Deals > Explore > Kakadu & Arnhem Land > Mary River National Park
Shady Camp
Located about two hours’ drive from Darwin, Shady Camp is a prime spot for barramundi anglers, featuring an artificial barrage that separates the salt water from the fresh water – a barramundi hot spot. Once you’ve reached your bag limit, hop over to the viewing platform to glimpse the other wildlife that inhabit the area.
Cruises
The best way to experience the Mary River area is on the water. Visitors can board a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River en route to the National Park, hire a houseboat at Corroboree Billabong for a leisurely self-drive cruise or hire a dinghy at Shady Camp to fish for barramundi.
Corroborree Billabong
Corroboree Billabong is a large freshwater lagoon within the Mary River National Park. The watercourse’s natural beauty and wildlife alone make a visit worthwhile. Both the lagoon and its adjoining rock hole are strongholds for barramundi and high-flying saratoga, making it a paradise for lure and fly fishermen.
Crocodile Spotting
The Mary, Adelaide and Alligator River systems offer the best opportunities in Australia to observe crocodiles. You can take wildlife spotting cruise at Adelaide River, Mary River Park and The Rockhole. When sharing the river with crocodiles, be mindful that this is their habitat so observe them from a distance.
Couzens Lookout
Couzens Lookout is the perfect vantage point for watching the thousands of birds congregate on the Mary River Floodplains as the sun sets over the wetlands. Located within the Mary River National Park, the lookout is near a secluded camping ground beside the Mary River.
Brian Creek Monsoon forest
On your journey through the Mary River National Park, detour into the lush and ancient rainforest of Brian Creek Monsoon Forest. Brian Creek offers visitors a chance to view the acute differences between the vegetation and wildlife of a savannah and a rainforest environment.
Hardy’s and Wildman 4WD tracks
Witness the natural habitat of birds, buffalo and wallabies while driving along an established four-wheel drive track in the Mary River Region. The Hardy and Wildman tracks are easily accessible and offer thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts an authentic Territory experience.
The calm waters of the Mary River are best enjoyed on a fishing trip or nature cruise.
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin, the Mary River National Park (proposed) is an unspoiled landscape with wetlands full of birds and wildlife. The Park is easily accessible all year round, and the changing seasons reveal a cyclical showcase of flora and fauna.
The Mary River is an angler's paradise, literally jumping with barramundi and other tropical species, and many fishing charters visit here. Wildlife-spotting cruises are another great way to enjoy the area's beauty and experience a close (but safe) encounter with saltwater crocodiles.
Shady Camp is one of the Mary River’s hottest spots for both barramundi and crocs. A viewing platform affords excellent views of the river and its wildlife, while a barrage helps prevent saltwater entering the freshwater wetlands.
The region’s rivers and wetlands attract many rare species of birds and is renowned for bird watching. Accommodation options in the area range from air-conditioned cabins to caravan parks and campsites.
For those seeking an adventure travel experience, explore the many four-wheel drive tracks that lead to secluded camping sites dotted throughout the Park.
