Chasing Barra, Avoiding Crocs & Exploring the Mary River National Park in the NT
Well well well, I’m back in the NT (as of writing this I’m actually living in SA) and god damn does it feel good to be back.
Although this adventure was a failure, if you measure failure by the amount of barra caught - did I ever have a blast in the Mary River National Park.
I spent the day exploring the Mary River region (yes it wasn’t enough time, but I had to come back to Darwin that evening) and the place is packed with some cracking spots.
Let’s get into this and break down some of my favourite spots and highlights.
If you like video… Consider watching this on Youtube - or continue reading for my written version.
Let’s start by geography, from closest to Darwin to further away.
Couzens Lookout
Now this place is a ripper, I want to spend 3 days here camping, fishing and exploring the river.
What made this spot special is the view. It’s incredible.
You look over a river system and a floodplain, it’s like watching David Attenborough but in real life.
This was probably the best camp sites I saw at Mary River. They were secluded and lovely.
Couzens Lookout, isn’t very vertical, but it sure does have amazing views.
Mistake Billabong
This place is perfect for families with young kids (because it’s easy to get to!)
The billabong is spectacular to look at and is only a couple of hundred metres from the car park, making it a very short walk.
Mistake billabong is one of few permanent water sources in the Mary River, so you can guarantee this billabong would of been important for thousands of years.
There is a great lookout hut, which sits out close to the waters edge.
Make sure you stop and enjoy the wildlife, this place is teeming with bird life and the sound is beautiful.
Photos really can’t do this justice, this beautiful billabong is surrounded by woodlands.
Shady Camp
Now this is the real reason I went to the Mary River National Park. This place is well known for being a great spot to chase barra from the land.
The Shady Camp barrage is where the salt water meets fresh and creates a perfect environment for fish and other wildlife.
Whilst I was there, my jaw was permanently dropped, each second a new creature would appear. It’s a great reminder that our wildlife is so important.
If you’re a keen fisherman or fisherwoman, this spot is perfect to wet a line and enjoy the sunshine.
Like me I had fun regardless of the lack of barra.
Despite there being not much shade in this photo - there are some beautiful shady campsites.
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