Gregory National Park

Gregory National Park is the Kimberley’s second-largest national park, a sprawling, ancient landscape of dramatic escarpments, winding gorges, and boab-studded plains. This is raw, untamed country that feels a world away from the coast, offering a genuine outback experience with surprising pockets of lush vegetation along the Victoria River. The park is split into two sections – the northern Bullita area and the southern Victoria River area – each with its own distinct character. For self-drive travellers, Gregory is a rewarding detour between the Bungle Bungles and Kununurra, or a base for exploring the Victoria River region.

Highlights & What to See

• Escarpment Lookout – Drive to the top of the escarpment for sweeping views over the Victoria River valley and the park’s layered sandstone cliffs; it’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Limestone Gorge – A narrow, sheer-sided gorge carved into ancient limestone, with a permanent waterhole perfect for a cooling swim. The short walk through the gorge reveals fossils and striking rock formations.
• Bullita Homestead & Stockyard – Step back in time at this restored 1920s cattle station, complete with historic buildings, a blacksmith’s shop, and a stockyard that tells the story of the region’s pastoral history.
• Stokes Range – This rugged range offers a series of short walks and 4WD tracks that lead to hidden gorges and Aboriginal rock art sites; the views from the range are breathtaking.
• Boab Trees – Gregory is home to some of the Kimberley’s most iconic boab trees, including the famous ‘Prison Tree’ near the Victoria River crossing – a massive, hollow boab with a fascinating (and dark) history.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience Gregory National Park, plan for at least a full day – ideally two if you want to explore both sections. A single day allows time for the main lookouts, a swim at Limestone Gorge, and a visit to Bullita Homestead. With two days, you can venture deeper into the park on 4WD tracks, discover lesser-known gorges, and enjoy a night under the stars at one of the basic campgrounds. The park is best visited during the dry season (May to October); roads become impassable in the wet.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kununurra – The gateway town to the east, with Lake Argyle and the Ord River irrigation area offering boat cruises, birdwatching, and freshwater swimming.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – The iconic beehive-shaped domes are a must-see, about a 3-hour drive from Gregory; combine both parks for an epic Kimberley road trip.
• Victoria River – The river itself is a highlight, with excellent fishing, barramundi, and scenic boat tours that explore the dramatic gorges downstream.
• Timber Creek – A small outback settlement on the Victoria Highway, serving as a useful stop for fuel, supplies, and the nearby Judbarra / Gregory National Park visitor centre.
• Keep River National Park – Just over the border in the Northern Territory, this lesser-known park features striking sandstone formations and Aboriginal rock art, perfect for a day trip.

Please check official sources for current details.