Corroboree Billabong cruise: Crocodiles and wetland birds

Saltwater crocodiles, eagles, kingfishers and egrets on one morning cruise

A morning cruise on Corroboree Billabong in the Mary River Wetlands, 90 minutes from Darwin, puts you on an open-air vessel to watch saltwater crocodiles basking on the banks and spot eagles, darters, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru and brolgas. A live guide shares information about the wildlife as you drift past. You'll need your own transport to reach the billabong.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning cruise at Corroboree Billabong

• Drive to Corroboree Billabong
• Board open-air vessel
• Cruise the Mary River Wetlands
• View saltwater crocodiles
• Observe diverse birdlife
• Listen to guide's wildlife commentary
• Take photos of animals and scenery

The experience

Corroboree Billabong holds the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world, and a morning cruise lets you see them in their natural habitat: some cruising past the vessel, others basking on the banks. The billabong is part of the Mary River Wetlands, a sprawl of water and vegetation that draws birdlife in prolific numbers. Your guide will point out eagles, darters, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru, brolgas and many more species as you move through the water.

The vessel is open-air, which means you're not watching wildlife through glass: you get close enough to photograph the animals without barriers between you and the scene. The guide shares what they know about the creatures and the wetland itself, turning the cruise into more than just sightseeing. A morning departure means you catch the billabong when the light is best and the animals are most active.

You'll need to arrange your own transport to reach Corroboree Billabong. It's a 90-minute drive from Darwin on the way toward Kakadu National Park. Once you're there, the cruise itself runs for 90 minutes, and the guide and live commentary are included. Bring a camera and patience. The crocodiles and birds move on their own schedule, not yours.

What’s included

• Professional guide and live commentary on board are included.
• you provide your own transport to the billabong.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 29

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wetland Cruises

Is this one for you?You'll need your own car or a hired vehicle to reach Corroboree Billabong, since the cruise itself doesn't include transport from Darwin. If you're renting a car or traveling with a driver, the billabong sits naturally on the route toward Kakadu, making it an easy stop on a longer journey through the Top End.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of crocodiles will I see at Corroboree Billabong?

Saltwater crocodiles are the main draw here. The billabong has the largest concentration of them in the world, and you'll see them both in the water and resting on the banks as the vessel cruises past.

What birds can I expect to see on the cruise?

The wetland is home to a huge variety of bird species. You'll have the chance to spot eagles, darters, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru, brolgas and many others during the 90-minute cruise, depending on the season and time of day.

Do I need to drive myself to Corroboree Billabong, or is transport included?

You'll need to arrange your own transport. The billabong is 90 minutes from Darwin by car on the route toward Kakadu National Park, so you'll either drive yourself or hire a vehicle to get there.

Is the vessel covered, or will I be exposed to the sun?

The vessel is open-air, which gives you unobstructed views and better opportunities to photograph the wildlife up close. You'll want to bring sun protection and plan for exposure during the cruise.