Mary River Region

Introducing Mary River Region

For locals in the know, the (proposed) Mary River National Park is the perfect antidote to the well-touristed Kakadu. Covering the Mary River wetlands, it’s a fabulous spot for fishing, birdwatching and wildlife-spotting. The main access road, the Point Stuart Rd, turns off the Arnhem Hwy 19km west of the Bark Hut Inn and leads north. It is 2WD-accessible in the Dry, sealed for the first 17km and unsealed for the 37km to Shady Camp. Access to the western side of the park is via Hardies (4WD) Track, which continues north from the Bird Billabong access road. The park’s 4WD roads are closed during the Wet; for road information call 1800 246 199.

Sixteen kilometres north along the Point Stuart Rd, another dirt road heads west for 16km to Couzens Lookout on the Mary River. It offers great views, especially at sunset, and has a basic camping area. Rockhole, 1km further along, has a boat ramp, information boards, picnic tables and toilets.

Back on the Point Stuart Rd, about 9km north of the Couzens Lookout turn-off, another sideroad heads west to the Brian Creek Monsoon Forest. About 400m along this road is a car park with an 800m walk leading to a small pocket of rainforest boasting an awesome strangler fig and plenty of hand-sized spiders that weave webs across the track.

Again back on the Point Stuart Rd, about 3km past the Brian Creek/Wildman turn-off, Mistake Billabong is an attractive wetland with a viewing platform and picnic ground. A further 7km brings you to Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge.

Another 18km brings you to Shady Camp, a popular fishing spot right on the Mary River where there are picnic tables, pit fires, toilets, campsites and a viewing platform. The grassy campsites under banyan trees are appealing, but armies of mosquitoes swarm in at dusk so come prepared. There is also a boat ramp and boat hire is available. A two-hour wetland cruise ($35 per person; 10am & 4pm) on Rockhole Billabong can be arranged from the Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge.

Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge (8978 8914; www.pointstuart.com.au; unpowered/powered sites $24/30, d from $85) is part of an old cattle station and a great base from which to explore the Mary River region. Camp or stay in comfortable cabins, and there’s a good bar and bistro serving breakfast, dinner and packed lunches. Boat hire is available and wetland cruises can be booked here. The lodge is easily accessed by 2WD, 1.5km off the Point Stuart Rd and 5km north of Mistake Billabong.

Last updated: Apr 20, 2010