Welcome to Roper Bar Park & Store, your ideal base for exploring Limmen National Park, Ngukurr, and Urapunga — three of the most captivating locations in the Northern Territory.
Situated on traditional Aboriginal lands of the Ngalakgan and Marra peoples, Roper Bar carries deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The area has long been an important meeting and trading place for local Aboriginal groups — a crossing point of the mighty Roper River, where freshwater and saltwater Country meet.
Our business is now majority Aboriginal-owned and operated, reflecting a strong commitment to walking alongside community, respecting Country, and creating opportunities for local people through sustainable tourism and employment.
Long before European arrival, Roper Bar was a thriving gathering place — rich in fish, crocodiles, and birdlife, and offering safe passage across the Roper River. The rock bar that gives the town its name forms a natural crossing and has been used for thousands of years.
In 1845, explorer Ludwig Leichhardt became the first recorded European to reach this area during his overland expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington. His party crossed the Roper River here, giving rise to the name “Roper Bar.”
By the late 1800s, Roper Bar had become a remote yet vital outpost. A telegraph station was established as part of the Overland Telegraph Line, connecting northern Australia to the world. Paddle steamers and small coastal ships navigated the Roper River, unloading supplies and mail bound for pastoral runs and goldfields further inland.
A small general store and customs post were soon built, serving drovers moving cattle between Queensland and the Kimberley. The site became an important hub for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities — a rugged crossroads of trade, travel, and shared history.
During the gold rush era, prospectors travelling to the Hodgson and Elsey Rivers passed through Roper Bar, while missionaries and settlers established nearby stations and communities such as Ngukurr, which later became an important centre for Aboriginal culture, education, and language preservation.
Today, that same spirit of connection continues at Roper Bar Park & Store. The business has evolved from the early general store to a modern remote service hub offering accommodation, meals, fuel, and supplies for travellers, contractors, and adventurers.
Our motel provides clean, air-conditioned rooms — from single and double rooms to queen ensuites — equipped with TVs, fridges, bedding, towels, and servicing options. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast, laundry access, and comfortable rest after long outback drives.
The Caravan Park caters to campers and workers, with powered and unpowered sites and showers and toilets for all guests. Whether you’re exploring Limmen National Park, fishing the Roper River, or working in nearby Ngukurr or Urapunga, you’ll find all the essentials here in one place.
Our Bistro overlooks the rugged escarpment and surrounding bushland — a favourite for hearty meals and relaxed evenings. Whether you’re after a classic barra dish, a worker’s dinner, or a quiet drink with friends, the Bistro delivers that authentic Roper Bar flavour.
Next door, the General Store provides fuel, groceries, takeaway meals, and everyday essentials — everything you need before continuing your journey deeper into the Gulf Country.
Roper Bar lies between Katherine and Limmen National Park, before you reach Ngukurr and Urapunga when travelling east. The drive follows the Roper Highway, which is mostly sealed up to Roper Bar before turning to graded dirt beyond.
For those travelling by air, we have a private runway and aviation refuelling station available for charter and private aircraft. Whether you’re arriving on four wheels or by flight, our team ensures a smooth arrival and comfortable stay.
From ancient Aboriginal trade routes to gold rush pioneers and modern-day explorers, Roper Bar has always been a place where stories converge.
At Roper Bar Park & Store, we continue that tradition — providing a welcoming stopover for travellers, supporting local communities, and preserving the stories of this extraordinary part of Australia.
Stay where the river meets the outback — stay at Roper Bar.
The hotel offers a variety of services with main target of fullfiling our guests needs. Whether you visit Siofok for business or pleasure, you will find the ideal environment to treat yourselves with all our comfort and services:
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
