Mary River Wilderness Retreat
The closest airport to Mary River Wilderness Retreat is Darwin Airport (approximately one hour and 20 minutes by car). To take full advantage of the area, hiring a car is advised with free parking available on-site. Transfers are not included, please plan accordingly.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all of your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Offering three kilometres of tranquil river frontage and set on 900 acres of lush national park, Mary River Wilderness Retreat is the ultimate launching pad to discover the hidden wonders of Australia’s Top End with a plethora of bush trails and forest at your doorstep.
What you’ll love…
The Location - Halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park
If you’re undecided about where to visit in the rugged outback, Mary River Wilderness Retreat has you covered with the perfect location halfway between Darwin and Kakadu. Fringed by lush forestry and teeming with wildlife, this wilderness retreat offers action, adventure and photogenic excursions unlike the typical burnt oranges and desert sands typically associated with Top End exploration.
At the edge of the Mary River wetlands and only roughly 20 minutes from the entrance to the Kakadu National Park, you’ll love being able to explore World Heritage-listed national park - home to some of the finest examples of ancient Aboriginal Art, billabongs and greenery - before journeying into the heart of Darwin (just an hour and twenty-minute drive).
The Room - Bush retreat amid stunning natural beauty
Surrounded by breathtaking nature, this beautifully-designed, safari-style tent offers a unique wilderness experience without sacrificing creature comforts like a full-sized fridge, a queen bed, and tea and coffee facilities. Nestled amongst the flora and fauna, soak in the natural vistas on the private balcony from your outdoor setting with a cuppa in-hand.
BUNGALOW UPGRADE: Wake up to sweeping views of green lawn and parkland from your Bush Bungalow, where you’ll often see wallabies grazing. Keep cool with premium air-conditioning, a ceiling fan and a private en suite with a queen bed and a single bed to get a great night of shut-eye.
The Food - Daily continental breakfast and a complimentary glass of wine or beer with main meals
Enjoy authentic bistro-style dining and local Australian produce at the on-site Gecko restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a daily continental breakfast of fresh fruits, cereals, toast and juices with breathtaking natural scenery.
When you’re feeling peckish, you could make your way down to the Gecko Restaurant for lunch or dinner and perhaps enjoy a main dish, with offerings like Southern Fried Chicken Maryland with rustic coleslaw and chips, grilled barramundi fillet with mash potato and a tropical corn, cherry pineapple and black bean salsa, and char-grilled scotch fillet, to name just some. Every main meal purchase comes with one complimentary glass of wine or beer per person, per day to wash it all down.
See & Do - Explore the nearby forests, Darwin or hire a boat
Positioned at the edge of the Mary River, you’re perfectly located to hit the water with one-time, two-hour for the price of one-hour boat hire. With no license required, you can experience the natural beauty up close while keeping your eyes peeled for crocodiles, enjoy a leisurely fish (equipment not included) or just float downstream. If you’re keen to stay on dry land, your wilderness retreat offers three fantastic bushwalk/cycle paths to meander through dense monsoon rainforest or bamboo forest.
With Kakadu National Park less than an half an hour away, venture out from your wilderness retreat to take advantage of the nearby cascading waterfalls, high canyons and dynamic beauty of this World-Heritage marvel or perhaps make the hour and 20-minute journey out to Darwin, where you could learn about the city’s WWII history or cruise down the harbour (own expense).
If you’re keen to get off the beaten track, 4WD adventurers could choose to go off-roading on the Hardies 4WD track, see where salt and fresh waters meet at Shady Camp, listen to the songs of countless beautiful birds hiding in the trees surrounding South Alligator River or perhaps enjoy a hike through tranquil Litchfield National Park (own expenses).
- Gecko Restaurant
- Three bushwalks/cycle trails
- Pool
- Mary River frontage
- Free Wi-Fi in Gecko Restaurant
Valid for travel until 30 April 2021 (bookings must be made before 28 February 2021).
Blackout Dates Apply. Dates are identified in the Booking Calendar.
Surcharge: A non-refundable surcharge per room, per night, applies for certain dates and is payable at time of booking. Dates and prices are identified in the Booking Calendar.
Check Availability: To confirm your dates of stay at purchase, click on ‘Check Availability’ and select your preferred package. Use the calendar to browse and select available dates. Dates with a surcharge are identified.
Buy Now Book Later: If you want to secure this offer and don’t know when you want to travel please select ‘Buy Now & Book Later’. This will secure your package and give you the flexibilities to choose your travel dates - within the book by and validity period and subject to availability. To select dates post purchase, simply select ‘My Escapes’ under the ‘My Account’ tab and follow the prompts.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for Tour bookings and flights) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 21 days prior to the check-in date.
Feel Like Changing your Dates? No worries…
You can make one (1) change to the date of your booking provided the change is made no less than 45 days before the start of your original booking date and provided you choose dates which are of an equal value and are available. Any change to booking dates is subject to and must be made online in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Safari Tent - Packages are valid for two adults.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two adults.
Extra Guest Policy: No extra guests, including children and infants, may stay.
Bush Bungalow - Packages are valid for two adults.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is three adults OR two adults and one child or one infant.
Extra Guest Policy: An additional guest or child (aged three years and over) may stay for a surcharge of AU$20 per night, sleeping on existing bedding with accommodation only. Breakfast is available for an additional surcharge of AU$12 per day. Payable directly to the retreat.
Baby Policy: One infant (aged two and under) may stay free of charge and will count towards the maximum room occupancy. A cot can be provided by the retreat for a surcharge of AU$20 per night.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Please note: the two-hour for the price of one-hour boat hire is one-time only.
Please note: Housekeeping service not included. Light Service (new towels, rubbish removal and tidy) Safari Tent: AU$30 per clean Bush Bungalow: AU$35 per clean Full Service (linen change, new towels and clean) Safari Tent: AU$50 per clean Bush Bungalow: $55 per clean
Complimentary glass of wine or beer with all main dish purchases at Gecko Restaurant is per person, per day only.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to the website’s terms and conditions.
