Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park

Located around 500km north of Alice Springs and 200km south-east of Tennant Creek along the Stuart Highway then onto Kurundi Road is one of the most remote, idyllic and adventurous places to visit in Central Australia - Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park.

Iytwelepenty is the local Alyawarr name for the area which consists of over 1,000 square kilometers and home to beautiful camping spots, incredible, refreshing swimming holes, excellent four-wheel driving opportunities and a host of other unmissable natural aspects. 

Frew River Loop 4WD Track

Part of the Binns Track, this loop is seen by some as a lovely rocky cruise loaded with beautiful scenery, and by others a challenging and fun adventure, also with awesome scenery. It all depends on your level of experience in a 4WD - either way though, the sights are stunning! The track is 17km long and will take roughly 2 hours to complete.

If you’re traveling the Binns Track, turn off at the signage and you’ll manage to cut off about 20km from the Binns Track route. You’ll want to make sure you’ve checked that conditions are ok for driving before you take it on though as things can change very quickly and you’re a long way from any help. And it is most definitely only for four wheel drives with a good level of clearance!

Camping 

There are three campsites available within Davenport Ranges National Park, Old Police Station Waterhole, Whistleduck Creek and Frew River 4WD campground. If you’re taking the Frew River Loop and are staying overnight, this is the only place on the loop in which you’re permitted to camp.

Otherwise Old Police Station Waterhole and Whistleduck Creek are both excellent choices including toilets, tables, barbecues and tap water (though we’d advise you boil the water before drinking to be safe). Both of these locations offer beautiful swimming spots, stunning scenery, plenty of wildlife and a great deal of distance from anything else in the world.

All locations are considered Category B campsites and their entry fee is payable online before arrival; $4 per adult, $2 per child or $10 per family (2 adults and 4 children). 

Swimming

Whether you’re staying to camp or cruising through in a 4WD, nothing beats a refreshing swim in the middle of the outback. Old Police Station Waterhole & Whistleduck Creek campsites are both stunning and a delightful swimming experience. If you’re on the Frew River Loop, you may also like to take a dip in the river itself to cool off.

Be warned though, in winter the water can get very, very cold. As with everything in the Red Centre, be safe in your swimming. Read and abide by any signs and submerged rocks and logs are always around so don’t jump or dive into the water - and always remember to wear sunscreen.