Mary River National Park

About this activity

The great outdoors is waiting, and it has your name all over it!The Northern Territories has some stunning landscapes and adventures, and Mary River National Park is no different. 

In fact, those who love to catch a barramundi or two has sure to have heard of it!

This popular national park is great for all sorts of family adventures, including four-wheel driving, bushwalking and even bird watching. 

Did you know that the Northern Territory is home to the highest number of waterbirds in Australia? Yep! In fact it is also home to some of the most beautiful and rare bird species. 

The aptly-named Bird Billabong is located in the Mary River National Park between the Mount Bundy Hills and the Mary River channel, and is teeming with many of them. 

For those who love to get out on two feet to explore, take the pleasant two kilometre stroll to the billabong through scenic surroundings. Stand on the viewing platform at the water's edge a while, it's designed to give panoramic views over the billabong, which is a permanent fresh water swamp surrounded by paperbark forests. 

Bring your camera, there's so much to see: Magpie geese, ducks, jabirus, herons, ibis and other waterbirds are known to frequent the landlocked billabong. Many species such as Radjah Shelducks breed in the billabong as waters recede on the wetlands. The shallow depth of the billabong results in vast changes to the area between seasons, from fully flooded (February/March) to parched dry (usually by October).

Photographers will love getting those beautiful landscape shots with the abundance of native birdlife and saltwater crocodiles in the backdrop. 

Another great spot for a stunning view is Couzens Lookout. Sunset is particularly amazing!

Other features at Mary River National Park include an Interpretive Centre with facilities, and use of the self guided walking trails.