The Mary River Wetlands Cruise

Rockhole Billabong

“More wildlife than you could imagine”

The Rockhole Billabong is part of the largest permanent wetland area of the Mary River system. It joins Corroborree Billabong and forms one of the most diverse ecosystems in Australia. It gained its name from a natural rock ledge and deepwater hole. The term billabong comes from an Aboriginal term meaning ‘always water’.

The Top End ‘wet season’ transforms the Mary River Wetlands into an inland sea and replenishes the earth after the long dry. Fish, crocodiles and birds breed and flourish. As the flood waters subside, the ‘dry season’ creates an awesome spectacle for people to view huge numbers of birds and large crocodiles. It is a wildlife observer’s paradise…

Mary River National Park

Relax & enjoy the Mary River Wetlands aboard the 24 seaters ‘Azure I’ & ‘AzureII’ which depart the Rockhole for cruises along these unspoilt and captivating waterways. Many believe that the vast wetlands of the Mary River system are the most beautiful in the Top End.

Get away from the crowds of Kakadu & join one of our smaller more personalised tours. See more wildlife than you could imagine…

You will experience the floodplains and paperbark forests which support breeding populations of Brolga, Egret, Jabiru, Sea eagle, Magpie geese and many more bird species .The Mary River Wetlands cruise is a must for all bird lovers. There are over 250 species of birds in the Mary River Region.

See saltwater crocodiles as well as fresh water crocodiles, spot wild buffalo & wallabies at the waters edge & plenty more wildlife as you cruise the wetlands.

The trained guides have tremendous knowledge of flora and fauna of this amazing area and will bring the experience to life for you… See why the Mary River Wetlands is fast becoming recognised as the best place to view wildlife in the Northern Territory.

“Best cruise ever. We had the best wetlands cruise in the Top End here. Our guides Tim & Dean were knowledgeable, enthusiastic & friendly. The wildlife was spectacular, particularly the birdlife. Brolgas, Jabiru, Magpie-geese, Pied Heron all in one shot!. A magic experience, highly recommended”. - Erick D - Hobart

Duration: 1.5 hours

Time slots: 7.30am and 9.30am

Cost: $65 adult / $30 child (3 to 12 years)

Operates: early May to mid October

Duration: 2 hours

Time slot: 4.00pm

Cost: $75 adult / $32 child (3 to 12 years)

Operates: early May to mid October