Grab your best hiking boots and head to the spectacular gorge country of Judburra Gregory National Park, the second largest park in the NT.
Pack your walking boots and sense of adventure and head west to explore the spectacular gorge country of Gregory National Park. Known as Judbarra to the local Aboriginal people, it’s the second largest park in the Territory.
Diverse landscapes
Get a feel for the diversity of the Territory’s landscapes in the park, which showcases the transition zone between the NT’s tropical and semi-arid regions.
Explore lofty gorges, vast escarpment country and amazing sandstone formations. Wander through monsoon rainforest and eucalyptus woodland punctuated with clumps of yellow Spinifex.
The distinctive Boab tree, a sign you’re on the way to Western Australia, is particularly striking in this limestone landscape.
Tracks for four-wheel drives
The park has six rugged four-wheel drive tracks to navigate. Tackle the 6km Limestone Gorge track to see a landscape dominated by limestone formations and boabs. Or embark on the longer 197km Broadarrow Track that crosses a broad, flat plateau, rugged hilly country and alluvial plains.
Walking trails
If you prefer to explore on foot, the easy Escarpment Walk reveals spectacular views of the Victoria River and the escarpment, and informative signs explain the stories of the Nungali and Wardaman people along the way.
The more challenging Nawulbinbin (Joe Creek) Loop Walk passes Aboriginal paintings and winds up a steep rocky slope to the base of the escarpment wall.
Natural wonders
Gregory’s Tree is a giant old boab tree on which explorer Augustus Gregory carved the dates of his party’s expedition of the area in July 1856.
Visit Limestone Gorge, a postcard-like gorge with interesting craters and dolomite formations.
Settler history
Escape the heat of the day at Bullita Homestead. It’s in original condition and tells the story of the first settlers here, the hardships they faced and their chilling end. The stockyards outside are maintained with local lancewood and bloodwood timber.
Travellers’ stories
Can you camp in Judbarra/Gregory National Park?
Below is a list of camping spots in Judbarra/Gregory National park:
- Victoria River Roadhouse (caravan camping available)
- Timber Creek
- Sullivan Creek (caravan camping available)
- Big Horse Creek (caravan camping available)
- Bullita
How do you get to Judbarra/Gregory National Park and how do I get around
To get to Judbarra/Gregory National Park head south to Katherine on the Stuart Highway then follow the Victoria highway for approximately 230km.
Do I need any passes or permits to visit Judbarra/Gregory National Park?
Entry into Judbarra/Gregory National Park requires an NT Parks Pass. This is a separate pass to the Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes. If you wish to camp at the campground, you must book online and pay a fee to camp. It is recommended that you do this before you go, as you won't be able to pay at the site.
What are the best things to see in Judbarra/Gregory National Park?
Have a swim in the serene waterholes at Limestone Gorge. A short, easy drive north-west of Timber Creek takes you to Gregory's tree. This is a large boab tree where explorer, Augustus Gregory camped. Bullita Homestead, still in its original condition, tells the story of the challenges faced by the first European settlers. A 4WD is recommended to reach the homestead along the Bullita Access Road.
What’s special about the Judbarra Gregory National Park area?
This is a place where you can truly appreciate the timelessness of the Outback. You can see the transition from tropical to semi-arid landscapes, from rugged gorges to alluvial plains. It’s also very important land to the traditional Judbarra people, and it boasts a wealth of rock art.
When is the best time to visit Judbarra/Gregory National Park?
Because many of the access roads and 4WD tracks are closed during the Top End’s wet season, it’s best to explore the Park from May to September. You can check if a park is open here.
Where can you go next?
Many people travel west to Kununurra and along the way, north of the Victoria Highway right near the Western Australia border is the Keep River National Park. This Park is one of the Northern Territory’s best-kept secrets, with an array of stunning geological features.
Where is Judbarra/Gregory National Park?
Judbarra/Gregory National Park is approximately 360km south of Darwin and is the second largest national park in the Northern Territory.