Adelaide River, Northern Territory

Adelaide River, Northern Territory 0846

The Adelaide River weaves its way around Darwin, creating the perfect habitat for a number of Australia’s native creatures.

Adelaide River, NT

It begins in the sprawling expanse of the Litchfield National Park and flows north towards Clarence Strait. Along the way, it picks up eight tributaries before depositing into its mouth in the sheltered confines of Adam Bay in the Timor Sea.

Along the river’s length and in the surrounding landscapes, there are plenty of species of animal and plant to discover, while the incredible landscape promises breath-taking views and ancient scenery.

The river itself was named in memory of Queen Adelaide after it was spotted on a boating expedition held by John Lort Stokes. A man named Fitzmaurice, one of the crewmates, was the first European to spot the river from aboard The Beagle in 1839.

Animals of the Adelaide River

Visitors tend to head to the Adelaide River to explore its rich concentration of wildlife. Here, you can spot all manner of bird species, including white-bellied sea eagles and whistling kites, as well as bull sharks and other critters like blacked flying foxes. In the lower parts of the river, as it descends through the landscape, it forms part of the Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains, which is an important bird conservation area.

The Saltwater Crocs of the Adelaide River

Saltwater Crocodile

The most prominent creature of the Adelaide River, though, is the saltwater croc. There is a high concentration of these majestic, ancient creatures in these parts, and they are the main reason visitors hotfoot it to this part of Australia.

One of the most popular activities along the Adelaide River is crocodile spotting. You can take a cruise along the length of the river and feed the resident crocs, watching them heave their huge bodies out of the water in search for a bite to eat.

These “crocodile jumping” trips provide the perfect way to learn more about one of Australia’s most magnificent predators, including their behaviour, their past, and their habitat. While you learn, you’ll get up close and personal with them as they go about their daily business in the stunning surroundings of the Adelaide River.

A trip to the Adelaide River not only gives you the chance to explore the incredible scenery of Darwin and its surrounds, but it provides you with the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s best-loved animals.

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