Lorella Springs Wilderness Camp

The Heartbreak Hotel is managed by an arrogant and passive aggressive fellow who told us where to camp and then came to rouse on us because we had turned off his sprinkler as we would have been drenched insude the camper had it been left on. We were then told to move elsewhere. It was further from the main road and under trees, so it was actually a better spot.

Our intention was to continue on the Alternative Savannah Highway to Roper Bar, stopping at Lorella Springs and camoing in the Limmen NP.

The grader was busy with the first part of the road, so it was great. That was the first 40 klms of 140klms to Lorella Springs. The remainder of the road was ........
#%^^^%^£!

The road into the station was equally as bad.

We did however pass some beautiful water crossings and countryside.

Our first impression on reaching the homestead, was disappointment. Everyone who comes here raves about it! That was why we had wanted to come. It was hot and dusty and dry and at $20 per persin per night, expensive to stay.

We asked where we could camp. And the answer...... "Anywhere". Lorella Springs is a million acre property, stretching right down to the Gulf of Carpentaria, some 80 klms from the homestead. We had already driven 30 klms from the farm gate to the homestead.

The hot spring was running in the gully, so as soon as we found a suitable camp, leapt into the water. Not really refreshing as the water is warm, but nice to get into clean running water.

We found very few people were left staying on the prooperty. It was really the end of the tourist season. There are many tracks and roads to explore on Lorella, but before you venture forth, you must sign in at the homestead to let them know where you are going, so that someone can search for you shoukd you get into trouble.

We had been told by others that most of the waterholes and lagoons had by now dried up. The best place to visit was "Nanny's Retreat". After signing in we headed off, expecting to be able to camp somewhere nearby. Some 40 klms later, we arrived at a point where we didn't want to drive the car any further, so we parked and prepared to walk to this special place.

Tristan, the station owner's son, told us to look out for Aboriginal art under some of the rocky outledges along the path.

We walked through some wonderous rock formations, where thousands of butterflies were seeking shelter from the heat. Tantalising glimpses of deep rock pools surrounded by pandanas were along the route. Eventually we came out over some huge red rocks, baking in the sun and in the distance saw a small pool.

On closer inspection the pool had been carved by spring fed water and a small stream was making it's way down the slope into the pandanas below. The stream above the pool had created a very narrow and deep gorge, through which you could just swim. The water was cool and refreshing, so we spent some time lingering in it. Not another soul about, just us and the small fish in the water.

Our campsite for the next two days was beautifuk with running fresh water creek just below where we stayed and not another person in sight.