Judbarra / Gregory National Park

About the park

Judbarra / Gregory National Park is in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, west of Katherine. The NT Government says everything here is big: the barramundi, the saltwater crocodiles, the landscape and the challenges of its many 4WD tracks.

Aboriginal Country. The park takes in the traditional lands of several Aboriginal language groups: the Ngarinyman, Karrangpurru, Malngin, Wardaman, Ngaliwurru, Nungali and Bilinara peoples. The NT Government says the Traditional Owners regard this land as an important part of their cultural identity, of huge spiritual significance, and still use it for ceremonies.

Rock art. Archaeological sites show a long history of Aboriginal occupation. The rock shelters and caves hold a wealth of rock art, in a style that appears very different from other areas. Recorded techniques include:

• painting
• stencil drawing
• printing
• packing
• pounding

Human figures are the most common motif. The NT Government says the high number of composite engraved and painted figures makes this one of the largest sites of its kind in Australia.

All cultural items and wildlife are protected.

Getting there

Take the Victoria Highway from Katherine, or the unsealed Buntine and Buchanan highways. The park is open all year, but roads may be inaccessible at times in the wet season. Check road conditions before you leave home.

Highlights

Gregory's Tree. In the west of the park is a large boab carved during Augustus Gregory's north Australian expedition. It's an Aboriginal sacred site and a registered heritage site, with interpretive signs at its base. Don't damage or carve boabs: it harms the tree, and you can be fined.

Bullita Homestead. An old station homestead with a historic display, and a campground.

Limestone Gorge. At the time of writing the Calcite Flow Walk was open. The Limestone Gorge campground was closed for the foreseeable future, because its access was impassable.

Escarpment Walk and Joe Creek and Ngawilbinbin Walk. The NT Government warns that temperatures on both can exceed 40°C. At the time of writing, both were closed between 10 am and 3 pm for safety.

Victoria River. Boat ramps at Big Horse Creek and the Victoria River give access for fishing. There's also access at Victoria Gorge and the Old Victoria Road Crossing.

Camping

There's a range of campgrounds, from sites on the highway to remote bush camps on the 4WD tracks. A campground host is on site in the peak season, May to September.

Book and pay online before you go. You can't pay at the site.

Caravans can camp at Big Horse Creek campground, Sullivan Creek campground and the Victoria River Roadhouse.

Other campgrounds include:

• Lupayi (Jasper Gorge)
• Gumil (with a lookout)
• Bullita Homestead
• Spring Creek Yard
• East Baines Crossing
• Drover's Rest

Remote 4WD-track campgrounds close seasonally in the wet. They include Paperbark Yard, Top Humbert, Fig Tree Yard, Camel Point, East Baines, Escarpment Lookout, Wilingarri and Depot Creek.

Rules.

• Camp only in marked camping areas.
• Light fires only in fireplaces.
• Collect firewood before you arrive at your campsite.
• Generators are allowed between 8 am and 8:30 pm.
• Treat water from waterways before drinking it.

4WD tracks

South of the highway is a network of serious 4WD tracks. The NT Government publishes a 4WD track information sheet. The tracks include:

• Bullita Stock Route Track
• Tuwakam Track
• Wickham Track
• Gibbie Creek Track
• Humbert Track
• Broad Arrow Track

Many close in the wet season. At the time of writing, the Wickham, Gibbie Creek, Humbert and Broad Arrow tracks had seasonal closures with forecast reopening on 1 June 2027. The Bullita Stock Route Track and Tuwakam Track were open.

Before you set out on a track:

• Tell a reliable person where you're going and when you'll be back.
• Carry a satellite phone or emergency beacon.
• Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped.
• Stay on marked roads and tracks.

See our 4WD driving guide and 4WD recovery guide.

Fishing and boating

If you fish, check the size and bag limits for barramundi.

Boating rules:

• Fish with lures only. Bait isn't allowed, to avoid accidentally catching turtles.
• Motorised watercraft are not allowed on the Wickham River, because of its significant natural and cultural values.
• With a 2WD, you can reach the Victoria River from the concrete boat ramps at Big Horse Creek.
• Nets, traps and firearms aren't permitted.

Crocodile safety

Saltwater crocodiles live in all waterways in the park. The NT Government says:

• Don't swim.
• Be Crocwise at all times.
• Watch for warning signs.
• Use soaps and detergents at least 50 m from waterways.

Park rules and safety

• NT Parks Visitor Pass. Visitors to the NT need one.
• Drones. Not permitted.
• Pets. Allowed along the Victoria Highway only, on a leash.
• Rubbish. Take it with you.
• Maps. Download the Avenza map app before you leave.
• Health. Carry plenty of water, wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, carry a first aid kit, and avoid hard exertion in the heat of the day.

Between October and April, temperatures across the NT can exceed 40°C. For park enquiries, phone (08) 8973 8888.

Combine with

• Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park.
• Kununurra and Lake Argyle, across the WA border.
• Our Savannah Way road trip, if that route is on your list.

Nearby park guide: Keep River.