Timber Creek is 290 kilometres west of Katherine on the Victoria Highway. It was named in 1855 by Augustus Gregory who used timber from the area to repair his boat, the Tom Tough, on an expedition down the Victoria River. Gregory believed that there was an inland sea into which the Victoria River flowed, and made several trips along it to try and prove his theory.

Despite its remoteness, a number of pastoral leases were taken up in the area in the 1880s. At 41,100 square kilometres the Victoria Downs Cattle Station was the largest of the them. It was established using cattle that were brought overland, through some very desolate country, from Queensland.

In its formative years Timber Creek was known as 'The Depot" and it was without doubt one of the most remote outposts in the Territory. Boats with heavy cargoes of goods made their way up the river, offloading the goods at The Depot. From here they were delivered to the various stations by donkey.

The Depot also served as post office and general store, and it remained in the area until the 1940s. There was then a period of time where no facilities were available in the area, until the early 1950s when the first of the roadhouses in Timber Creek was constructed.

Timber Creek today has two roadhouses, offering accommodation, general store, pub meals and takeaway food. There are also fuel facilities and a police station. It is located in a very pretty and peaceful setting by the river, and is a pleasant stopping point along the highway, either to or from the Western Australian border, or the Bullo River Station.

Natural Attractions

The Conservation Commission Headquarters are at Timber Creek and here you can be supplied by the Rangers with information on road conditions and you can be informed on any aspects about the parks that you may wish to know.

The Telecom Road and Lookout is atop an escarpment with spectacular views of the river and surroundings.

Gregory National Park is closeby and offers visitors walking, fishing and camping facilities. Limestone Gorge is another interesting place to visit with its unusual limestone karst country and plenty of signs explaining the flora and fauna to be found in the area.

The Keep River National Park is a place worth visiting, making an ideal day trip. It is to the west of Timber Creek, roughly 170 kilometres. There you will come upon some pretty spectacular gorges and rugged escarpment, a vibrant area with boab trees and a whole host of wildlife, plus Aboriginal art sites. Whilst there are gravel roads suitable for 2WD cars, many of the trails within the park are only really suitable for 4WD vehicles.

Museums

The Timber Creek Police Station Museum was built in 1908 and was in use until the 1930s. The principal theme of the museum is the cattle industry. It is located at lot 48, Victoria Highway. Its opening hours are 9 am until 11 am and 3 pm until 5 pm, from Monday to Saturday.

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