Judbarra National Park, formerly known as Gregory National Park, is located 359 km south of Darwin and closest to Katherine. It is divided into two sections: the bigger Western section and smaller Eastern section. The park was dual named Judbarra/Gregory National Park until 2021. The land sits upon land belonging to various indigenous groups, including the Ngarinyman and Karrangpurru and Malngin people. Caves and rock art remains one of the main attractions, as left by the indigenous population. The eastern section offers the Matt Wilson Lookout and Campground, Sullivan Creek Campground, along with the Escarpment Walk and Ngawilbinbin Walk. The western section offers the Big Horse Campground, Limestone Gorge Campground, Bullita Campground, and the Lupayi Campground. The famous Gregory Tree is located in the western section, and is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people. You can also enjoy views of the Victoria River along the way, and learn of the North Australia Expedition: an early expedition in the area. The Calcite Flow Walk and the Limestone Ridge Loop Walk are both offered in the western section. Judbarra is also identified to be an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, as the park hosts much of the eastern subspecies of the white-quilled rock-pigeon and the endangered Gouldian finch.

Visit and enjoy the spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and history of the area!

How to get to Judbarra National Park

The Park can be reached via the Victoria Highway from Katherine and Kununurra, or via the unsealed Buntine and Buchanan Highways. There are a number of 4WD tracks for suitably prepared visitors to explore (dry season only). All roads including the Victoria Highway may be impassable at times between December and April. Check Park road conditions by phoning the Parks and Wildlife offices listed below. Check other road conditions by phoning 1800 246 199, or visiting the NT Road Report website: www.roadreport.nt.gov.au

Park maps with marked points of interest and destinations

For more information, please visit https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/278442/judbarra-gregory-national-park-fact-sheet-and-map.pdf

Camping Information

You must pay a fee to camp in Northern Territory (NT) parks. The fee will depend on the campground facilities. Camping areas with more facilities are usually more expensive. Fees for category A and B campgrounds are collected on-site. You must provide the correct amount as change is not available. Camping is on a first come, first served basis. You cannot book in advance unless you are planning to stay at a category C campground. Generators and caravans are only allowed in certain campgrounds. The category of the campgrounds in Judbarra are listed below: 

Sullivan Creek (Category B)

•  Caravans allowed
•  Generator area

Big Horse Creek (Category B)

•  Caravans allowed
•  Generator area

Bullita Homestead (4WD) (Category B)

Facilities in the park

• information signs
• ranger station
• 4WD roads
• fire pits
• public toilets
• picnic areas
• camping area
• caravan camping – at Big Horse Creek campground, Sullivan Creek campground and Victoria River Roadhouse
• walking tracks.

Camping etiquette

• Take trash away with you
• Light fire only in fireplaces provided
• Do not use soaps and detergents within 50 meters of waterways
• Camp only in designated areas
• Generators only allowed between 8 am and 8.30 pm
• Treat water from waterways before drinking

Aboriginal culture of Judbarra

The traditional owners of Judbarra rate this land as an important part of their cultural identity, with huge spiritual significance. The park includes the traditional lands of several Aboriginal language groups, including Ngarinyman, Karrangpurru, Malngin, Wardaman, Ngaliwurru, Nungali and Bilinara. The park is still used by these people for ceremonies and rituals. Numerous archaeological sites in the park show a long history of Aboriginal occupation. The rock shelters and caves of Judbarra support a wealth of rock art. Much of the rock art of this region appears to represent an art style very different from other areas. Recorded techniques include painting, stencil drawing, printing, packing and pounding. Human figure motifs are the most common. There are a high number of composite engraved and painted figures, making it one of the largest sites in Australia.

Variety of trails & difficulty, length, etc.

Eastern Section

• Escarpment Walk: 3 km return, expect 1.5 hours, moderate walk with some steep sections
• Joe Creek Picnic Area and Ngawibinbin Walk: expect 1.7 km loop, 1 hour, moderate to difficult

Western Section

• Gregory’s Tree: 500 m return, expect 30 minutes, short easy walk with wheelchair access
• Calcite Flow Walk: 600 m return, expect 30 minutes, short easy walk
• Limestone Ridge Loop Walk: 1.8 km loop, expect 1 hr ,moderate walk

4WD Tracks information 

Brief info on travelling with family & pets

• Pets are prohibited, except at facilities along the Victoria and Highway. They are restricted to carparks and must be leashed at all times.
• Watch for 4WD track policy if driving a four wheel vehicle with family
• Bring enough food and water, bring extras especially for a family  
• Consider the children friendly trials 

What to pack for a visit to Judbarra National Park (clothing, camping, food, etc)

• Food for several extra days in the case of getting stuck
• Plenty of drinking water
• Appropriate clothing
• Shady hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Suitable footwear
• First aid kit
• IF travelling on 4WD roads: ensure vehicle is high clearance, tell someone where you’ll be going and when you’ll return, have a working HF radio (or satellite phone or emergency beacon), carry enough fuel & at least 2 spare tires, bring a puncture repair kit

Day trip information (How long will hikes take? Where to park?)

• Most walks are not especially long…However, if travelling long distances in the park, do observe safety tips & bring enough supplies
• There are accommodations at the Victoria River Roadhouse. Fuel, provisions, public telephones and accommodation are available at Timber Creek, Top Springs, Kalkarindji and the Victoria River Roadhouse. Police, banking facilities, vehicle repairs, boat hire and emergency medical care are available at Timber Creek.
• Consider booking a tour that operates within the Park. Contact the Katherine Visitor Information Center on 8972 2650 for more information
• Standard camping fees apply
• Camps: Matt Wilson Lookout and Campground, Sullivan Creek Campground, Big Horse Creek Campground, Limestone Gorge Campground, Bullita Campground
• Historical Sites: Bullita HomesteadGregory’s Tree, Old Victoria River Crossing, Victoria River Walk.

Safety advice

You can have a safe and comfortablxxe trip to Judbarra by doing all of the following:

• carry and drink plenty of water
• wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
• wear suitable clothing and footwear
• carry a first aid kit
• use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet
• avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped
• if driving on a 4WD track, tell a reliable person where you are going your return date
• it is also good to have a satellite phone or emergency beacon
• do not swim as saltwater crocodiles inhabit waterways in this park, watch out for warning signs.

Saltwater crocodile

• Nicknamed “salties”
• Largest living reptile and crocodilian, males can grow up to 6 meters
• Can pose as a threat to humans, do not swim in waterways
  
  

Gouldian Finches

• Colorful passerine bird native to Australia, with blacck green yellow and red markings
• 125-140mm long
• As habitats are altered and reduced, along with increased parasites, Gouldian finches are considered endangered with a ban on export
  
  

Black-Fronted Dotterel

• Easily recognizable with its black face mask, forehead, and v-shaped band across the chest
• Retains its plumage all year round, weights between 26-39 grams
• Typically in a pair or family group, will travel alone considerable distances sometimes
  
  

Dingo

• medium sized canine, lean hardy body, usually ginter/tan/black/creamy white
• Pack usually includes a mated pair & their offsprings of the year
• Plays an integral role in the Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal
  
  

Birds

• Stop along the Victoria River and other waterways, they are great spots for birds.
  Judbarra Bird List visit Here

When visiting the park, remember all of the following:

• drones are not permitted
• download Avenza map app before you leave
• camping fees apply – cash only – no change available onsite
• take your rubbish with you
• stay on marked roads and tracks
• cultural items and wildlife are protected
• do not damage or carve boab trees as it can harm the tree and you can get fined
• pets are permitted along the Victoria Highway and must be kept on a leash
• nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
• light fires only in fireplaces in the park
• use soaps and detergents 50m from waterways
• camp only in marked camping areas
• collect firewood before arriving at your picnic area or campsite
• follow fishing laws
• generators are permitted between 8am and 8.30pm
• treat water from waterways before drinking.