About Goanna Park
A community campsite with purpose
Goanna Park is more than a place to camp. It is a place where Territory young people and community groups come together to grow, lead and belong.
What is Goanna Park?
A not-for-profit facility for the community
The Junior Police Rangers Land Association (JPRLA) administers Goanna Park — a 22 hectare block with undercover accommodation, amenities and camping facilities. It sits 80 km east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway, at the gateway to the Mary River and Kakadu National Parks.
The park is available to schools, disadvantaged groups, sporting bodies, community organisations, charities and remote-area youth groups to use for recreation, training and sporting activities.
Because of its central location, it is perfect for many different organisations — and the facilities are always being improved and added to.
Our history
Donated in 1985, still going strong
The block was generously donated by Mr. Terry Baldwin in 1985. Since then it has provided positive memories, experiences, learning and development opportunities for thousands of Territory children.
The park became the home base for the Junior Police Rangers and has grown into a valued asset for the wider Northern Territory community. The facilities are looked after and managed by the JPRLA, with passionate volunteers and staff keeping the grounds in great shape.
1985
Donated by Mr. Terry Baldwin
22 ha
Of Territory bushland
The Junior Police Rangers
Where young leaders are made
Goanna Park is the proud home base for the Junior Police Rangers — a leadership development program for potential leaders aged 12 to 15.
Leadership & development
Junior Police Rangers take part in a structured program that builds confidence, teamwork and responsibility in a supportive outdoor setting.
Outdoor education
The rangers run activities across the park including camping, survival camps, bush walks, wildlife walks and team building.
Working with Variety
Junior Police Rangers are proud to work with Variety Club Australia to provide outdoor education to disabled youth.
Our purpose
Helping the community, not profit
JPRLA is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide assistance to the youth of the Northern Territory — particularly disadvantaged or disabled children. Goanna Park is one of the best-value community facilities in the Territory, kept affordable so that every group can take part.
Affordable for groups
Honest, low-cost pricing so schools and charities can access the outdoors.
Safe & supported
A well-managed camp environment with amenities and first aid on site.
Recreation & training
For recreation, team building, training, sporting activities and camps.
Connection to country
In Arnhem Land, home to several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Who uses the park
A space for everyone
Goanna Park is hired out for a wide range of groups and activities.
Schools
School camps and outdoor education.
Charities
Not-for-profit and charity groups.
Sporting groups
Training camps and sporting bodies.
Community organisations
Recreation, retreats and gatherings.
Businesses
Corporate team-building days.
Tourism companies
Group tours to Kakadu and beyond.
Why it matters
More than a weekend away
For many young people, a camp at Goanna Park is a first taste of independence, nature and community. It builds confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of the Territory's wild places. Keeping it affordable and well-run is how we make sure no group is left out.
Because Goanna Park sits at the gateway to Kakadu, it is also an ideal base for schools and youth groups accessing the area and running activities on site.