Judbarra/Gregory National Park is the Mecca of all parks where history, 4WDing, absolute serenity and some pretty wild country all come together. The remote yet stunningly beautiful Judbarra National Park is tucked across the NT-WA border in northern Australia, not far from Katherine and stretching across a vast and rugged region. Everything in this park is enormous: the landscape, its history, the animals, the 4WD challenges and the weather that passes through each year. It’s a big park covering just over 13,000 km²; in fact, it’s the second largest in the state after Kakadu.
Whether you arrive by conventional vehicle or tackle the more remote tracks with a four-wheel drive, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore. From scenic drives and challenging hikes to refreshing places to swim and culturally significant sites connected to Aboriginal people, the park offers an unforgettable outback experience.
Are you planning a trip to Judbarra National Park? If so, we’ve got you covered. This guide highlights all the best things to do and see.
Judbarra/Gregory National Park Overview
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History of Judbarra National Park
Gregory’s Tree, just off the Victoria Highway, is an age-old large boab tree that is both an Aboriginal sacred site and a registered heritage site. In 1855, Augustus Charles Gregory led several exploratory parties up the Victoria River. He penetrated nearly 500km south towards the Great Sandy Desert on what would become one of the longest overland journeys in Australian exploration.
Setting up camp near the huge boab, Gregory instructed artist and storekeeper J. Baines to create carvings from Augustus Gregory’s 1855 North Australian Expedition, marking the dates of their arrival and departure from the area. Today, Gregory’s Tree remains one of the park’s most significant historical attractions, representing an important meeting point between Aboriginal and European histories in the region.
A boardwalk, interpretive signs at its base and viewing areas allow modern-day visitors to learn about the expedition, the cultural significance of the site and the remarkable story of this iconic boab.
Getting to Judbarra National Park
From Darwin: Judbarra/Gregory National Park is located over 600km SW from Darwin in the NT. The second largest national park in the NT after Kakadu, it covers over 13,000 square kilometres with plenty to see and do. With its location, it’s a very remote and isolated park close to the WA border.
Further down the road, Timber Creek is the last stop for any supplies if heading into Judbarra from the north, and you’ll need all the fuel you can carry as it is over 400km through the park and down to the nearest fuel stop if you’re going to attempt the longer 4wd tracks. Technically, the park has two sections, the east and the west precincts. The east takes in the Victoria River Roadhouse and the Sullivan Creek campground, but the real adventures are in the western sector.
Essential Info Before You Go
My journey into Judbarra started about 20km from Timber Creek on the park’s northern side at the Gregory Tree. At the Gregory Tree, there’s absolutely all the info on Judbarra from flora, fauna, history, track directions and, more importantly, either park or track closures. Being an absolutely isolated and remote park, it’s only open a few short months of the year.
During summer, it gets closed due to the heat; during the wet season, it’s closed due to the intense flooding, and other parts of the year ( as I found out ) were closed due to fires or damage from recent rain. I have always had Judbarra on my to-visit list to explore the history, and I heard some of the tracks were pretty rough across the Black Range.
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What to See & Do in Judbarra National Park
The sheer ruggedness and isolation are a main draw card for many visitors to Judbarra/Gregory National Park.
Still, there are some pretty cool 4WD tracks through the park and a vast array of birds and animals to find, from wild camels and donkeys to crocodiles, venomous snakes and countless numbers of northern Australian birds.
Indigenous groups, early explorers, pastoralists and drovers have made their mark on Judbarra (then called the Gregory NP) for many years.
Bullita Access Road
Heading east out of Timber Creek, I soon found the Bullita Access road that takes you south into the park. Some of the 4WD tracks in Judbarra do loop back to the main road, so this is a great way to explore all the features of the park.
My first track was the Bullita Stock Route, which is only one way from Bullita Homestead. Around the turn of the century, two massive cattle stations dominated the area: the Bullita and Humbert River stations.
The stations used the stock route when they sent cattle further NW to Wyndham in WA for export and slaughter.
Today, some of the buildings have been restored, and there’s a great camp area on the bank of the East Baines River. Relics, detailed sign boards and the old cattle yards are great for exploring and understanding the good and bad times of the days gone past.
Stock Route Track
The Stock Route Track has two obstacles: the Baines River when in flood and the Jump up, midway, along with spectacular scenery following the rocky track.
It’s a great way to settle into the park. The stock route track was also called The donkey track, as donkeys were used to help move freight through the area, and yep I saw dozens of them along the way.
The estimated time to cover the 95km is around 8 hours because of the rough terrain and sights to see along the way. Midway back to the Bullita Homestead, I was hoping to check out an unusual Limestone gorge, but with the roads still being repaired after a massive dumping of rain, all I could do was find the Tufa Dams.
These unique walls in the creek have been formed by a combination of a limestone deposit and algae growth where water spills over rocks, creating a calcium buildup over time. The Tufa dam walls are estimated to be 1600 years old.
Humbert Track & Wickham Track
Heading down past the Homestead (remember it was a one-way track), I jumped onto the Humbert Track to head south, crossing the Humbert River, which I was surprised still had some flow in it late in the dry season. Going in for a dip was tempting, but croc’s signs had me thinking otherwise.
Across the river, it changes to the Wickham Track for another 30km to the intersection of the Broadarrow and Gibbie Tracks. Just near this major intersection, another track led to some old stone cattle yards, but again, with the unusual rain, the track was still closed.
Broadarrow Track
Now, I aim to explore the very remote Broadarrow track that I heard had only opened up after the unusual wetness of this area early in the season. With a total of around 230km, it’s best to allow a good two days on this track.
Packhorses and donkeys also used the Broadarrow track to bring supplies up from Victoria Downs station in the south. Word around was that the track was notorious for staking tyres due to sharp sticks in the long grass and continuous miles of rocks over the rough terrain.
Broadarrow Track – Part 2
On the scale of things, the Broadarrow Track is relatively easy with a 4wd rating, and it’s just the remoteness and isolation that may be difficult for new travellers.
There are plenty of camping opportunities along the way, whether to catch a stunning sunset or sunrise along the escarpment section or maybe a riverside camp on Depot Creek, the headwaters of the Baines River or the new Wilingarri remote river camp.
My choice of camp was at Camel Point, giving me a high point to spot camels, and I spotted a few herds of them late in the afternoon.
My other camp choice was at the Escarpment lookout, where I had absolutely stunning views to the east, deep into the valley, which I would explore the next day.
Broadarrow Track – Part 3
The Broadarrow track is similar to most tracks around the Kimberly area – very stoney and rough terrain, scattered timber with magnificent Boab trees.
There are several large jump-ups on the track, but honestly, being in low 4WD, they aren’t anything to worry about. Finding your way along the tracks was as easy as following the Blue Boab markers that gave you indications every 10km you’ve travelled and blue arrows to help guide you through the park.
I did most of the tracks in high 4WD, just for better traction and a little more control on the rough sections. This area across the Black Range would be the last or first (depending on how you are heading ) area where Boab Trees survive.
The track crosses the headwaters of The Wickham River and Depot Creek, which really shouldn’t cause any issue as the water flows north towards Victoria River and into the Joseph Gulf.
Broadarrow Track – Part 4
The last 40km of the Broadarrow track heads pretty much south in a straight line following fence lines down to the Buntine Highway, where you have Wave Hill 70km to the east and Halls Creek nearly 300km to the west- so keep these distances in mind when doing fuel calculations.
Prepare For Your Visit
The park is very isolated and remote, so travellers need to be well prepared for their visit.
During the warmer months in the Wet Season, Judbarra can close due to the excessive heat, and there are many rivers and creeks near the park during the wet season. I went through the park in spring when the daytime temps were close to 30, but the nights still had a cool chill.
The NT.GOV.AU has everything you need to know for up-to-date conditions, closures and warnings.
Memorable Adventures in Judbarra
So would I spend a few days in Judbarra/Gregory National Park again?
Most definitely. We are exploring the early pastoral history, spotting wild camels, donkeys and horses, and seeing the magnificent old Boab Trees in the stunning landscape. This is one National Park I can’t wait to get back to.
Tours to Judbarra
Darwin to Broome: 9-day tour
📍Darwin, Nitmiluk NP, Judbarra NP, NT & Prunululu NP, King Leopold Range Park, Badlingan NP, Broome, WA
⏰ 9 days
💰 From $2,799
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure from Darwin to Broome, travelling through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in northern Australia. This small-group camping tour takes you beyond the usual tourist trail, with highlights including Edith Falls, Lake Argyle, the Bungle Bungles, El Questro and the iconic Gibb River Road. Along the way, you’ll hike to waterfalls, swim in natural pools and experience the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.
One of the tour’s standout stops is Judbarra (Gregory) National Park, where you’ll explore the dramatic Victoria River escarpment and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art set amongst breathtaking scenery. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the cultural and natural history of the region before continuing west into the heart of the Kimberley.
Broome to Darwin: 10-day tour
📍Broome, Badlingan NP, King Leopold Range Park, Prunululu NP, WA & Judbarra NP, Nitmiluk NP, Darwin, NT
⏰ 10 days
💰 From $2,999
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day adventure from Darwin to Broome, travelling through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in northern Australia. This small-group camping tour takes you beyond the usual tourist trail, with highlights including Edith Falls, Lake Argyle, the Bungle Bungles, El Questro and the iconic Gibb River Road. Along the way, you’ll hike to waterfalls, swim in natural pools and experience the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.
One of the tour’s standout stops is Judbarra (Gregory) National Park, where you’ll explore the dramatic Victoria River escarpment and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art set amongst breathtaking scenery. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the cultural and natural history of the region before continuing west into the heart of the Kimberley.
Judbarra/Gregory National Park is one of Australia’s most underrated wilderness destinations. Whether you’re exploring the bush by vehicle, taking a scenic drive through the park, tackling a challenging hike, or following an escarpment walk to sweeping viewpoints, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered.
Along the way you’ll encounter ancient rock art, impressive boabs, spectacular waterways and landscapes that seem to stretch forever across the flat horizon. The park is also rich in Aboriginal culture, with many places holding deep significance for Traditional Owners.
Before visiting, always check that the park is open and road conditions are suitable for your vehicle, particularly after rain. If you’re planning to swim, be aware that saltwater crocodiles inhabit some waterways and always follow local safety advice. For the latest crocodile information and water safety guidance, visit the Crocwise website.
From remote camping areas to historic landmarks and rugged 4WD tracks, Judbarra is a place where travellers can truly reach the heart of the Northern Territory’s wild landscapes.
*Cover image is by @woolgoolgaoffroad on IG
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!
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
