Shady Camp - Camping

Mary River National Park

The Mary River National Park protects part of the Mary River catchment. The Mary River is one of eight rivers in the Top End which have large floodplains in their catchments. The Arnhem Highway crosses five of these eight rivers as you travel between Darwin and Jabiru.

How to Get There

This Park is located 150km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. In the Dry Season, from May to September, most areas are accessible to all vehicles, however many roads are unsealed. During the Wet Season, from October to April, flooding can cause road closures.

When to Visit

Commercial tours and accommodation are available all year round. The most comfortable time to visit is during the Dry Season, from May to September.

What to See and Do

Freshwater billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests provide visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, bushwalking and photography.

Shady Camp - Recreational Activities - Fact Sheet - www.nt.gov.au - redirect

Visitor Facilties

This Park has many opportunities and places for camping, picnicking, walking, and facilities such as toilets, boat ramps, information and historical markers and commercial accommodation.

Pets are not permitted in this Park

Observe all fishing and boating regulations

Observe Crocodile warning signs.

Fact Sheet

Shady Camp - Recreational Activities - Fact Sheet - www.nt.gov.au - redirect

Recreational Activities

The Mary River Crossing on the Arnhem Highway 3 km west of the Bark Hut Inn has picnic areas, toilets and a boat ramp to make this an ideal site to access the Mary River system. Camping is not permitted at the Mary River Crossing.

Rockhole is another popular access point to the waterways of the Mary River. A boat ramp and picnic facilities are located here, where Barramundi fishing is popular.

Couzen's Lookout camping area offers secluded camping beside the Mary River. It is only a short walk to the lookout where the sunsets are stunning.

Brian Creek Monsoon Forest is a patch of diverse monsoon forest that contrasts strongly with the surorunding woodlands. This is easily accessible.

Shady Camp is a popular fishing spot with boat ramps, picnic areas and toilets. A viewing platform offers excellent views of the river and its many crocodiles upstream. A barrage helps prevent saltwater entering the freshwater wetlands. Camping is permitted and fees apply.

Mistake Billabong has a shaded viewing platform where visitors can watch life on the billabong. Other facilities and features of the Park include:

4 x 4 Driving

4 x 4 Driving - opportunities are available to explore the interior of this great Park.

The Hardies 4WD Track (pdf 588Kb) is accessible from the Arnhem Highway, about 5 km west of the Mary River, or from the Rockhole Road. The Wildman 4WD Track (pdf 670Kb) links the Rockhole and Wildman Roads.

You can start at either end of these tracks and explore the wetlands.
• Accommodation
• Boat Ramp
• Boat Tours
• Camping Permitted
• Caravans Permitted
• Picnic Tables
• Walking Tracks

Ranger Guided Activities

Guided Walks Talks advertised locally or phone (08) 8978 8986.