Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pandanus palms and serenaded by abundant birds. Facilities include a kiosk, a picnic area
with BBQs, toilets, changing sheds and showers.
The turn-off to Berry Springs and Territory Wildlife Park is 48km down the Track
from Darwin; it's then 10km to the park.
Batchelor
POP 538
The government once gave Batchelor's blocks of land away to encourage settlement in
the little town. That was before uranium was discovered and the nearby
Rum Jungle
mine
developed (it closed in 1971 after almost 20 years). These days, Batchelor exists as
a gateway and service centre for neighbouring Litchfield National Park, and is home to
the
Batchelor Institute for Indigenous Education
.
Opposite the general store, a small, sporadically staffed
visitor information centre
(Tarkarri Rd;
8.30am-5pm)
is stocked with fliers, including national-parks info.
4
Sleeping & Eating
Although most travellers are naturally headed into Litchfield, this gateway town offers
some quality accommodation and a pub. The
Batchelor General Store
(cnr Tarkarri &
Nurndina Rds;
6am-6pm)
has a well-stocked supermarket, takeaway shop, newsagent
and post office.
Rum Jungle Bungalows
B&B $$$
( 08-8976 0555;
www.rumjunglebungalows.com.au
; 10 Meneling Rd; d $160; )
Bom-
barded by fluttering butterflies, these six olive-coloured bungalows are simple, elegant
and immaculately clean. Each has a small fridge and en suite, and it's a short walk
through tropical gardens (featuring native NT plants and herbs) to the private pool and
breezy breakfast room (fresh seasonal fruit, local honey, homemade muesli and hot cof-
fee).
Batchelor Butterfly Farm
RESORT $$$
( 08-8976 0199;
www.butterflyfarm.net
;
8 Meneling Rd; d $110-160; )
This com-
pact retreat divides itself between a low-key tourist attraction and friendly tropical-style
resort. The kids will love the butterfly farm (adult/child $10/5) and mini zoo, which is
free for staying guests. There are en suite cabins, a large homestay, and a busy all-day
cafe/restaurant (mains $12 to $34), featuring Asian-inspired dishes. It's all a bit Zen with
Buddha statues, chill music and wicker chairs on the shaded deck.
