Page 3 - Sport Diving Magazine Lord Howe Island

take a peek at Couzens Lookout, or buy a seat on the fantastic Mary River Wetlands Cruise on Rockhole Billabong (run by Point Stuart Lodge).
Wildman Road is the next unsealed track cutting into the park. The 2km
Brian Creek Monsoon Forest Walk, with
a picnic table at the start, is shortly past the turnoff. Wildman Road allows access to Wildman Track, at the end of which is an airstrip and the Wildman Wilderness Lodge. North of the Wildman Road turnoff is Mistake Billabong, with a viewing platform and picnic table.
Forest kingfishers.
Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is
also worth a stop, even if you aren’t camping. The 1.6km Jimmy Creek Monsoon Forest Walk is lovely, and you can find Shady Camp at the end of the 16km long Shady Camp Road. Take extra care because there are lots of wallabies and be sure to visit the lookout. Flocks of corellas brighten the blue sky with their cries and aerobatics. Boats can be hired, but fishermen should be aware the area is tidal and you can be left high and dry in the middle of a mud bank if you’re not careful.
A whistling kite.
EASTER TRAVEL
Mary River NP, NT
The historically-inclined bushwalking 4WDer, equipped with full emergency supplies in case of a breakdown, may want to follow in the tracks of explorer John McDouall Stuart through the Stuart Coastal Reserve to a 5km return walk via Stuart’s Memorial Cairn.
You could say that Mary River is the quiet alternative to Kakadu, but that would imply you should choose one
over the other. The truth is, they are both wonderful and it would be a shame to be touring in the Top End and not take a trip west of Kakadu.
FAST FACTS
Mary River National Park is 110km from Darwin, park office (08) 8999 4555. The last place to stock up on most supplies is Humpty Doo.
Cooroboree Tavern, fuel available, (08) 8978 8920.
Mary River Park, (08) 8978 8877, www.maryriverpark.com.au.
Bark Hut Inn, fuel available, (08) 8978 8988, www.barkhutinn.com.au.
Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, (08) 8978 8914, www.pointstuart.com.au.
Corroboree Billabong Houseboats,
(08) 8978 8925, www.mary-river-houseboats.com
FIND YOUR WAY
Darwin
Find your way with Hema’s maps.
Mountain Trail Campers Phone: (02) 6021 4800
www.mountaintrailcampers.com.au
Mary River Park offers great camping.
CTA-NH-5190488-TS-048-XCC
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