Mary River National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mary River National ParkNorthern Territory |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Mary River National Park
Location in Northern Territory
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| Nearest town or city | Humpty Doo |
| Established | 20 May 1966 |
| Area | 1,215.25 km2 (469.2 sq mi) |
| Visitation | 336,400 (in 2017) |
| Managing authorities | Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory |
| Website | Mary River National Park |
| See also | Protected areas of the Northern Territory |
The Mary River National Park is a special place in Australia. It is a national park located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Darwin in the Northern Territory. This park helps protect an important part of the Mary River area. It is known for its amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
What is the Mary River National Park?
The Mary River National Park is not just one big piece of land. It is made up of several smaller areas. These areas work together to protect the important catchment of the Mary River. A catchment is like a giant bowl that collects all the water flowing into a river.
The Mary River is one of eight big rivers in the Top End of Australia. These rivers have huge floodplains. Floodplains are flat areas of land next to a river that often get flooded. The Arnhem Highway crosses five of these rivers. You will see them as you travel between Darwin and Jabiru.
The park is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of Darwin. You can reach it by driving along the Arnhem Highway.
When is the best time to visit?
The park has two main seasons:
- Dry Season: From May to September, most parts of the park are easy to reach. Many roads are unsealed, meaning they are dirt roads.
- Wet Season: From October to April, heavy rains can cause floods. This means some roads might be closed. It is always a good idea to check road conditions before you go.
Fun Things to Do at Mary River National Park
Mary River National Park offers many exciting activities. You can enjoy nature, go fishing, and learn about the area's history.
Exploring the Mary River Crossing
The Mary River Crossing is a great starting point for your adventure. It is located on the Arnhem Highway, about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) west of the Bark Hut Inn. Here you will find:
- Picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal.
- Toilets for visitors.
- A boat ramp to launch your boat into the Mary River system.
Camping is not allowed at this specific spot.
Fishing at Rockhole
Rockhole is another popular place to get into the waterways of the Mary River. It has a boat ramp and picnic spots. Many people come here to fish for Barramundi. Barramundi are a popular type of fish found in these waters.
Camping at Couzen's Lookout
If you love camping, Couzen's Lookout is a wonderful choice. It offers quiet camping spots right next to the Mary River. From your campsite, it is just a short walk to the lookout point. This spot is famous for its amazing sunsets over the river.
Discovering Brian Creek Monsoon Forest
Brian Creek Monsoon Forest is a special place. It is a small area of thick, green monsoon forest. This forest looks very different from the woodlands around it. It is easy to get to and a great place to explore.
Visiting Shady Camp
Shady Camp is a very popular spot, especially for fishing. It has:
- Boat ramps.
- Picnic areas.
- Toilets.
There is also a viewing platform. From here, you can get excellent views of the river and its many crocodiles. A special wall, called a barrage, helps keep saltwater from entering the freshwater wetlands. You can camp at Shady Camp, but there is a fee.
Wildlife Watching at Mistake Billabong
Mistake Billabong has a shaded viewing platform. From here, you can quietly watch all the amazing animals that live around the billabong. A billabong is a small lake or pond that forms when a river changes course.
Learning History at Point Stuart
Point Stuart is a place with an important history. In 1862, the explorer John McDouall Stuart reached the sea here. He had ridden over 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) north to cross the entire continent of Australia. Point Stuart is usually open during the drier months of the year.
