Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge - Exploring

The grounds at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge have assorted wildlife. Various bird spices, agile wallabies, insects, snakes, frogs & lizards are always present. It is also the home to a number of Brahman cattle, water buffalo and horses. Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest is accessible from the camp ground, also just a short walk is our private billabong.

Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest

Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest and natural spring creates a dramatic canopy that strongly contrast to the surrounding woodlands. A 35 minute walk winds its way along the creek past giant banyan trees and scrub fowl nests. Spot freshwater crocodiles in the spring, small fish and the occasional barramundi, birds, insects and frogs. The monsoon forest is cool relief from the heat of the day. Also in the area is Brian Creek Monsoon Forest.

Hardies 4wd track and Wildman 4wd track

These tracks travel along the edge of the wetlands, between paperbark swamps and tall open forests. Highlights include majestic fig trees, the Mary River floodplain, billabongs and historical features. These areas provide home to the water buffalo, wild pigs, Brahman cattle, brumbies and an array of other wildlife.

The Hardies track runs between the Rockhole Road and the Arnhem Hwy and passes Bird Billabong which has an abundance of bird and other wildlife. A bird hide is accessed by a 2.8km return walk and offers great photographic opportunities. Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for this drive.

The Wildman track runs between the Wildman Road and the Rockhole Billabong. This amazing drive offers spectacular sunsets over the Mary River floodplain. Approximately 2 hour drive.

Routes are open as conditions permit in the dry season. (May to October)

Mistake Billabong

Mistake Billabong has fantastic bird watching opportunities. Overlooking the billabong, the viewing platform allows you to take in the wildlife activity.

Located a short distance from the Lodge on the Point Stuart Road.

Shady Camp – Home of the Barramundi

Shady Camp is a popular fishing spot with boat ramps and picnic areas.
You can hire one of our boats and try your luck at fishing, or just explore the waterways at your own leisure. A barrage helps to prevent saltwater intrusion into the freshwater wetlands. This barrage also acts as a popular land base fishing area. A viewing platform offers excellent views over the billabong and floodplain with the possibility of sighting huge saltwater crocodiles that inhabit the waters. An excellent spot to view amazing sunsets.

Rockhole Billabong

The Rockhole is another access point to the channels of the Mary River system, and is a popular spot for barramundi fishing. There is also a boat ramp and picnic facilities.
The Mary River Wetlands Cruise departs the Rockhole Billabong daily.

Couzens Lookout

Couzens Lookout has magnificent views of the Mary River Wetlands.
Located on the Rockhole Road.

Below are some suggested 1 day itineraries for the self drive:

• Breakfast at the Lodge
• Wildman 4wd track
• 10am Mary River Wetlands Cruise
• Picnic lunch at Couzens Lookout
• Return to Lodge for afternoon swim
• Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest
• Sunset at Shady Camp
• Evening meals in Wetlands Bistro

• Breakfast at the Lodge
• ½ day boat hire or guided fishing tour (Shady Camp)
• Bbq lunch by the pool
• Mistake billabong
• 4pm Mary River Wetlands Cruise
• Sunset at Couzens Lookout.
• Evening meals in Wetlands Bistro

• Breakfast at the Lodge
• Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest
• 10am Mary River Wetlands Cruise
• Picnic lunch at Shady Camp
• Afternoon boat hire or guided fishing tour
• Sunset at Shady Camp
• Evening meals in Wetlands Bistro
  

• Depart Darwin
• Hardies 4wd track
• Picnic lunch at Couzens Lookout
• 4pm Mary River Wetlands Cruise
• Check in at Lodge
• Evening meals in Wetlands Bistro