Temptingly close to Darwin is the May River Wetlands nestled in a National Park. The superlative natural world is tropical wetlands stocked with plentiful birds and fish. Lurking in the waterways or sunning on banks in the late afternoon is the apex predator, the saltwater crocodile.
Visitors glide past and through water lilies and paperbark forests with magpie geese, plumed whistling ducks, jabiru, egrets both little and large with the soaring antics of the Australian sea eagle adding drama to the skies above.
Nature lovers intent on discovering TOP END of Australia wildlife have the lesser known Mary River National Park on the doorstep of Darwin to explore.
- Photography bonanza with wildlife and landscapes.
- Guided tours are in boats specifically designed to provide a safe place for visitors to feel as though they are embedded in the watery landscape. Tours with pickups in Darwin depart from the CORROBOREE BILLABONG.
Waiting for the moment to hunt, white betllied sea eagle, Mary River Wetlands Jabiru birds feeding in Mary River Wetlands National Park - Rockhole Billabong is the departure point for the Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge attractions and tours.
- Independent visitors make sure you visit Couzens Lookout, sunset offers Top End splendour views. Point Stuart Coastal Reserve: If you arrive at Point Stuart you will be standing on the precise spot that John McDouall Stuart stood at the end of his journey across Australia in 1862.
- Be croc wise, the majority of visitors explore the Mary River wetlands on a guided tour. Apart from the risk from crocodiles it is not easy to orient yourself in the wetlands. It is estimated every 100 metres there is a crocodile.
Mary River Wetlands Wildlife Cruise – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER (free cancellation)
Point Stuart NT 0822
Couzens Lookout Camping Area offers secluded camping beside the Mary River. It is only a short walk to the lookout where the sunsets are stunning. Camping fees apply and campsites must be booked online before you arrive.
ROCKHOLE BILLABONG
Part of Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge attractions and tours.
The park has places for camping, picnicking and walking. Be Crocwise as there is a large population of saltwater crocodiles throughout the park, particularly at Shady Camp. Bring plenty of protective clothing and insect repellent. This park requires visitors to the NT to have a park pass.
WHERE IS THE MARY RIVER WETLANDS LOCATED?
Marrakai NT 0822
Travel 150 km east of Darwin along the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. Enter the park through Bird Billabong or Point Stuart Road. Roads within the park are unsealed however are accessible for 2 wheel drive vehicles.
FOGG DAM CONSERVATION RESERVE
From a failed rice project to a regenerating wildlife reserve. A superb place to view wildlife and birds. There is a viewing platform at the end of the road although it is disturbingly close to a large sign informing visitors walking is not recommended due to the presence of salt water crocodiles.
- The 1560-hectare Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, is internationally recognised as one of the most populated biomass regions in the world.
- For extensive views a short walk to the lookout offers views of the reserve. Pandanus Lookout – wonderful views of the Dam. Great for sunset or sunrise picnics. Parking available. You are walking through a rare surviving monsoon forest which once covered large areas of the Northern Territory.
- Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve Fact Sheet - NT Park Brochure
- Fogg Dam Rats and Pythons Information Sheet - NT Parks Brochure
- Mary River National Park fact sheet - Northern Territory Parks Brochure
- Mary River National Park, Point Stuart Coastal Reserve - Northern Territory Parks Brochure
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