The Top End
Page 3 of 4
The Marakai sector houses the wide, broad, freshwater floodplain of the Adelaide River before it abruptly encounters the eastern monsoon woodlands that contain a wide variety of vegetation systems. These include eucalyptus, acacia, melaleuca, pandanus and vine thickets along several small creek systems and billabongs. A number of bird-rich swamps are located in the woodlands. Termite mounds make for a typical Top End landscape that is pleasing to the eye.
Much of the Marakai floodplain sector is degraded by Minosa pigra - a noxious weed introduced from South America. This weed occurs in many regions of the Top End, and efforts to get rid of it have so far failed. The wetlands are rich in fish. In line with the pleasing attitude in the Northern Territory towards the multi-use of park resources, fishing is allowed under strict conditions and bag limits. Barramundi, saratoga, salmon, catfish, primitive archerfish and chequered rainbow fish populate the freshwater streams, billabongs and swamps.
Both fresh and saltwater crocodiles are present in all waters of the park. Masses of waterfowl, wallabies, dingoes, wild pigs and the odd water buffalo make it a good place for wildlife spotting and photography. Over 180 bird species, 23 mammals, 26 reptiles and five amphibians have been recorded. The traditional owners manage the land in conjunction with the commission. Several semi-permanent camps are scattered throughout the Marakai sector of the park. Signs indicate the whereabouts of these camps, and visitors are asked to respect their privacy. A number of sacred sites are also present in the park and some are off limits to visitors.
MARY RIVER CONSERVATION RESERVE
The vast wetlands of the Mary River, 170km from Darwin, are the most beautiful in the Top End and outrival those of Kakadu. The Mary River runs north, south and downstream - below the bridge on the Arnhem Highway - and floods widely across the plain leaving no discernible channel behind. After flooding, a series of long, braided billabongs (ox-bow lakes) and swamps are left that are rich in wildlife and fish. This river also contains the world’s largest big-crocodile population - some over 4.3m. The wetlands are the home to myriad waterfowl that darken the sky as they lift off en masse from the lily-clad billabongs and swamps.
They attract many visitors who come to witness the spectacle of birds, crocodiles and wallabies, and to enjoy the fantastic barramundi fishing. The billabongs and the gnarled, ancient paper barks (meleleucas), which shade pandanus fringing the water’s edge, support breeding populations of waterfowl, brolgas, jabirus, eagles and other wetland birds. There are few places anywhere where visitors are so enthralled by nature as on the Mary River wetlands.
CORROBOREE BILLABONG
The turn-off to this remarkable section of the Mary River Conservation Reserve is just beyond the Corroboree Park Inn. This inn, the Bark Hut Inn and nearby Annaburoo Billabong further on, offer meals, alcohol, fuel, camping and accommodation and are good bases from which to explore the wetlands. No pre-booking is required. Alternatively, hire a houseboat, park the fourby, cruise the 18km length of Corroboree Billabong, catch your own barra and barbecue it on the sun deck. Life does not get better than this.
Corroboree Billabong is the most beautiful oxbow lake in the Top End. It has it all, with great fishing, wildlife and nature. Barramundi, saratoga, tarpon, catfish, archerfish and sleepy cod are just some of the freshwater fish species waiting to be caught. Even if you do not fish, having your own boat or hiring a dinghy is the best possible way to explore these tropical wetlands and see the varied wildlife. Other billabongs and interesting spots that are easily accessible from the Arnhem Highway between Corroboree Park Inn and the Point Stuart Road turn-off are North Rockhole, Couzens Lookout, Brian’s Creek, Monsoon Forest, Shady Camp and Mistake Creek. All are signposted and some have campgrounds.
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