Mary River Region in Kakadu National Park.

The Mary River area of Kakadu represents just one sector of the much larger Mary River Wetland National Park. Mary River Wetland National Park is a 130+km stretch National Park bordering along the Arnhem Highway and being the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

How Get To Mary River Region

Mary River Wetland National Park is located approximately 150km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. Some areas are accessible to all vehicles, however several areas within the Park are 4WD only. During the wet season (October to April) flooding may cause road closures. The Arnhem Highway is sealed and begins 34kms south of Darwin. Point Stuart Road is unsealed and can be rough - check the conditions. Caravans can access Corroboree and Annaburroo Billabongs from the Highway. Some areas are currently inaccessible due to remoteness and lack of access tracks.

Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 253 kms East of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia.

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed, Kakadu National Park is the gateway to Arnhemland. The sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway. The Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru in Kakadu National Park is located 253 km from Darwin in Northern Territory Australia via the Arnhem Highway entrance. If travelling by road, you should allow 3 hours travelling time from Darwin.

Access To Mary River Region

Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 2km north of the Mary River Ranger Stattion. The Mary River area of Kakadu represents just one sector of the much larger Mary River Wetland National Park.

When To Visit

Recommended May to November

What To See And Do At Mary River Region

Main Attraction: Scenic tranquil picnic areas can be found in this area, as well as smaller gorges, waterfalls, creeks and plunge pools set in monsoonal forest and vine forests.

Gunlom Waterfall: (Goon-lom) (gravel road, check wet season access)
Where: Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 2km north of the Mary River Ranger Stattion (8km south from the Bukbukluk turn-off). Travel 26km, turn left at the Gunlom Y junction and travel a further 11km.
Features: A popular camping area located near a clear plunge pool and small waterfall. A steep climb takes you to the top of the waterfall providing great views over southern Kakadu. 37km from Southern Entry Ranger Station, Gunlom has the magical combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas.
Open: from April to November, entry is free but camping fees apply.

Maguk (Mar-gook) Plunge Pool (gravel road, dry season only, 4WD recommended)
Where: Turn south off the kakadu Highway 42km north of the Mary River Ranger Station or 92 km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. Travel a further 12 km.
Features: A 2km return walk through monsoon forest leads to a small waterfall and clear plunge pool. Allow 1 to 2 hours. Please note the advice on swimming in plunge pools on our visitor safety page.
Open: May to November, entry is free.

If you have more time

Yurmikmik Walks (gravel road, check wet season access)
Where: Turn east off Kakadu Highway onto the Gunlom road and travel 21km.
Features: An area of separate but interconnected walking tracks which is an excellent wet season experience. The individual walks are: Boulder Creek Walk (2km return); Yurmikmik Lookout Walk (5km return); Motor Car Falls (7.5km return) and Kurrundie Creek Walk (11km return).

Gimbat picnic area (dry season only, 4WD)
Where: Travel 26km east on the Gunlom Road, turn right at the Y junction and travel a further 19km.
Features: A shady picnic area situated near Guratba (Coronation Hill) and the South Alligator River.

Gungurul (Goong-or-ool) picnic area
Where: Turn west off the Kakadu Highway 37km north of the Mary River Ranger Station or 9km south from the Muguk turn-off.
Features: Picnic tables and basic toilet facilities.

Bukbukluk Lookout
Where: Turn west off the Kakadu Highway 10km north of the Mary River Ranger Station or 124km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. Travel a further 600m on an unsealed road.
Features: Picnic tables and a 400m return walk to a lookout with views over the old Goodparla Station.

Where to stay

Wirnwirnmila Mary River Road House (just outside Kakadu National Park) Under new management, the Wirnwirnmila Mary River Road House is equipped with motel standard rooms, backpacker accommodation, powered van sites and camping. The Wirnwirnmila Mary River Road House is now owned by Jawoyn, the Traditional Owners of the southern section of the park. Telephone: Within Australia: (08) 8975 4564 International: +61 8 8975 4564

Gunlom Camping Area (gravel road, check wet season access) Access to showers, toilets and a generator is available. Camping fees (adults only) are collected on site.

Bush Camping Area (gravel roads, check wet season access) Free camping with basic toilet facilities is available at Maguk and Gungurul. Basic camping facilities (BBQ areas, picnic tables, not toilets) are located at Kambolgie Campground. Drinking water is not available.

Services

The Wirnwirnmila Mary River Roadhouse provides meals / morning and afternoon teas, takeaway food, stores and fuel.

Protect Your Reserve

All native plants and animals in the Reserve are protected.
Guns and traps are prohibited.
Areas of this Reserve do not allow pets, however exercise areas are set aside for dogs and horses.
Signs throughout the Reserve explain these conditions.
Please observe these regulations.
Take care with fire - light fires only in the fire places provided.
Please dispose of litter properly.
Vehicles must remain on formed roads - off road is only by foot.
Safety Note: Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles occur in billabongs and at the sea; for your safety do not enter the water. See the Visitor Safety page for more information.

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory

Head Office - Goyder Centre 25 Chung Wah Tce Palmerston, NT 0830
PO Box 496 Palmerston NT 0831
Ph: +61 (0) 8 8999 5511