Judbarra/Gregory National Park is a stunning site located in the Northern Territory. The park has a spectacular mountain range, historical traces of First Nations culture, European colonisation, and pastoral history.
This guide will highlight everything you need to know about the park’s popular Escarpment Walk, including how to reach it and what you’ll see when you arrive. We’ll also include handy tips on nearby accommodation and the best times to visit.
Where is the Escarpment Walk?
The Escarpment Walk is located just off the Victoria Highway and is about 2km west of the Victoria River Roadhouse. It both starts and ends at the Judbarra Car Park.
How to get there: The start of the trail is 198km away from Katherine. You will spend about 2km of the journey navigating out of Katherine. For 196km, you’ll use National Highway 1 to reach the start of the Escarpment Walk. Your destination is on the left. The trail is also 512km away from Darwin. Get on National Highway 1 in Holtze from Tiger Brennan Drive/A15 for 19km. Drive to National Highway 1 in Gregory for 493km.
Things to Know Before Hiking the Escarpment Walk
This popular hike in Judbarra/Gregory National Park is graded as a 3, which means it is a moderate walk with some steep sections. This walk is perfect for exploring the lives of the Nungali-Ngaliwurru and Wardaman Aboriginal people. You can follow their stories through interpretive signs about the creation of the landscape as you go up the hill.
Visitors are met by stunning scenery of Judbarra National Park during their hike to the top of the escarpment. The hike is not extremely arduous for fit people. You can also stop halfway during the Escarpment Walk and take the trail up to the Garrarnawun Lookout.
When you are at the foot of the Escarpment Walk, you will notice that you are surrounded by grasslands, bush, and the magnificent mountain/hill range. This is a good photo opportunity. From the top of the escarpment, you can see views of the Victoria River Roadhouse.
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Birds at Judbarra National Park
During your hike on the Escarpment Walk, you might spot several types of birds. Here are the 10 most common birds:
- budgerigar
- masked woodswallow
- little corella
- chestnut-breasted munia
- spinifex pigeon
- rainbow bee-eater
- brown quail
- cockatiel
- varied lorikeet
- purple-crowned fairywren
Accommodation at Judbarra National Park
Inside the park, you can find accommodation at Victoria River Roadhouse Caravan Park, Timber Creek Hotel & Caravan Park, Big Horse Creek Campground, Sullivans Creek Campground, Matt Wilson Lookout & Campground, Bullita Campground, Limestone Gorge Campground, and Lupayi Campground.
Some campsites near Judbarra National Park are Spring Creek Yard, Victoria River Ford and Dashwood Crossing, and Lorrngorl Campground.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Judbarra National Park anytime from May to August for the optimal temperatures (10°C to 35°C). However, the weather can be warmer and wetter from November through April, but the woodlands are lush and the campgrounds are quiet at this time.
The Escarpment Walk in Judbarra/Gregory National Park offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, showcasing rugged cliffs and lush vegetation. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, the moderate trail combines scenic beauty with adventure.
Have you hiked the Escarpment Walk? Comment below if you’ve explored Judbarra National Park and your favourite memories!
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Judbarra National Park here and trek the Escarpment Walk. And… as always you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Judbarra National Park daily fix by visiting @judbarranationalpark on Instagram or visiting the park’s Facebook page!
*Cover image by tm_artphoto on Instagram.
Want to explore more destinations in Judbarra National Park? As always, you can get inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Judbarra National Park daily fix by visiting @judbarranationalpark on Instagram or visiting the park’s Facebook page!
