
74.77km/h
Queensland Crossing
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 134.5666ºE 14.8759ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Lomarieum Lagoon
Distance:
46.54km
Average Speed:
73.52km/h
Lomarieum Lagoon
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 134.8817ºE 14.7775ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
St Vidgeon Ruins
Distance:
0.54km
Average Speed:
81.07km/h
St Vidgeon Ruins
Located 65km south east of Roper Bar or 307km north west of Borroloola.
Features:
Position: 134.8853ºE 14.7806ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Towns River
Distance:
48.66km
Average Speed:
79.05km/h
Towns River
Located 117km south east of Roper Bar or 255km north west of Borroloola.
Features:
Position: 135.2117ºE 15.0414ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Cox River
Distance:
37.52km
Average Speed:
75.52km/h
Cox River
Located 155km south east of Roper Bar or 217km north west of Borroloola.
Features:
Position: 135.3450ºE 15.3219ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
Distance:
12.72km
Average Speed:
55.72km/h
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.4458ºE 15.2994ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Limmen River Station
Distance:
7.43km
Average Speed:
39.25km/h
Limmen River Station
Limmen Bight is a delightful camp, although small. The fishing is good from here, but watch out for crocs. The Towns River is another good spot to fish and camp but you need to be quick - there's only room for 2 or 3 camps.
Features:
Position: 135.5015ºE 15.2655ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
Distance:
7.43km
Average Speed:
39.25km/h
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.4458ºE 15.2994ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Cox River
Distance:
12.72km
Average Speed:
55.72km/h
Cox River
Located 155km south east of Roper Bar or 217km north west of Borroloola.
Features:
Position: 135.3450ºE 15.3219ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Burketown Crossing
Distance:
21.26km
Average Speed:
67.3km/h
Burketown Crossing
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.4011ºE 15.4803ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Southern Lost City
Distance:
51.93km
Average Speed:
67.55km/h
Southern Lost City
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.4558ºE 15.8088ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Lorella Springs Station
Distance:
47.19km
Average Speed:
54.24km/h
Lorella Springs Station
Located 265km south east of Roper Bar or 165km northwest or Borroloola. Turn east off Savanah Way 236km south east of Roper Bar or 136km north west of Borroloola for 35km. Telephone Number: (08) 8983 3728
Features:
Position: 135.6408ºE 15.7222ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Batten Creek
Distance:
82.73km
Average Speed:
59.32km/h
Batten Creek
Located 288km south east of Roper Bar or 84km west of Boroloola. 4km north of the Billengarrah turnoff.
Features:
Position: 135.7072ºE 16.3014ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Leila 1st Crossing
Distance:
35.69km
Average Speed:
68.47km/h
Leila 1st Crossing
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.6823ºE 16.5709ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Cape Crawford
Distance:
15.16km
Average Speed:
66.48km/h
Cape Crawford
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.7236ºE 16.6827ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Heartbreak Hotel Campground
Distance:
0.29km
Average Speed:
54.76km/h
Heartbreak Hotel Campground
Located at Cape Crawford. Junction of Carpentaria and Tablelands Highways. Telephone Number: (08) 8975 9928
Features:
Position: 135.7261ºE 16.6842ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy)
Distance:
15.82km
Average Speed:
92.5km/h
Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy)
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.8449ºE 16.6161ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Leila Hill
Distance:
1.82km
Average Speed:
101.75km/h
Leila Hill
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 135.8614ºE 16.6106ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Borroloola
Distance:
99.73km
Average Speed:
90.31km/h
Borroloola
Borroloola has 2 fuel outlets, supermarket, post office, Caravan Park, air strip and school and is an excellent place to base yourself for some exploring and fishing, A great place to visit is the old Police Station which is now a museum.
Features:
Position: 136.3072ºE 16.0708ºS (GDA 94)
Route Control
Pause
1
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Zoom Map
Get Waypoints
iMapPlot™ by
I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd.
Permits
No
permits
needed.
Things to See & Do
Limmen River Station
Limmen Bight is a delightful camp, although small. The fishing is good from here, but watch out for crocs. The Towns River is another good spot to fish and camp but you need to be quick - there's only room for 2 or 3 camps. This is a good spot to launch a tinnie as you can head up the river for quite a way.
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Mataranka Homestead is a great place to rest and unwind. The Mataranka Hot Spring just a short walk from the camp grounds, and the homestead offers everything you may need. The most popular attraction is the crystal clear thermal swimming hole at Mataranka.
Lorella Springs Station
Located 265km south east of Roper Bar or 165km northwest or Borroloola. Turn east off Savanah Way 236km south east of Roper Bar or 136km north west of Borroloola for 35km. Telephone Number: (08) 8983 3728
Southern Lost City
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Lomarieum Lagoon
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Leila Hill
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Limmen River Station
Southern Lost City
Lomarieum Lagoon
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
Leila Hill
Lorella Springs Station
Excellent barramundi fishing, remote NT outback country, bush
camping
, thermal springs
Preparation
Fuel Supplies & Usage
Katherine
,
Mataranka
,
Roper Bar
,
Limmen River Station
,
Lorella Springs Station
,
Cape Crawford
,
Borroloola
Diesel
4cyl 121 litres
ULP
4cyl 140 litres
LPG
4cyl 174 litres
6cyl 134 litres
6cyl 156 litres
6cyl 153 litres
8cyl 148 litres
8cyl 138 litres
Usage is averaged from
TrekFuel
(* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
Best Time To Visit
Closest Climatic Station
Ngukurr
Distance from Trek Mid Point 106.9km NE
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean Max. °C
35.8
35.1
34.0
34.0
31.8
30.2
29.6
31.9
34.8
37.5
39.0
38.0
Mean Min. °C
24.9
24.7
23.9
22.0
19.2
16.4
15.1
16.0
18.7
22.4
24.8
25.4
Mean Rain mm
178.2
171.9
172.1
56.3
10.9
5.5
1.2
0.4
1.8
12.9
40.6
127.7
Best time to travel
Ok time to travel
Travel NOT recommended
Services & Supplies
The following locations have various services and supplies:
Katherine
,
Mataranka
,
Mataranka Homestead Resort
,
Roper Bar
,
Limmen River Station
,
Lorella Springs Station
,
Cape Crawford
,
Borroloola
Camp Sites & Accomodation
Limmen River Station
Limmen Bight is a delightful camp, although small. The fishing is good from here, but watch out for crocs. The Towns River is another good spot to fish and camp but you need to be quick - there's only room for 2 or 3 camps. This is a good spot to launch a tinnie as you can head up the river for quite a way.
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Mataranka Homestead is a great place to rest and unwind. The Mataranka Hot Spring just a short walk from the camp grounds, and the homestead offers everything you may need. The most popular attraction is the crystal clear thermal swimming hole at Mataranka.
St Vidgeon Ruins
Located 65km south east of Roper Bar or 307km north west of Borroloola.
Leichhardts Caravan Park
Located 175km east of Stuart Highway. 3km away from the store. Telephone Number: (08) 8975 4636
Roper Bar
Roper Bar Store - Phone: (08) 8975 4636 Vehicular access to the coast at Port Roper is not possible - the closest you'll get to the mouth of the river is about 8km away. Recreational fishing is allowed here at No. 1 and No. 2 Landings without a licence. This is a serious fishing location as you'll see from the scattered equipment and professionals lining the banks.
Lorella Springs Station
Located 265km south east of Roper Bar or 165km northwest or Borroloola. Turn east off Savanah Way 236km south east of Roper Bar or 136km north west of Borroloola for 35km. Telephone Number: (08) 8983 3728
Towns River
Located 117km south east of Roper Bar or 255km north west of Borroloola.
Borroloola
Borroloola has 2 fuel outlets, supermarket, post office, Caravan Park, air strip and school and is an excellent place to base yourself for some exploring and fishing, A great place to visit is the old Police Station which is now a museum.
Heartbreak Hotel Campground
Located at Cape Crawford. Junction of Carpentaria and Tablelands Highways. Telephone Number: (08) 8975 9928
King River Rest Area
Located 59km north of Mataranka or 46km south of Katherine. 4km south of King River Bridge.
Batten Creek
Located 288km south east of Roper Bar or 84km west of Boroloola. 4km north of the Billengarrah turnoff.
Cox River
Located 155km south east of Roper Bar or 217km north west of Borroloola.
Mt Price Rest Area
Located 139km east of Stuart Highway or 35km west of Roper Bar.
Stirling Mill Rest Area
Located 12km north of Mataranka or 93km south of Katherine.
Katherine
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Cape Crawford
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Limmen River Station
Towns River
Cox River
Mataranka Homestead Resort
Borroloola
Mt Price Rest Area
St Vidgeon Ruins
Heartbreak Hotel Campground
Stirling Mill Rest Area
Leichhardts Caravan Park
King River Rest Area
Katherine
Roper Bar
Batten Creek
Cape Crawford
Lorella Springs Station
Driving Directions
Time
Direction
Distance
Katherine to King River Rest Area
47.98 km
SE
117°
31 min
King River Rest Area to Mataranka Station
43.79 km
SE
121°
25 min
Mataranka Station to Stirling Mill Rest Area
0.46 km
E
109°
Stirling Mill Rest Area to Mataranka
14.6 km
SE
133°
9 min
Mataranka to Mataranka Homestead Resort
8.71 km
E
90°
7 min
Mataranka Homestead Resort to Mt Price Rest Area
146.18 km
E
81°
1 hr 33 min
Mt Price Rest Area to Roper Bar
38.42 km
E
83°
29 min
Roper Bar to Leichhardts Caravan Park
0.84 km
NE
63°
Leichhardts Caravan Park to Roper Bar
0.84 km
SW
243°
Roper Bar to Queensland Crossing
21.13 km
SE
156°
16 min
Queensland Crossing to Lomarieum Lagoon
46.54 km
E
72°
37 min
Lomarieum Lagoon to St Vidgeon Ruins
0.54 km
SE
132°
St Vidgeon Ruins to Towns River
48.66 km
SE
130°
36 min
Towns River to Cox River
37.52 km
SE
155°
29 min
Cox River to Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
12.72 km
E
77°
13 min
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon to Limmen River Station
7.43 km
NE
58°
11 min
Limmen River Station to Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon
7.43 km
SW
238°
11 min
Maria (Wamungku) Lagoon to Cox River
12.72 km
W
257°
13 min
Cox River to Burketown Crossing
21.26 km
S
161°
18 min
Burketown Crossing to Southern Lost City
51.93 km
S
171°
46 min
Southern Lost City to Lorella Springs Station
47.19 km
NE
64°
52 min
Lorella Springs Station to Batten Creek
82.73 km
S
174°
1 hr 23 min
Batten Creek to Leila 1st Crossing
35.69 km
S
185°
31 min
Leila 1st Crossing to Cape Crawford
15.16 km
S
161°
13 min
Cape Crawford to Heartbreak Hotel Campground
0.29 km
SE
122°
Heartbreak Hotel Campground to Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy)
15.82 km
NE
59°
10 min
Leila Crossing (Carpentaria Hwy) to Leila Hill
1.82 km
E
71°
1 min
Leila Hill to Borroloola
99.73 km
NE
38°
1 hr 6 min
Katherine to Borroloola
868.08 km
11 hr 46 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.
Trek Feedback
If you wish to Send Feedback please
Logon Now
What Others have Posted
Member - John D M (NSW) : 12 Jan 08 20:32
I now own a mobile home we've been to places like Birdsville drive...
I now own a mobile home we've been to places like Birdsville driven the motor home through the gorges in the Flinders rangers,.. In 1997 we drove to Roper Bar on a run through the top and the only time we used 4x4 was when we drove across Lawn Hill station instead of using the formed road and the places we saw young overseas tourists male and female (in old ford or holden station wagons) was fantastic. Now to my request how about in the trek notes (may it's there but it is not easy to find) give an indication regarding the condition of the road as to 2 wheel (Motor home) conditions .Most motor homes are based on some form of truck bodies. Regards John Moore.
Read Full Thread...
Latest: 12 Jan 08 21:11 Replies:
1
FollowUps:
None
Views:
292
Hide
Member - Derek D (QLD) : 12 Jan 08 17:15
We are thinking of going to Roper Bar this year and will be towing a...
We are thinking of going to Roper Bar this year and will be towing an Off Road Ultimate Trailer. Is this a good or bad thing to do - towing I mean.
Read Full Thread...
Latest: 12 Jan 08 21:53 Replies:
2
FollowUps:
None
Views:
236
Hide
Related Pages
Trek Search
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip. This page will enable you to access over 100 of these trek notes, using various search methods and at a glance you can see what treks we have in each area across Australia.
[Feature Story]
Kakadu
World renowned Kakadu has plenty to offer the international and local tourist. The diversity and many attractions including amazing rock formations, rare wildlife, Aboriginal art and fascinating escarpments are all part of Kakadu National Park.
Litchfield
Situated 130kms from Darwin, Litchfield is an excellent day trip or long weekender. Magnificent waterfalls, scenery and offers 4WDers a couple of challenging tracks.
Recommended Reading for Roper Bar
Kakadu National Park
A detailed map covering Australias largest National Park, it is ideal for exploring the dreamtime landscapes, hidden gorges, escarpments, and billabongs of this World Heritage Area. All major roads and tracks through the park are marked and a matrix of facilities available at each attraction is included.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Natmap Raster 2005: Premium - DVD
This new NATMAP Raster was released in April 2005. This is a 2 DVD set that contains all 1:250 000 scale NATMAP topographic maps covering Australia, published to December 2004.
$119.00
[Add to Cart]
Top End & Gulf
Another beautiful map publication showing enormous detail of the Top End and Gulf region of Australia. The map shows all major and minor roads and tracks, most of which have been extensively field-checked using Hemas GPS mapping system. Aboriginal land is highlighted as are fuel and food stops.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Gulf Country
This map features the "Great Top Road" 4WD route stretching across the Gulf of Carpentaria from SW Cape York to Katherine in the Top End of NT including the magnificent Lawn Hill NP and bitumen Barkley Highway from Mt Isa to Tennant Creek.
$8.50
[Add to Cart]
Northern Territory Handy Map
Great for use in the car, Hema’s State Handy Maps clearly show highways, minor and secondary roads, national and state routes and fully-indexed cities, towns and localities. Detailed road distances are also shown. All of the maps are double-sided and come in an easy-to-fold format.
$6.95
[Add to Cart]
Top End & Gulf CD Map
The Top End & Gulf CD Map is based on the popular paper maps and is compatible with most PC-based major navigational progammes, and if you have a GPS, laptop or personal orgaiser then it can provide in car navigation. This CD is a great companion product to use with existing regional maps.
$29.95
[Add to Cart]
North-West Australia
This map includes a map covering the northwest of Australia from Perth to Darwin. It includes a small amount of information on locations covered by the maps, as well as climate profiles and a road distance chart. Comes in a Plastic Wallet.
$7.95
[Add to Cart]
Northern Territory Handy Map - Deluxe Cover
Great for use in the car, Hema’s State Handy Maps clearly show highways, minor and secondary roads, national and state routes and fully-indexed cities, towns and localities. Detailed road distances are also shown. All of the maps are double-sided and come in an easy-to-fold format.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Northern Territory
This map covers the whole of the Northern Territory in a compact format. Includes climate profiles, National Parks, Roadhouses and Towns list as well as some photos. Comes with Plastic Wallet.
$6.95
[Add to Cart]
Kakadu National Park
Gulf Country
North-West Australia
Natmap Raster 2005: Premium - DVD
Northern Territory Handy Map
Northern Territory Handy Map - Deluxe Cover
Top End & Gulf
Top End & Gulf CD Map
Northern Territory
New/Updated
Garmin Colorado 300 $879.00
The Australian Guide to HF Radio $18.95
Basic Guide to Parks Reserves and Forests in VIC $19.95
Golden Quest Discovery Trail Guide Book $39.95
The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail Guide $34.95
Pilbara and Coral Coast Explorer Card $20.00
Cape York Explorer Card $20.00
Murray River Access Map - Yellow $6.95
Murray River Access Map - Burgundy $6.95
Murray River Access Map - Emerald $8.95
Murray River Access Map - Olive $5.95
Murray River Access Map - Brown $4.95
Murray River Access Map - Blue $5.95
The Wonnangatta Mystery $27.50
Cann River - Orbost - Delegate Adventure Map $10.95
Fast Find
Shop Home Page
Discounted Items
Latest/Updated
All Items
Home
|
About Us
|
FAQ
|
Feedback
|
Site Stats
|
Membership
|
Advertising Campaigns
|
Site Updates
Forum
|
Blogs
|
Forum Archive
|
Trader
|
Shop
|
Treks
|
Places
|
Directory
|
Articles
|
Topics
RSS Feeds
|
Link to Us
|
Terms of Use
|
Corporate Membership
|
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 1999 - 2007,
I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd.
All rights reserved.