Attractions
Mary River National Park
Jumping crocodiles. A blanket of wetlands. Flocks of birds. Fogg Dam
Conservation Reserve. The award-winning visitor centre - Window on the
Wetlands. Wilderness lodges. And some of the Territory's best Barramundi
fishing.
It's hard to believe you'll find all this along a 135km stretch of the
Arnhem Highway - the gateway to Kakadu. There's excellent fishing, wildlife
tours and a range of accommodation facilities that are available in the
wetlands.
The Mary River National Park and Reserves protects a part of the Mary
River catchment. Freshwater billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests
of the river system provide visitors with excellent opportunities for
year round wildlife observation, fishing, bushwalking and photography.
Access
The Park is located approximately 150km east of Darwin along the Arnhem
Highway. Some areas are accessible to all vehicles, however several areas
within the Park are 4WD only. During the wet season (October to April)
flooding may cause road closures.
The Arnhem Highway is sealed and begins 34kms south of Darwin. Point
Stuart Road is unsealed and can be rough - check the conditions. Caravans
can access Corroboree and Annaburroo Billabongs from the Highway.
Some areas are currently inaccessible due to remoteness and lack of access
tracks.
When To Visit
The most comfortable time to visit is during the dry season (May - September).
The Park is less accessible during the wet season when flooding brings
on a period of vibrant storms and lush vegetation growth, increased waterflow
activity and crocodile nesting.
What To See And Do
- Mary River Crossing: On the Arnhem Highway 3 km west of the
Bark Hut Inn. A picnic area, toilets and boat ramp make this an ideal
site to access the Mary River system. Camping is not permitted.
- Rockhole: A popular access point to the channels of the Mary
River. A boat ramp and picnic facilities are located here. Barramundi
fishing is popular. Camping is not permitted.
- Couzen's Lookout: Offers exceptional views of the Mary River.
It is only a short walk to the vantage point where the sunsets are stunning.
Camping is not permitted here.
- Brian Creek Monsoon Forest: Easily accessible and situated
only a couple of kilometres from the Wildman Wilderness Resort access
road. Such diverse patches of rainforest and associated wildlife contrast
strongly with the surrounding woodlands.
- Shady Camp: A popular fishing area with boat ramp, picnic area,
toilet facilities and a good access road. A barrage helps prevent saltwater
intrusion into the wetlands while a viewing platform offers excellent
views of the river and its many crocodiles. Camping is permitted.
- Mistake Billabong: A popular bird watching spot. A viewing
platform gives a shady spot to enjoy life on the billabong.
Other attractions include:
Protect Your Park
- All native plants and animals in the Parks are protected. Guns and
traps are prohibited.
- Take care with fire - light fires only in fire places provided and
collect firewood before you arrive at your campsite.
- Avoid using soaps or detergents in or near waterways as they pollute
the rivers and harm aquatic life.
- Pets are totally banned from these Parks and Reserves as they pose
a threat to native wildlife and can disrupt other visitors.
- Please take all of your litter away with you and dispose of it properly.
Look but never touch Aboriginal artifacts.
Safety
- Crocodiles: Inhabit the waters of the Mary River system, making
the area unsafe for swimming. Safe fishing practices should be followed
at all times. Visitors should not enter any part of the waterway nor
leave any food or fish scraps near the boat launching areas. Do not
camp close to the edge of billabongs or river banks, or attempt to get
close to these animals for photographic purposes.
- Water: Treated drinking water is not provided in this Park.
Be on the safe side and take your own wherever you travel in the Territory.
- Walking: Prepare well when walking. Sturdy footwear, a hat
and drinking water are advisable. Do not walk alone.
More information
Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Head Office - Goyder Centre
25 Chung Wah Tce PALMERSTON NT 0830
PO Box 496 PALMERSTON NT 0831
Ph: (08) 8999 5511
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