Place Names Register Extract

Gregory's Tree

Extract date: 12/03/2026

Name Gregory's Tree
Type Designation Heritage Place
Place Id 13301
Place Type Administrative Area
Status Assigned
Date Registered 22 February 1995
Location (Datum GDA94)  
Latitude: -15° 33' S (Decimal degrees -15.56625)
Longitude: 130° 22' E (Decimal degrees 130.36733)
Locality / Suburb  
  Gregory
Local Government Area  
  Victoria-Daly Shire Council
Alternate Names  
  Ngalibinggag
History/Origin Gregory's Tree is a mature boab (Adansonia gregorii) situated on the banks of the Victoria River, approximately 15 kilometres west of Timber Creek. The site served as the 'entrenchment camp' for the North Australian Expedition (1855-56), led by explorer Augustus Charles Gregory (1819-1905). The expedition party occupied this site for eight months while exploring the river's upper reaches and the Northern Territory's interior.

The tree is historically significant as a 'living monument', bearing clear inscriptions carved into its trunk that record the dates of the expedition's arrival (2 July 1856) and departure (21 July 1856). These markings served as a record of European presence and a navigational benchmark in the mid nineteenth century.

The tree is a registered Aboriginal sacred site known as Ngalibinggag (pronounced Nali-la-bing-gag). For the Traditional Owners, the tree and its riparian environment are part of a deep cultural landscape that predates European arrival.

The tree was formally listed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register in 1995.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
22/02/1995 NTG G8 Declaration of Gregory's Tree Heritage Place.

The Northern Territory Gazetteer is maintained by the Place Names Section,
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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