Point Stuart and the Mary River Wetlands

The Mary River Wetlands shape many of the nature experiences that make Point Stuart special. Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is located in the heart of these wetlands. Experiences range from barramundi fishing safaris and a cruise on the Mary River to wildlife watching and a walk through tropical monsoon vine forest. This gives you different ways to shape your trip: active days of fishing, watching wildlife from a boat or on foot, and a 4WD tour through varied landscapes.

Fishing and wildlife watching by boat

Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is a licensed fishing tour operator in the Northern Territory. Barramundi fishing safaris can be tailored to casting, trolling or fly fishing. These three techniques set the tours apart without requiring you to commit to just one style of fishing. If fishing is an important part of your trip, this variety is a practical consideration when choosing your destination.

The Mary River Wetlands Cruise offers another perspective on the wetlands. It departs from Rockhole on the 24-seat boats “Azure I” and “Azure II”. The cruise offers the chance to spot saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Trained guides accompany the cruise and know the local flora and fauna. This combines the boat trip with information about the plants and animals in the area. If you would rather explore from the water than on foot, you can include this option in your travel plans.

Wetlands, grasslands and paperbark forests

The 4WD Safari Tour passes permanent billabongs, rainforest edges, grasslands and paperbark forests. These landscape features give the drive its distinctive variety, with waterholes alongside open areas and wooded sections. For visitors who want to experience different habitats on a safari, this sequence is a particularly interesting aspect. The tour complements wildlife-watching opportunities on the water with a drive through other types of landscape.

The Birding & Wildlife Tours are specialised wildlife safaris in the heart of the Mary River Wetlands. They include day and night walks. This means the tours differ not only in their focus on birds and other wildlife, but also in the time of day. These safaris use air-conditioned 4WD vehicles and open-sided off-road vehicles. Those interested in these tours can therefore choose from both walks and drives in different types of vehicle among the experiences described.

A walk through the monsoon vine forest

The Jimmy Creek Monsoon Forest Walk follows a constructed path and boardwalk through dense, cool and shady tropical monsoon vine forest. It offers a distinct nature experience alongside the safaris and cruise: here, the focus is on the forest and the path through its dense greenery, rather than on wetlands or wildlife viewed from a vehicle or boat. A public car park provides direct access for daytime visits to Mary River National Park and the Jimmy Creek Monsoon Forest Walk.

If you are looking for a holiday rental or holiday home for your stay, these interests can help guide your choice of destination and place to stay.

More destinations: Kakadu, Petermann, Adelaide River, Tennant Creek, Lake Bennett, Marrara, Dundee Beach, Nhulunbuy.

For the main travel overview: Northern Territory.