Mary River National Park

From wildlife-spotting cruises to expert fishing charters, guided birdwatching tours to independent four-wheel drive and camping adventures, the Mary River National Park is a popular inclusion in any Darwin and Top End itinerary. Accessible year-round and just over 60 minutes' drive from Darwin, the freshwater billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests of this rich national park provide excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, bushwalking and photography. Climb the viewing platform at Shady Camp to look upstream and you are bound to spot a croc. Marvel at the birdlife from the viewing platform at the water's edge at the aptly-named Bird Billabong, or follow the walking trail to the billabong itself. Visit Mistake Billabong's viewing platform and watch life on the water unfold before you. Take a fishing charter and bag yourself one of the legendary barramundi in the Mary River. Stop at Couzens Lookout for an excellent photo opportunity of the surroundings and spectacular Top End sunsets, or visit Brian Creek Monsoon Forest to see diverse monsoon jungle that contrasts strongly with the surrounding woodlands. The Park has many opportunities and places for camping, picnicking, and walking, and facilities such as toilets, boat ramps, information and historical markers and commercial accommodation.