Within close proximity to Darwin is a wetland experience not to be missed. Join our small group 1 Day Tour to Corroboree Billabong located within the Mary River Wetlands. Visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and Window on the Wetlands en route to our cruise destination.
The day starts with a pick up from your Darwin accommodation around 9am. Listen to interesting commentary about the region from our knowledgeable guide as we make our way to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. Originally set up as a large scale rice growing project in the 1950`s Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve attracts a wide range of local and migratory water birds and other wildlife including one of the largest populations of snakes within Australia. You will also have an opportunity to take some amazing photographs of the Sacred Lotus and Native Lilies here.
Your highlight of the day is an amazing 2.5 hour cruise around the waterways of Corroboree Billabong, exploring and learning about the beautiful extensive Mary River Wetlands, home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. View these prehistoric creatures in their natural environment, cruising beside our vessel or basking in the sun on the banks of the billabong.
The birdlife at Corroboree Billabong is prolific and you will get the opportunity to see a huge variety of species during your cruise including Sea Eagles, Jabirus, Jacanas, Darters, Herons, Ibis, Magpie Geese, Brolgas, Kingfishers and many more.
Enjoy a delicious lunch on the wetlands, surrounded by nature at its best as we get “up close and personal” with plenty of local wildlife. Keep your camera and binoculars on hand to capture amazing photographs whilst cruising around.
Our experienced local guide’s have a wealth of knowledge and will ensure your day is filled with the best the billabong has to offer along with interesting information on the surrounding wildlife and vegetation.
Upon completion of the cruise it is just under 90 minutes drive to return you to your Darwin accommodation around 5pm.
What do we need to Bring?
Hat, Binoculars (if you have some), Camera, plenty of film, Mosquito Repellant on sunrise and sunset cruises, sunscreen, tour ticket or correct change if paying on the day.
Is drinking water available on the boat?
yes, we always have cold water available for passengers during the cruises.
Are toilet facilities available at the cruise?
yes, there is a public toilet available in the carpark area at Corroboree Billabong, so please allow time to use the public toilet before boarding the cruise. Our main boat has a toilet available but our smaller boat does not have toilet facilities. Please advise us if you specifically require a boat with toilet to be available for your cruise.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes, the boat has a full length canopy so there is always some shade available. Depending on your cruise time and your seat on the boat though, there is a possibility that you may be in the sun at some stage. We would definitely recommend bringing sunscreen on the 2.5 hour cruise.
How long does it take to drive from Darwin to Corroboree Park Tavern?
We recomend people allow a minimum of 75 minutes to drive the 84km from Darwin to Corroboree Park Tavern. This distance can be completed in 60 minutes on a good day at 110 km/hr but if you get caught behind a road train on the highway you will need extra time.
Please note – There is still 21 km to drive from Corroboree Park Tavern to the cruise departure point at Corroboree Billabong. The last 2km of this drive is on unsealed road.
What is the condition of the unsealed road from Corroboree Park Tavern to the cruise?
there is 2 km of unsealed road to reach the cruise. This road is graded every 4 – 6 weeks and the condition is generally pretty good. The first 11km from the Arnhem Highway to Marrakai cattle station is a sealed road, turn here and it is 10km to Corroboree Billabong, the last 2km of this road is unsealed.
What if i do not want to drive my vehicle on the unsealed road?
If you do not wish to drive on the unsealed road, we operate a shuttle from Corroboree Park Tavern that departs 30 mnutes before the cruise times. The shuttle operates from April – Octobber inclusive and costs $10 Adult / $5 Child return. Bookings are essential.
Is there anywhere i can leave my caravan before driving on the unsealed road?
yes, it is possible to leave your caravan at Corroboree Park Tavern. They have plenty of room available and are happy to offer this facility. Please ask for more details when making your reservation.
What is the Family Rate?
The family rate is a discounted rate available for 2 Adults and 2 children ages from 3 – 15 years inclusive.
What age does the child rate apply to?
the child rate is available for children between the ages of 3 & 15 years inclusive. Infants/toddlers less than 3 years old are able to travel free of charge on cruises but are not permitted on the 1 day tour.
Can we bring infants on the cruise?
yes, but please consider other passengers as this is a nature based cruise in peaceful surroundings. You know your infant best and whether or not they would be content for the duration of a cruise. We would generally suggest the shorter duration cruises to be the most suitable option.
What is for lunch on the 2.5 hour lunch cruise?
lunches are healthy and consist of individual pre-packed fresh salads with dressings. They also have a selection of cold sliced meats and bread so people can make sandwiches if they wish.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
yes, but you will need to advise us of your dietary needs when you make your booking.
Will we see crocodiles on the cruise?
almost certainly, we rarely operate a cruise that does not see any crocodiles. The time of year and the time of day that you take a cruise will determine if the crocs are swimming in the water or sunning themselves on the bank.
Will we see many birds on the cruises?
yes, definitey. We generally see about 30 different species of birds on our cruises.
Which cruises are best for birdlife?
Generally speaking the early morning or late afternoon cruises are best for birdlife. In saying that, we see as much on our 2.5 hour midday cruise because we have time to cover a greater section of the wetlands than we can cover in the shorter duration cruises.
What is the best time of year to visit?
These wetlands are only accessible from April to November. They are beautiful throughout this complete period with an abundance of water lilies, fantastic wildlife and plenty of birds.
How to get to the cruise
To drive directly to our cruise departure point at Corroboree Billabong takes approximately 90 minutes from Darwin or 2 hours from Jabiru.
Travel along the Arnhem Highway to Corroboree Park Tavern which is located 85km from Darwin and 167km from Jabiru. From here it only takes 20 minutes to reach the cruise.
A shuttle service to the cruise is available from Corroboree Park Tavern and is beneficial if you have a hire car that is not permitted to travel on an unsealed road or if you just do not wish to drive your vehicle on an unsealed road.The shuttle operates for all cruises and costs $10 Adult/ $5 Child return. To catch the shuttle, you need to be at Corroboree Park Tavern 30 minutes prior to the cruise time.