Discover the Corroboree Billabong with Gecko - cheap car hire darwin

Visiting Darwin and looking for the ultimate wetlands adventure? The Corroboree Billabong forms part of the Mary River Wetlands and is perfect for a day trip from Darwin or for a stop on your way to Kakadu National Park.
​
Just 90 minutes south-east of Darwin or west of Kakadu, the wetlands are located not far off the Arnhem Highway, and absolutely teeming with wildlife.

Corroborree Billabong via Louise Denton Photography at https://home.louisedenton.com/photo-essay-corroboree-billabong/

​Cruise the Wetlands

One of the best ways to see Corroboree Billabong is on a wetlands tour with Wetland Cruises, where you’ll get the chance to learn more about the Billabong and the wildlife that call it home. Experienced guides will give you some great information to help you understand more about the importance of the wetlands. The cruise is perfect for the keen photographer looking to get some shots of the wildlife the cruise passes.

There are a range of tours available with Wetland Cruises from 1 hour through to 1 day.

Wetlands Cruises via http://www.wetlandcruises.com.au/gallery/saltwater-crocodiles

​Airboat Safari

For something a little more adventurous, try an Airboat Safari with Wildlands. These 45 minute tours will have you crossing the floodplains of the Mary River wetlands, visiting the Corroboree Billabong and taking in the wildlife including saltwater crocs and plenty of birdlife. You’ll also get the chance to glide through the lotus flowers that line the bank – something that has to be seen.

Wildlands tours take you from the Corroboree Billabong located on Marrakai Station, a privately- owned cattle station through to the Mary River National park and into Rockhole, a popular fishing spot for those chasing Barramundi.

Wetlands Airboat Safari via https://www.wildlands.com.au/tour/airboat-safari/

Barramundi Fishing

Never thought you’d find yourself fishing for Barramundi in the Northern Territory? Fish the Top End run Barramundi fishing tours on the Corroboree Billabong between May and November. Apart from the Barra, Saratoga and Tarpon call these waterways home, so there’s always the chance for a different catch.
​
Apart from the fish, there’s also the chance to see a variety of water birds, sea eagles, crocs, water buffalo and wild pigs. Fishing the lily and pandanus lined billabong is certainly something you won’t get to do elsewhere.

Barramundi Fishing via https://www.fishthetopend.com/barra+fishing/corroboree+billabong/

​Houseboat Hire

Have a little more time to discover and prefer to spend a few days? Hire a houseboat and cruise the Billabong and wetlands at your own leisurely pace. Fish from the houseboat or just use the time to explore, take photos and experience what it’s like to sit under the stars in the Northern Territory. The houseboats cater to a range of groups and is the perfect way to experience the Corroboree Billabong and Mary River Wetlands at your own pace.

​Explore the Mary river National Park

On your trip to the Corroboree Billabong, some time spent exploring the Mary River National Park is a must. Couzens Lookout is a great place to stop and soak in the sunset views, while the 6km walk in Point Stuart Coastal Reserve out to Stuart’s Memorial Cairn is a lovely walk for those interested in history. There are also a number of 4WD drive tracks and plenty of picnic areas to stop for lunch. You will need to head back to your accommodation for a swim though – the waterways around the Mary River National Park and Corroboree Billabong are full of saltwater crocodiles, so it is a no swimming area.

For photographers, the National Park is a chance to catch wildlife in their natural environment, the amazing landscapes and the lotus lilies.

Mary River National Park via https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/mary-river-national-park

​Choose your time to visit Corroboree Billabong wisely. Generally, the Billabong is inaccessible during the wet season due to flooding prevent access by road. If you’re interested in how high the flood waters get, check out the flood marks on the walls in some of the public restrooms!

If you’re after the ultimate wildlife experience in the Northern Territory, make sure a visit to Corroboree Billabong and the Mary River Wetlands are on your travel bucket list.