Connection to country
The first inhabitants of Timber Creek were the Ngaliwurra and Nungali Aboriginal people, descendants of whom still live in Timber Creek. Timber Creek is a major stopping point roughly halfway between Katherine to Kununurra on the Victoria Highway.
Diverse and awe-inspiring in land forms, history, heritage and abundant wildlife, the region challenges you to discover its unique attractions. This is where you have the freedom to give your four-wheel drive a real workout. It attracts enthusiastic anglers eager to get onto the Victoria River and catch the precious barramundi. For non-anglers its interest lies in the western section of the Judbarra/Gregory National Park which is accessible by 4WD and offers opportunities to explore gorges and rugged outback country far removed from the crowds who cling to Highway 1.
Victoria River Crossing
The Victoria River Crossings is 194 kilometres west of Katherine. The stunning escarpment country provides the perfect backdrop for fishing tours, with Red Valley Gorge providing a shady and scenic rest area.
Fishing
The Victoria River is a mecca for fishing and produces some of the Territory’s best and biggest barramundi. Barra can be caught all year round but the best time is on a neap tide, between late March to late May – coinciding with the end of the monsoon season.
Adventure the way you want it
Judbarra/Gregory National Park
This park covers an area of about 13,000 square kilometres and features spectacular gorge scenery, rare wildlife species, and significant traces of Aboriginal culture, European exploration and pastoral history. It is divided into two separate sectors – the Victoria River sector in the east and the Gregory sector in the west.
The Victoria River sector is near the Victoria River Crossing and winds through 250-metre-high tablelands, creating dramatic red cliffs. The large Gregory sector lies just outside Timber Creek. Here, Limestone Gorge provides superb photographic opportunities. Those with a four-wheel drive will love exploring the network of four-wheel drive tracks, which include the Bullita Stock route, the Humbert Track, the Wickham and Gibbie Tracks and the Broadarrow Track. For more information, contact the Parks and Wildlife office at Timber Creek (08) 8975 0888.
Joe Creek Walk
A 90-minute loop Joe Creek walk of moderate grade, ascending to the base of the escarpment to a breathtaking view. Aboriginal artwork can be viewed at a site along the walk.
Escarpment Lookout Walk
Located just west of the Victoria River Crossing, this short walk is steep in sections and provides panoramic views of the soaring red rocky escarpments of the Victoria River Valley.
Policeman’s Point Lookout
A short drive west of Timber Creek, this lookout offers views of the Victoria River winding through rugged hills and ranges.
Gregory’s Tree
This large boab tree is located 15 kilometres northwest of Timber Creek and includes three kilometres of unsealed road which can get corrugated. It stands at the campsite of the early explorer Augustus Charles Gregory’s North Australian Expedition and inscribed in the tree are the expedition dates. The tree also has special significance to the local Ngaringman Aboriginal people and is registered as a sacred site.
Keep River National Park
Entry to this park is 3 kilometres east of the Northern Territory and Western Australian border. The park is known for its striking landforms, similar in structure to the Bungle Bungles. There are some excellent bushwalking tracks that explore the rugged terrain of sandstone formations, including the Keep River Gorge (Jinumum) and some Aboriginal art sites. Camp fees apply.
History
Timber Creek was named in 1855 when the explorer Augustus Gregory used timber from the banks of the creek to repair his expedition’s boat. Explore Timber Creek’s history in the Police Station Museum and along the Heritage Trail which follows a series of historic sites and pioneer graves.
