If Mary River National Park were anywhere else, it would be considered a top-notch wildlife-destination, with barramundi fishing, pretty landscapes, an interesting history, good birdlife, saltwater crocodiles and paperbark-fringed swamps. Instead, it sits in the shadow of Kakadu, which does, of course, have its advantages. Focal points include Bird Billabong, Mary River Billabong and Corroboree Billabong, and there's a handful of camp sites offset by luxury retreats.
Mary River National Park
Northern Territory
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.1 MILES
Flood plains and billabongs make for good birdwatching at this pretty park 80km southeast of Darwin off the Arnhem Hwy. This was once the hunting grounds…
13.31 MILES
Just off the Arnhem Hwy a few kilometres before Mary River Crossing, if you're coming from the west, is this back-flow billabong, filled by creeks flowing…
Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre
26.81 MILES
Three kilometres past the Fogg Dam turn-off, east along the Arnhem Hwy, is this dashing-looking structure full of displays explaining the wetland…
28.69 MILES
Bring your binoculars − there are ludicrous numbers of waterbirds living at the fecund green Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. The dam walls are closed to…
25.53 MILES
The Arnhem Highway crosses the Adelaide River here, and it's from the murky waters of this river that large crocs are tempted to jump for camera-wielding…
15.29 MILES
Where the Arnhem Hwy crosses the Mary River, with plenty of crocs nearby.
Nearby Northern Territory attractions
13.31 MILES
Just off the Arnhem Hwy a few kilometres before Mary River Crossing, if you're coming from the west, is this back-flow billabong, filled by creeks flowing…
15.29 MILES
Where the Arnhem Hwy crosses the Mary River, with plenty of crocs nearby.
16.1 MILES
Flood plains and billabongs make for good birdwatching at this pretty park 80km southeast of Darwin off the Arnhem Hwy. This was once the hunting grounds…
25.53 MILES
The Arnhem Highway crosses the Adelaide River here, and it's from the murky waters of this river that large crocs are tempted to jump for camera-wielding…
6. Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre
26.81 MILES
Three kilometres past the Fogg Dam turn-off, east along the Arnhem Hwy, is this dashing-looking structure full of displays explaining the wetland…
7. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
28.69 MILES
Bring your binoculars − there are ludicrous numbers of waterbirds living at the fecund green Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. The dam walls are closed to…