Palm Valley

Palm Creek carves through ancient sandstone walls to create Palm Valley's sheltered microclimate, which allowed these prehistoric palms to persist through millennia of aridification that stripped them from the wider continent. Roughly 3,000 adult specimens tower above a valley floor scattered with thousands of seedlings, visitors are asked to remain on marked paths to avoid damaging juvenile plants. The setting is visually arresting at any time of day, with the red cliffs and swaying palms creating a scene that feels like a window into deep time.

Four signed walking trails depart from the Palm Valley campground and carpark area. The Arankaia Walk (2 km, 1 hour, Grade 2) meanders through the valley floor past dense palm stands and ancient cycads. The Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hours, Grade 2) climbs to a plateau with sweeping views over the palm-filled valley and passes waterholes and a rock overhang shelter. The campground has 22 bookable sites with facilities including toilets, hot showers, gas barbecues, and communal fire pits. No phone or internet reception is available at the campground, and all sites must be pre-booked through the NT Parks online system.