Pine Creek

Railway Station Museum, Tourism NT

Population 665

The town was named Pine Creek by Overland Telegraph workers because of the prolific pine trees growing along the banks of the tiny creek. During the 1800s it was the centre of Chinese settlement on the Top End goldfields. Today the town benefits from an active mining industry and is a regular stop for travellers up and down the Stuart Highway.

Visitor Information

Lazy Lizard Tavern, Millar Tce, Pine Creek; (08) 8976 1019.

Nearby national parks

  • Kakadu National Park

    World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is a landscape of unsurpassed beauty, with world-renowned wetlands attracting extraordinary...more

  • Nitmiluk National Park

    In Nitmiluk National Park, the powerful Katherine River, rising in Arnhem Land, has cut through the ancient sandstone to create a series of...more

  • Mary River National Park

    Mary River National Park protects a part of the Mary River catchment that includes the river, flood plains, billabongs, paperbark forests,...more

Nearby towns

  • Katherine

    Katherine, on the south side of the Katherine River, has always been a busy and important area for local Aboriginal groups, who used the...more

  • Adelaide River

    Adelaide River is a small town located midway between Darwin and Pine Creek.  A settlement was established here as a base for...more

  • Batchelor

    Established as a large air force base during World War II, Batchelor became prominent with the discovery of uranium at nearby Rum Jungle...more

In Town

Railway Station Museum The station (1888) is at the terminus of the uncompleted 19th-century transcontinental railway system and now houses photographs and memorabilia; open intermittently May–Sept. The nearby historic Beyer Peacock steam train was built at Manchester in England in 1877 and used in the film We of the Never Never (1982). The adjacent Miners Park points to an important visible link between the railway and the mines, which depended on the railway for survival. There are interpretive signs and displays of old mining machinery that reflect life on the goldfields; Main Tce. Water Gardens: ponds with walking trails, birdlife and picnic spots; Main Tce. Repeater Station Museum: once a doctor's residence, military hospital, then post office, the building now houses a historical collection, including a display on the Overland Telegraph; open 11am–5pm Mon–Fri and 11am–1pm Sat; Railway Tce. Enterprise Pit Mine Lookout: panoramic views of open-cut goldmine that was once Enterprise Hill but is now a water-filled pit; Enterprise Pit. Town walk: takes in historic buildings and mining sites; brochure from Lazy Lizard Tavern.

Nearby

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park This park is a wilderness of sheer cliff-faces, dense vegetation and scenic shady river walks. Butterfly Gorge was named for the butterflies that settle in its rock crevices and is a beautiful and safe swimming and picnic spot. Access is by 4WD only. Open only during the dry season (May–Sept); 113 km NW.Copperfield Recreation Reserve: safe swimming in deep-water lake and picnicking on foreshore plus a Didgeridoo Jam held each May; 6 km SW. Bonrook Lodge and Station: wild horse sanctuary with trail rides and overnight camps; 6 km SW. Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park: good swimming, rock-climbing and walking trails; 22 km SW. Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park: sacred place for Wagiman women with hot springs; camping available; off Stuart Hwy; 64 km NW. The Rock Hole: attractive secluded waterhole; 4WD access only (via Kakadu Hwy); 65 km NE. Gold fossicking: several locations; licence required (available along with maps from visitor centre). Kakadu National Park: best-known park in the Top End, this is a massive tropical savannah woodland and freshwater wetland. Highlights nearby include the spectacular views at Bukbukluk Lookout (87 km NE) and the beautiful falls and permanent waterhole at Waterfall Creek (113 km NE). See Jabiru.

Fishing spots near town

Daly River 123 km

The Daly River is one of the most popular barramundi fishing destinations for Darwin anglers. The river is rightly famous for its spectacular runoff fishing at the end of the Wet, but produces barramundi year round. Some... Find out more


Manton Dam 132 km

Queensland has received a lot of publicity about stocking lakes with barramundi, but since the mid- 1990s NT Fisheries has been doing similar work. More than 100 000 barramundi have been put into Manton Dam, a... Find out more


Shady Camp 149 km

This barrage separates fresh and salt water and is a famous land-based fishing spot. It consists of a free camping area with a reasonably clean toilet block. There is no worry about dogs and cats getting into rubbish... Find out more


South Alligator River 156 km

Adventure is what the NT is about. Be prepared to go home with more than fishing memories. The flora and fauna are full of unexpected excitement too. In this raw environment, anything that swims, walks or flies –... Find out more


Swim Creek 158 km

After a long, hot day fishing for barramundi, the bar and dining area at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, just north of Mary River National Park, is a magnet for anglers. Thirsts are quenched, meals eaten and fish tales... Find out more


Tommycut Graveyard 162 km

After seeing so many healthy wetlands in the Territory, Tommycut Graveyard is a shock to the system. In the 1970s this was a thriving freshwater wetland system similar to Kakadu. However, it was all but destroyed by... Find out more


Wildman River 169 km

In an untamed land, the name Wildman River is enough to stir the cockles of any adventure- loving angler. Being told the river is inaccessible by road and that it will take about two hours fast running in a boat to get... Find out more


Chambers Bay 172 km

The Mary River system is about three hours’ drive east of Darwin. The Mary River breaks up into a system of billabongs and creeks that would be called rivers in southern Australia. Two of the largest waterways are... Find out more


East Alligator River 199 km

One of the prime rivers in Kakadu is the East Alligator, which is at the eastern boundary of Kakadu. Access to the East Alligator is at Cahills Crossing. Turn left on to the Oenpelli road about 5 km before Jabiru. The... Find out more


South Gutter 232 km

Returning from a barramundi fishing trip in the wilds of Arnhem Land to a reef-fishing session offshore from Darwin is like comparing apples with oranges. Seeing big barra exploding from the water in a mass of spray is... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve 186 km

This incredible site 70 kilometres east of Darwin is believed to have the highest known biomass of predators and prey of any ecosystem on earth, and is teeming with water pythons and their primary food of choice, dusky... Find out more


Cycling around Darwin 187 km

Although the humidity might prevent you from wanting to do any exercise at all, the advantage of cycling is that you get a cool breeze as you go, and Darwin is relatively flat. Join a relaxing, guided three-hour cycle... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Mayse's Cafe

Next to the pub, this is one of the best little cafes in the Territory. The decor has a 1950s theme, with posters of Elvis, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe on the walls, but don’t be put off by the kitsch because the... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Saffron 187 km

This Indian restaurant in Parap uses biodegradable plates and bowls made from sugarcane fibres, and buys nearly all ingredients locally.... Find out more


Campsites around town

Umbrawarra Gorge camping area 22 km

Off-road trailers can access this camping area, 25 km south-west of Pine Creek off the Stuart Hwy. Drinking water and firewood are not provided so bring your own.... Find out more


Douglas Hot Springs camping area 43 km

This reasonably large camping area has pit toilets and bore water. The park is approximately 50 km south of Hayes Creek off the Oolloo–Douglas Daly Rd. The last 7 km is a gravel road suitable for conventional... Find out more


Douglas Daly Tourist Park 53 km

Base yourself here for an adventure in this less-travelled part of the Top End. The well-equipped and excellently situated park has everything you need, including fuel, alcohol, restaurant and supplies, as well as a pool... Find out more


Leliyn (Edith Falls) Camping Ground 55 km

This large campground is signposted off the Stuart Hwy, 40 km north-west of Katherine. Generators and fires are not permitted and all sites are unpowered. A pleasant camping ground with grassy sites and ample shade. A... Find out more


Edith River Crossing 59 km

At 45 km on the Jatbula Trail from the visitor centre, as with all sites on the Jatbula, you will need to book this site.... Find out more


Sweetwater Pool 59 km

Sweetwater Pool is reached via the walking trail, 4 km east of the Leliyn camping ground, or near the end of the Jatbula Trail.... Find out more


Sandy Camp Pool 61 km

This pleasant spot is at a point 51 km along the Jatbula Trail.... Find out more


Lukies Farm camping area (bush camping) 65 km

Due to a change in a fence line, there are now only 2 special bush camping sites at Lukies Farm, for well-prepared campers with off-road trailers, who like fishing and getting away from everyone else and having river... Find out more


Seventeen Mile Falls 67 km

You’ll find this campsite not 17 miles, but 35 km along the Jatbula Trail from the visitor centre.... Find out more


Oolloo Crossing camping area (bush camping) 69 km

Travel in a 4WD and bring your own gas stove and water to this bush camping site on Oolloo Rd by the Daly River, a 77 km drive south of Hayes Creek.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Edith Falls Camp Ground 55 km

This is a good camping area within Nitmiluk National Park. It is reached along a 19-km sealed road; turn off the Stuart Highway 42 km north-west of Katherine. The base of the falls is a short walk from the camping... Find out more


Knotts Crossing Resort Caravan Park 84 km

Take the road leading to the gorge to discover this very tidy, good quality park set in tropical surrounds. It has a range of accommodation and good facilities, including a fully licensed restaurant. All the caravan... Find out more


Shady Lane Tourist Park 84 km

This park is in a quite rural setting 6 km from Katherine. It has large shade trees and very good amenities. There is plenty of space for larger rigs. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


BIG4 Katherine Low Level Caravan Park 86 km

This is a quality park with nice shade trees. It has good facilities including a relaxed bistro under a spreading banyan tree. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Mount Bundy Station 100 km

This is a unique riverfront farmstay camping area, 3 km from Adelaide River, with basic but good amenities. The station raises water buffaloes for export. The camping area is grassy and well shaded.... Find out more


The Bark Hut Inn 103 km

This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out more


Batchelor Caravillage 123 km

The park is 500 metres from the Batchelor town centre and a good base from which to explore nearby Litchfield National Park. The park has good facilities including a hotel and fuel station, and a minigolf course.... Find out more


Gagudju Lodge Cooinda Caravan Park 126 km

Located close to the famous Yellow Water billabong, this park is just off the Kakadu Highway, 54 km south of Jabiru. It is a great choice, especially if you are planning a cruise on Yellow Water, as the cruise bus... Find out more


Litchfield Tourist Park 130 km

Located west of Batchelor on the road to Litchfield National Park, this is a very convenient park for those exploring the area. The park has a restaurant and good facilities.... Find out more


Coolalinga Caravan Park 167 km

On the outskirts of Darwin, this is a very convenient park, especially if you are travelling with your dog. Hidden from view behind a service station, it adjoins a shopping precinct and is within easy walking distance of... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Grove Hill Heritage Hotel

South of Pine Creek, 16 kilometres off the Stuart Highway on the Goldfields Loop, this iconic outback building is bush engineering at its best. The hotel is completely constructed from recycled materials and dates back... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Kakadu Culture Camp 146 km

This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated camp in the heart of Kakadu is 100 per cent solarpowered, including the bore pump. It has solar hot water and 40 solar panels providing electricity. From May to November you can stay in... Find out more


Darwin Central 185 km

One of the first things you may notice about Darwin Central in comparison to other nearby hotels is its surprisingly small windows – part of its energy-efficient design. It was recently declared one of... Find out more


Feathers Sanctuary 189 km

The owners of this quiet B&B, 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, are wildlife carers and often have injured birds such as jabirus on site. Their dug-out lagoon is also home to a wide range of birds, including... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Pine Creek Park Area

Middle of town Small parking area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S13 49.344 E131 50.054 ... Find out more


Copperfield Dam Camp Area 4 km

T/O 86 km N of Katherine (L) or 4 km S of Pine Creek (R) Small campground situated 3 kilometres west of the highway overlooking the dam. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S13 50.56 E131 49.05 ... Find out more


Harriet Creek Rest Area 23 km

28 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 186 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S13 40.799 E131 59.138... Find out more


Douglas Hot Springs Camp Area 43 km

T/O 6 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 51 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large open campground located 39 kilometres south-west of the highway on the banks of a creek that is fed by the hot springs. Shade is limited. GPS: S13... Find out more


Edith Falls Camp Area 55 km

T/O 42 km N of Katherine (R) or 48 km S of Pine Creek (L) Small shady campground located 19 kilometres east of the highway on the edge of a large waterhole fringed by monsoon forest in Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)... Find out more


Bridge Creek Rest Area 76 km

23 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 34 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large grassy area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 24.060 E131 16.624... Find out more


Gungurul Camp Area 80 km

T/O 109 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 105 km SW of Jabiru (R) Small campground surrounded by scrub 1 kilometre west of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S13 17.401 E132 20.195... Find out more


Katherine Park Area 85 km

South side of town Large parking area behind the information centre. Limited shade. GPS: S14 27.993 E132 15.988  ... Find out more


King West Rest Area 99 km

31 km SW of Katherine (R) or 163 km NE of Victoria River (L) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S14 40.679 E132 05.196... Find out more


Mary River Park Area 103 km

141 km W of Jabiru (L) or 74 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. NOTE: No sign. GPS: S12 54.489 E131 38.707... Find out more


Limestone Creek Rest Area 112 km

57 km SW of Katherine (R) or 137 km NE of Victoria River (L) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S14 49.762 E131 55.035... Find out more


West Alligator Rest Area 117 km

85 km W of Jabiru (R) or 130 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S12 48.062 E132 07.718... Find out more


Coomalie Creek Park Area 118 km

25 km N of Adelaide River (R) or 88 km S of Darwin (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 00.925 E131 07.347  ... Find out more


Jim Jim Billabong Camp Area 125 km

T/O 162 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 52 km SW of Jabiru (L) Secluded campground in the scrub on the edge of the billabong, 6 kilometres east of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Mardugal Camp Area 125 km

T/O 158 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 56 km SW of Jabiru (R) Large area just off the highway in Kakadu National Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S12 55.757 E132 32.305... Find out more


King River Rest Area 125 km

57 km N of Mataranka (R) or 49 km S of Katherine (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S14 38.628 E132 37.923  ... Find out more


Manton River Rest Area 133 km

47 km N of Adelaide River (L) or 66 km S of Darwin (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S12 50.240 E131 08.032... Find out more


Wetlands Rest Area 142 km

191 km W of Jabiru (L) or 24 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Small area just off the highway with a good view over the wetlands. GPS: S12 38.573 E131 18.583  ... Find out more


Muirella Park Camp Area 146 km

T/O 182 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 32 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large campground surrounded by scrub 6 kilometres east of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S12 51.395 E132 45.380... Find out more


Mathison Rest Area 147 km

102 km SW of Katherine (L) or 92 km NE of Victoria River (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S15 08.356 E1031 41.08  ... Find out more


South Alligator River Rest Area 148 km

40 km W of Jabiru (R) or 175 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area well off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S12 39.657 E132 30.293... Find out more


What's on around town

Races: horseracing; May.

Gold Rush Festival and

Gold-panning Championships: June.

Rodeo: June.

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