9 Unique Things To Do In Timber Creek, NT: Don’t Miss Out On This Gem!

Timber Creek is usually seen as a pit stop between Kununurra and Katherine, but it’s a destination in itself.

Part of the Victoria River Region in the Northern Territory, Timber Creek has rugged landscapes, spectacular natural attractions, and an intriguing blend of Aboriginal, colonial and military history.

The Victoria River is right there. Its waters have plenty of barramundi… and crocs! So it’s epic for fishing, but be careful with the freshies and salties that live there.

There are plenty of hikes and lookouts to check out near town, for all levels. One is more scenic than the other, so bring sturdy boots.

And if you’re into four-wheel-driving, you’ll be in for a treat. The Judbarra/Gregory National Park has some incredible tracks. Just make sure you are a confident driver, these tracks are challenging.

This guide will show you all the things to do in Timber Creek and how to plan your visit. You’ll see how skipping this spot means missing out!

9 Best things to do in Timber Creek

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Ngaliwurru and Nungali.

1) See the crocodiles (from a distance)

Crocodiles don’t actually go to heaven – they head north to Timber Creek!

The Victoria River is filled with salties, as they can easily feed from the wildlife feeding along the banks and the heaps of barramundi living in the waters. Freshies usually hang out in the creek behind the caravan park.

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But remember, as used to humans as these reptiles are, ALWAYS be croc-wise on and near waterways! Check this guide for some tips on being safe in croc country.

2) Walk the Heritage Trail

The Timber Creek Heritage Trail is a 3.5km chill, 2-hour walk starting at the Travellers Rest and ending at the Police Station Museum.

You’ll see signs telling Timber Creek’s story, with stops at the museum, local graves, and a bird hide by the creek. There are benches to rest on along the way, too.

There’s very little shade though, so it might be best done in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring a hat and water, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

3) Visit the police station museum

The Timber Creek police station is a heritage-listed building home to a museum.

It showcases quirky memorabilia, such as a poster on how to take fingerprints correctly, a Furphy, a bed made out of kangaroo skin, and more.

There are also reminders of the shameful past of the area, like the shackle and chain for Aboriginal prisoners still attached to a tree, or the holding cell in the front yard.

There’s also information about the Nackeroos (aka the North Australia Observer Unit), a military unit formed during World War II to patrol and protect the northern coast from potential Japanese invasion.

They had a platoon station at Timber Creek, after the Top End was bombed by the Japanese.

These soldiers were skilled in bushcraft and operated in remote areas, often using horseback for patrols.

You can read about it in the escarpment memorial. It tells the hardships they faced while defending Australia’s coastline in this wild and remote area, and the great respect for the skills of the local Aboriginal people working with and as part of the Nackeroos.

But the Nackeroos weren’t the last of the military activity in the area…

4) Walk the Bradshaw bridge

This bridge is one of the best places from which to appreciate the grandeur of the Victoria River, but know that it goes to *cough* “nowhere”.

And by “nowhere” we mean the Bradshaw Field Training Area, which no average person is allowed to go. There are a few handy hints that’ll make your unwelcomeness perfectly clear.

But even with all these warnings, it’s a must-visit during your stay in Timber Creek. The views of the river alone made it a highlight of our trip.

5) Explore Judbarra/Gregory National Park

This is a massive place, covering 13,000 square kilometres.

It’s co-managed by the traditional owners, the Ngarinyman and Nungali people, and it’s full of Aboriginal cultural sites and stunning scenery.

There’s an entry fee, which you can purchase here.

The park’s got something for everyone, with natural landscapes, historic sites, and culturally significant places to check out.

The most popular (and accessible) attraction is the Gregory Tree.

This is a massive boab tree marked by the explorer Augustus Charles Gregory, during the North Australia Expedition of the 1800’s.

The tree has carvings noting the expedition’s arrival and departure dates, making it a significant historical marker. It’s also an Aboriginal sacred site and a registered heritage site.

Other things to do at the Judbarra/Gregory National Park:

There are a few hikes, challenging 4WD tracks, and even fishing spots!

So, you might want to spend a day or two just in the park. There are a few camping grounds, which are epic, but you need to book and pay for your spot online before you arrive (can’t pay at the site). All the information is here.

The park’s got basic facilities – toilets, picnic areas, fire pits – so go prepared. Carry enough water and supplies, and take your rubbish with you.

Also, remember that this is croc country, so no swimming in the waterways.

6) Go four-wheel driving

Some stunning spots of the Judbarra/Gregory National Park are only accessible by 4WD, such as the old Victoria River crossing, the Bullita Track, or the Limestone Gorge.

Driving this region requires expertise, know your limits before heading there. The tracks can be challenging, but the payoff is worth it, as you’ll see some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country.

Check track conditions before you go, don’t go alone, and let someone know your plans. This isn’t a place to get stuck or lost. The remoteness is part of the charm, but it also means you need to be self-reliant.

Here’s the downloadable information sheet with the map and all the tracks.

7) Nawilbinbin Walk

The Nawilbinbin Walk is a rugged gem. It’s a 1.7 km, 90-minute hike along a rugged, steep path.

It’s a bit challenging, but it’s jaw-dropping – the red rocks contrast beautifully with the green palms. There’s plenty of Aboriginal art as well.

Start early to stay cool in the shade of the gorge walls, and pack water, sturdy boots, and a hiking stick.

The trail starts here, near the Joe Creek Picnic area. No 4WD needed! The trail map is here.

8) Sunset at Nackeroo Lookout

Named after the Nackeroos, this lookout offers incredible views of the Victoria River and the surrounding area, especially at sunset. It’s a short drive from town.

Getting there is easy, with a sealed road leading right up to the lookout. Once you’re there, take your time to check the panels explaining the Nackeroos’ history, it’s quite inspiring.

9) The Escarpment Walk

This is a great 3-km loop hike in the eastern section of the Judbarra / Gregory National Park.

It’s a reasonable walking track with some steep sections that wind up from the valley over the rocks and onto the escarpment.

It’s worth the effort for the staggering views over the Victoria River Valley, and down to the roadhouse and campground, nestled amongst the trees. The fantastic array of wildflowers was a pleasant surprise!

And because it’s in the valley between escarpments, the sun on the red rock enhances the incredible view at virtually any time of the day.

Plan for 1.5-2 hours to complete the walk.

Awesome spots at driving distance from Timber Creek

Timber Creek is in the middle of these two epic towns:

Kununurra

Kununurra is in Western Australia and it’s the starting/end point of the famous Gibb River Road.

Apart from the legendary Gibb, there are plenty of things to do there – kayaking at Ord River, exploring Lake Argyle, the Mirima National Park, and more. It’s a 2.5-hour drive west from Timber Creek.

Katherine

Katherine is a 3-hour drive east from Timber Creek, and it’s famous for its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty.

Things to do here include the Katherine Hot Springs, Nitmiluk National Park, the Cutta Cutta Caves, and more.

When is the best time to visit Timber Creek?

The best time to visit Timber Creek is in the dry season, from May to October, because all the 4WD tracks and attractions will be open. It’s also the best time for fishing – lower water levels mean more fish and easier catches!

The heavy rains of the wet season (December – May) close most of the good spots. It’s also quite suffocating for camping due to the high humidity levels.

But regardless of when you visit, plan ahead and always check the weather before going!

How to get to Timber Creek?

The best way to get there is by self-driving, as you’ll need a car to get around anyway. The exact directions will depend on where you’re driving from.

If you’re coming from the east, Timber Creek is a 6-hour drive from Darwin and a 3-hour drive from Katherine, via the Victoria Highway.

If you’re coming from the west, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Kununurra, via National Highway 1.

The nearest airport is in Kununurra, from where you can rent a car to drive to Timber Creek. This is what we use to book cheap flights and this is an excellent car rental service with heaps of options and great prices!

You can get there via public transport, Greyhound Australia services the area. But we don’t recommend doing this unless you’re meeting up with others who have a car. Otherwise, it will be very hard to get around and check all the attractions.

How many days to stay in Timber Creek?

We recommend spending 3 days (2 nights) in Timber Creek to explore the town and do the hikes at Judbarra/Gregory National Park. Add an extra day if you want to go fishing and/or drive the 4WD tracks!

The town has a petrol station, vehicle repairs, a shop, etc, so you’ll be covered.

Where to stay in Timber Creek?

There are two campgrounds in Timber Creek:

• Big Horse Campground, near the river, it’s near the boat ramp. Best for self-sufficient campers.

• Timber Creek Hotel (Travellers Rest), along the Victoria Highway, has cabins and rooms as well as sites. The petrol station is there, too.

Judbarra/Gregory National Park has several campgrounds, too. You can also stay at Victoria River Roadhouse, it’s a 1-hour drive east from Timber Creek.

Don’t own a caravan? Rent one!

Caravans are VERY convenient as you won’t have to rent a car and either book a cabin or pitch your tent. Plus, you’ll have all the basics with you – fridge, aircon, toilets, even shower – if you want to take a break in the middle of the day.

We own a caravan now, but here are the caravan rentals we recommend:

• Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.

• JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.

• Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.

Top Tips

Always be croc-wise, Victoria River is full of them. Stick to designated areas for swimming, talk to the locals for the safest spots, and always be on the lookout.

If you’re visiting during the wet season, keep in mind that the rain can turn roads into basically mud pits. A normal car probably won’t be enough.

Mobile reception can be spotty, so a satellite phone isn’t a bad idea.

And please, respect the local culture and land. You’re walking on sacred land.

Did you know?

The Timber Creek Case is a big deal in native title law. It started when the Ngaliwurru and Nungali people sought compensation for the loss of native title rights due to government land grants and infrastructure development.

The case went all the way to the High Court, which awarded them $2.53 million. This included $1.3 million for economic loss and the rest for pain and suffering.

This case set a precedent in Australia. It was the first time the courts calculated compensation for native title extinguishment, including non-economic loss.

The ruling has paved the way for other indigenous groups to seek similar compensation, influencing future native title claims and settlements.

This case has also empowered Indigenous communities, ensuring their rights are acknowledged and compensated when infringed.

FAQs

The bottom line

Timber Creek might seem like a small, off-the-beaten-path town, but it’s absolutely worth checking out!

For a taste of local history, the Heritage Trail and Police Station Museum are must-visits. And definitely check out the crocs in the Victoria River – from a safe distance, of course!

The Judbarra/Gregory National Park is a beast of a place, perfect for 4WD adventures, hikes, and soaking in the incredible scenery.

Don’t miss out on the epic sunsets at Nackeroo Lookout and the stunning views on the Escarpment Walk. Timber Creek is a hidden gem in the outback. Spend a few days here, you won’t regret it!