Lily pads at Shady Camp
Lily Pads at Shady Camp
Lily pads at Shady Camp

Shady Camp

Shady Camp is a popular spot for anglers setting off onto the lower reaches of the Mary River.

Located in Mary River National Park, the famous Shady Camp is located approximately 200km from Darwin and takes around 2 hours travelling by road when towing a boat or approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by car (4WD only during the wet). This picturesque area is surrounded by fresh water billabongs, paperbark and monsoon forests.

Most NT rivers average five crocodiles per kilometre, but in the Mary River that number climbs to nearly 15 saltwater crocodiles per kilometre. Climb the viewing platform at Shady Camp to look across the Mary River floodplain and you are bound to spot a croc, as well as some of the areas other abundant wildlife.

Take a fishing expedition during the 'run-off' between March and April each year, when the Mary River is teeming with the legendary barramundi. Birdwatchers can observe species from different habitats due to a barrage, which helps prevent tidal salt water entering the freshwater wetlands upstream.

Camping is permitted and fees apply. Shady Camp is well equipped with boat ramps, picnic areas and toilets.

  • Information

    Entry cost

    • Indicative Prices tickets from $10.00 to $60.00
      Park entry fees - Parks Pass applies. (NT residents exempt). Camping fees apply to all visitors.
    • Child tickets from $5.00 to $30.00
      Park entry fees - Parks Pass applies. (NT residents exempt). Camping fees apply to all visitors.

    Facilities

    • Barbeque
    • Boating Facilities
    • Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Campsites
    • Carpark
    • Lookouts
    • Picnic Area
    • Public Toilet

    Activities

    • Birdwatching
    • Camping
    • Fishing

    Accessibility

    Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

  • Map

    Map

    What’s nearby

    What’s nearby

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