Mary River National Park

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. Access the viewing platform at Shady Camp to look upstream and you are bound to spot one of the many large crocodiles that call this stretch of the Mary River home. 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. 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, walking, with facilities such as toilets, boat ramps, information boards and historical markers. Camping fees apply and sites must be booked online before you visit.