Visit Outback Australia, Gregory National Park
Nature, Culture, History & Scenery Along the Victoria Highway
Jan 16, 2009
Red escarpments tower above rocky foothills and Aboriginal rock art is painted on the walls where they meet. The Victoria River sweeps around the foothills enticing down to the river anglers, birdwatchers and those who just want to enjoy the scenery. But stay out of the water as there are Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodiles.
Two Wheel Drive Travellers
For those travelling between Katherine and Kununurra in a conventional vehicle, Gregory National Park has some great places to take in the escarpment and river scenery. For commercial tours, ask at the Victoria River Roadhouse about boat tours up the Victoria River or flights over the escarpment. Ask at Timber Creek about tours of the Victoria River downstream.
Escarpment Walk
2km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse, the Escarpment Walk has river and escarpment views. A series of interpretive signs share creation stories of the Wardaman and Nungali-Ngaliwurru Aboriginal custodians.
This 3km return walk starts out steep but easy, becoming rocky and moderately difficult in places further up. You can turn around before this, but the walk to the top is well worth it.
Nawulbinbin Walk
10km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse is a 2km unsealed road suitable for conventional vehicles. It leads to the Joe Creek picnic area and Nawulbinbin walk nestled in the foothills.
The 1.7km Nawulbinbin loop walk is steep, rocky and moderately difficult. It provides a close up look at sandstone escarpment walls where you can see ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Gregory’s Tree
Gregory’s Tree is 15km west of Timber Creek. It is reached via a 5km unsealed road and a 500 metre wheelchair accessible return walk.
Gregory’s Tree is an important meeting and ceremonial place for traditional Aboriginal custodians. It also marks the base camp site of Augustus Charles Gregory who explored the area in 1955-56.
Bullita Homestead
Bullita Homestead and Stockyards are examples of the pioneering spirit and ingenuity needed to make a living in the area. The Homestead display delves into the history of Gregory National Park, including how Aboriginal people came to work with newcomers in this land.
A 40km unsealed road leads to Bullita. Although conventional vehicles make the trip, high clearance is recommended.
Camping and Accommodation
Within the Park are campgrounds with limited facilities (pit toilets and barbecues) at Sullivan’s Creek, Big Horse Creek and Bullita Homestead.
The commercial campgrounds and accommodation at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek have more facilities and services, including food, water and electricity.
Four Wheel Drive Tracks
Gregory National Park has a network of four wheel drive tracks for lovers of nature and wide open spaces. These remote, rugged tracks are only suitable for well-prepared vehicles and drivers. There are basic campgrounds (barbecues only) along the tracks.
River Access
Fishing is popular in the area and there are boat ramps near the Victoria River Roadhouse and Big Horse Campground.
When to Visit
For perfect weather visit in the dry season between June and September – 35°C days cool down to 10°C at night. It won’t rain, but it will start warming up in September and be very hot from October.
Between December and April be prepared for delays as flooding closes roads at times. Expect many roads to be closed for the entire wet season (November to May), including the four wheel drive tracks.
More information is on the PWSNT website.
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