Pine Creek, Northern Territory

Pine Creek Northern Territory
Pine Creek
Coordinates	13°49′25″S 131°49′34″E / 13.8235°S 131.8262°E / -13.8235; 131.8262
Population	318 (as of 2021)
Established	24 January 1889 (town) 3 April 2007 (locality)
Location	226 km (140 mi) from Darwin 90 km (56 mi) from Katherine

Pine Creek is a small town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is located about 220 kilometers (140 miles) south of the city of Darwin and 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Katherine.^[1][2] As of 2021 there were 318 residents, making the town the fourth largest between Darwin and Alice Springs.^[3]

The Indigenous Australian people, the Wagiman, Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar groups are the traditional owners of this area. Since 2019, they have held native title rights over this land.^[4][5] Pine Creek is one of the oldest towns in the Northern Territory. It was founded in the 1870s after gold was discovered by workers building the Overland Telegraph Line. The town grew quickly during the gold rush, with its population reaching over 3,000 people at its peak. It is named for the pine trees that once grew by the creek in the centre of the town. The town was first called Playford, and was officially changed to Pine Creek on 20 September 1973.^[6] Of the town, SW Herbert wrote:^[7] The gold rush also led to the building of the North Australia Railway, which reached the town in 1889. The town's economy has had a history of "boom and bust" cycles, but it remains a center for mining, primarily for gold and iron ore.

Pine Creek's economy is historically based on mining. The discovery of gold in the 1870s was the reason for the town's establishment. Today, mining and tourism are the main parts of its economy. The town serves as a base for visitors exploring the nearby national parks and other attractions.

• Pine Creek Railway Precinct: This is a preserved railway station from the historic North Australia Railway. It has original buildings and a historic locomotive on display.
• Pine Creek Repeater Museum: Housed in one of the oldest prefabricated corrugated iron buildings in Australia, this museum provides information on the gold rush, the Overland Telegraph Line, and the town's history.
• Pine Creek Water Gardens: These landscaped gardens are a relaxing place to visit. They were created from old railway trenches that were no longer in use.