Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bird Billabong
, just off the highway a few kilometres before Mary River Crossing, is
a back-flow billabong, filled by creeks flowing off the nearby Mt Bundy Hill during the
Wet. It's 4km off the highway and accessible by 2WD year-round. The scenic
loop walk
(4.5km, two hours) passes through
tropical woodlands
, with a backdrop of Mt Bundy
granite rocks.
About another 2km along the same road is the emerald-green
Mary River Billabong
,
with a BBQ area (no camping). From here the 4WD-only Hardies Track leads deeper in-
to the national park to
Corroboree Billabong
(25km) and
Couzens Lookout
(37km).
Further along and north of the Arnhem Hwy, the partly sealed Point Stuart Rd leads to
a number of riverside viewing platforms and to
Shady Camp
. The causeway barrage
here, which stops freshwater flowing into saltwater, creates the ideal feeding environ-
ment for barramundi, and is the ideal fishing environment.
4
Sleeping & Eating
There are basic public
camping grounds
(adult/child/family $3.30/1.65/7.70)
at Couzens
Lookout and Shady Camp, where there are grassy camp sites under banyan trees. Come
prepared to ward off armies of mosquitoes.
Bark Hut Inn
HOTEL $
OFFLINE MAP
( 08-8978 8988; unpowered/powered site $15/ 30, budget s/d $65/85, cabins $190)
The Bark
Hut is a big barn of a place serving big beefy bistro meals (mains $15 to $26) and there's
some interesting buffalo farming history on display. The budget rooms leave a bit to be
desired.
Mary River Wilderness Retreat
RESORT $$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 08-8978 8877;
www.maryriverpark.com.au
; Arnhem Hwy, Mary River Crossing; unpowered/
powered sites $22/30, cabins $190-220; )
Boasting 3km of Mary River frontage,
this bush retreat is heading steadily upmarket. The slick licensed restaurant (mains $12 to
$30) has a wonderful deck to lounge about. There are 26 comfortable en-suite cabins
complementing the grassy camping area down by the river. Go on a croc cruise ($45),
hire a fishing boat, or ask about fishing charters; bookings essential.
Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge
CAMPGROUND, HOTEL $$$
OFFLINE MAP
