Corroboree Billabong: Sunset Wetland Cruise & Crocodile Watching

Summary

Mary River wetlands sunset cruise with crocodiles and wild birds

You’ll glide through Corroboree Billabong at sunset, watching saltwater crocodiles slip past your boat while local guides share stories about Mary River Wetlands wildlife. Spot rare birds in shifting golden light and feel that hush as day turns to night — it’s those small moments that stay with you long after you’re back on dry land.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a stubby holder before I even sit down — turns out you can bring your own drinks on this Corroboree Billabong sunset cruise, which feels right for the Northern Territory. The air’s thick with that wetland smell, kind of sweet and muddy at the same time. Our guide, Mick (who’s got this sun-bleached hat and a habit of pausing mid-sentence to point out birds), starts us off with a story about the Mary River Wetlands. He doesn’t rush — just lets the boat drift while a jabiru stalks through the reeds nearby. I keep thinking I’ll miss something if I blink.

The main keyword here is “crocodile.” We’d barely left the dock when someone spotted one — just eyes and nostrils sliding past like a log with a grudge. Mick grinned (“that one’s probably older than me,” he said) and explained how these saltwater crocodiles pretty much rule this part of Australia. You see them basking on the banks, jaws open, not moving unless they have to. There’s this weird calm in watching them — until one suddenly slips into the water and everyone goes quiet for a second.

I didn’t expect so many birds either; kingfishers flashing blue, egrets standing like statues, brolgas doing their slow dance in the distance. The light kept changing as we cruised further along the billabong — gold on the water, then orange bleeding into everything. It’s hard to take photos that do it justice but everyone tries anyway (I gave up after my third blurry egret). At one point Mick handed me his binoculars to spot an eagle perched way up — I pretended I saw it right away but honestly it took me ages to find it.

By the end, when the sun was sinking behind those flat floodplains and you could hear nothing but insects starting up for the night, nobody really wanted to talk much anymore. There’s something about that kind of quiet that sticks with you longer than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Corroboree Billabong Sunset Cruise

• Drive 90 minutes from Darwin
• Arrive at Corroboree Billabong
• Board open-air vessel
• Cruise around Mary River Wetlands
• View saltwater crocodiles and birdlife
• Listen to guide's wildlife commentary
• Take photos of wildlife and sunset

Top questions

How far is Corroboree Billabong from Darwin?

It’s about a 90-minute drive from Darwin by car.

Do I need my own transport for this sunset cruise?

Yes, you’ll need your own vehicle to reach Corroboree Billabong.

Are children allowed on the wetland cruise?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring drinks on board?

You’re welcome to bring your own beer, wine or soft drinks for the cruise.

What wildlife will I see during the sunset cruise?

You may see saltwater crocodiles, eagles, darters, kingfishers, egrets, jabiru, brolgas and more birdlife.

Is there commentary during the cruise?

Yes, your local guide provides live commentary throughout the tour.

Is this suitable for infants or strollers?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour open-air boat tour with live commentary from an experienced local guide as you glide through Corroboree Billabong at sunset — plus plenty of chances for wildlife spotting and photos along Mary River Wetlands before heading back under your own steam.