Major city · Australia
Pine Creek
Stop for 2–3 hours on the Stuart Highway, or sleep one night: the gorge and the gold-rush main street are the whole town.
Pine Creek is a small former gold-mining town on the Stuart Highway, 90 km north of Katherine and about 220 km south of Darwin, at the junction with the Kakadu Highway. It has one short historic main street, a railway heritage strip and two nearby swimming spots. Most travellers see it in half a day; a night here breaks the Darwin–Katherine drive and puts Umbrawarra Gorge within reach.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season)
- avoid Dec–Mar (wet season: heat, humidity and possible road closures)
- Airports
- DRW · PCE
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pine Creek000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pine Creek, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyLow crime, high hazard: the real risks are heat, long empty roads, crocodiles in waterways and wet-season road closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDRW Darwin International Airport (About 2.5 h by car south on the Stuart Highway; the usual arrival point.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or cafe lunchA$8–25 (≈ US$6–17)
- BeerBeer at the pubA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Budget bedPowered campsite (own vehicle), a night, per roomA$30 (≈ US$20)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DRW Darwin International Airport (About 2.5 h by car south on the Stuart Highway; the usual arrival point.) · PCE Pine Creek Airport (Small airstrip; no scheduled passenger service — check before planning around it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Nov
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Oct (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jul (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pine Creek: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Dec
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is a short walk end to end, but Lake Copperfield (6 km) and Umbrawarra Gorge (22 km south-west) are unserved by public transport. Fuel up in Katherine or Adelaide River; do not count on a late-night pump here.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive 22 km (14 mi) south-west of town, partly unsealed, then walk about 15 min to the first poolsDrive 14 mi (22 km) south-west of town, partly unsealed, then walk about 15 min to the first pools
Red gorge walls and sandy swimming holes; access can be restricted in the wet season.
Lake Copperfield
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive 6 km (3.7 mi) from townDrive 3.7 mi (6 km) from town
Deep lake with picnic area, toilets and parking; no dogs.
Grove Hill Heritage Museum
cautionDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Drive Mount Wells Road on the Northern Goldfields Loop
Historic hotel and museum with camping; check it is open before driving out.
Door to door: About 1 h
Stuart Highway south, about 90 km (56 mi)Stuart Highway south, about 56 mi (90 km)
Nearest full-size town for fuel, supermarkets and the gorge.
Adelaide River
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Stuart Highway north
War cemetery and wetlands; pairs well on the drive north.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Moule Street and Main Terrace (town centre)
The hotel-motel and the motel sit within a few minutes' walk of the museum, the water gardens and the old railway station; the only realistic place to sleep in town.
Grove Hill (Mount Wells Road)
Historic hotel and museum on the old railway line, on the Northern Goldfields Loop; camping and rooms — check opening before you detour.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$130–220 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Fuel, Darwin to Pine Creek and back (about 440 km)1 × A$70 | A$70 |
| Museum entry2 × A$10 | A$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$62 |
| Trip total≈ A$341 per person per day, bed included | A$682≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and vehicle costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or cafe lunch | A$8–25 (≈ US$6–17) |
| Pub meal (counter or bistro) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer at the pub | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Motel double room, dry season | A$130–260 (≈ US$90–180) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wet season (roughly Dec–Mar) can restrict or close the unsealed road into Umbrawarra Gorge — check road conditions before setting out.
- Swim only at marked, known spots: crocodiles are present in Top End waterways, including some creeks and waterholes.
- Distances are long and mobile coverage is patchy outside town; carry water and tell someone your plan.
- Book beds ahead in the dry season: the town has very few rooms.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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Pine CreekPine Creek
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Darwin → Pine Creek by car: about 220 km (137 mi), 2.5 h on the Stuart Highwayabout 137 mi (220 km), 2.5 h on the Stuart Highway
- Pine Creek → Katherine by car: about 90 km (56 mi), 1 habout 56 mi (90 km), 1 h
- Pine Creek → Jabiru via Kakadu Highway: about 180 km (112 mi), 2 habout 112 mi (180 km), 2 h
Fuel and food options are limited; fill up in Katherine or Adelaide River.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pine Creek. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season) · avoid Dec–Mar (wet season: heat, humidity and possible road closures) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialNorthern Territory — Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
- officialNorthern Territory — Lake Copperfield
- officialNorthern Territory — Pine Creek Water Gardens
- officialNorthern Territory — National Trust Museum, Pine Creek
- officialVisit Katherine — Pine Creek and Hayes Creek
- secondaryWikivoyage: Pine Creek, revision 5239710 (CC BY-SA 4.0)