Mary River Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Mar 31st, 2003
Tipped to be the new Kakadu, this nature reserve is a sanctuary for both woodland and wetland flora and fauna.
Here you can camp out in the bush, go on a river cruise or join bushwalking tours around the park.
Located 100 kilometres from Darwin and only 32 kilometres from Kakadu National Park, Mary River Park offers air-conditioned cabins and homestyle meals served in a tropical dining room overlooking the woodlands.
A family operates several tours from within the protected park, including a full day bird tour, a sunset dinner cruise and an early bird tour.
No matter which tour you choose youll be amazed by the native birds inhabiting the area. There are over 165 different kinds of birds to spot, including Rufous Owls, Black Bitterns and Great Billed Herons. People come all from over the world to watch and photograph these unique and extremely rare birds.
As well as rare birds, fresh and salt water crocodiles also inhabit the park.
The main difference between the two species is that 'freshies', as theyre commonly called, are considered relatively harmless in comparison to the more ferocious saltwater crocodiles.
Freshwater crocs have slender snouts, sharp teeth and jaws that rip through slippery fish with ease.
Salt water crocodiles are found in these rivers, but they also exist around the northern coastline, often riding the surf on the beach. The 'salties' can be extremely vicious. One of the largest recorded saltwater crocodiles was found in the Mary River. The crocodile was a male over 6 metres in length and weighing well over a tonne.
If you fancy a bit of adventure, join a Mary River Park dinner cruise. From the safety of the boat, the big and savage predators are easy to spot.
Your dinner spot is a sandbar is in the heart of the wilderness and the only thing between you and the crocs is a precarious fence - so while you enjoy youre dinner, the crocs may think they're eyeing off theirs!
The best time to enjoy the rare and beautiful wildlife of the park is between June and October.
The facts
Mary River Park has 16 air conditioned cabins starting from $99 a night. A five hour bird-watching tour costs $135 per person.
Mary River Park
Tel: 1800 788 844
Four Wheel Drive Hire Service
Tel: 08 8981 6760
Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Tel: 08 8999 3843
