Adelaide River
Town
Population 190
Adelaide River is a small town located midway between Darwin and Pine Creek. A settlement was established here as a base for workers on the Overland Telegraph Line in the early 1870s and was a popular stopping place for travellers and prospectors heading south to the goldfields at Pine Creek. The building of the Northern Australia Railway, which operated from 1888 to 1976, further increased its significance on the north–south track. During World War II the still relatively sheltered town was a major military base for 30 000 Australian and US soldiers. The Adelaide River War Cemetry and historic Railway Station contain exhibits and photographic displays of these bygone days.
Visitor Information
Adelaide River Inn, 106 Stuart Hwy; (08) 8976 7047
Nearby national parks
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Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is a gem of a park, encompassing diverse landscapes that take in most Top End habitats. Spring-fed waterfalls flow...more -
Mary River National Park
Mary River National Park protects a part of the Mary River catchment that includes the river, flood plains, billabongs, paperbark forests,...more -
Kakadu National Park
World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is a landscape of unsurpassed beauty, with world-renowned wetlands attracting extraordinary...more
Nearby towns
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Batchelor
Established as a large air force base during World War II, Batchelor became prominent with the discovery of uranium at nearby Rum Jungle...more -
Noonamah
Noonamah is a tiny town outside Darwin at the centre of numerous parks and reserves. It is a great base to experience wildlife, native...more -
Pine Creek
The town was named Pine Creek by Overland Telegraph workers because of the prolific pine trees growing along the banks of the tiny...more
In Town
Adelaide River Inn The hotel was a favourite watering hole for soldiers during WW II and still has war photographs and memorabilia adorning the walls. Hard to ignore is main attraction Charlie the Buffalo, suitably stuffed, from the film Crocodile Dundee. Meals and accommodation are available; Stuart Hwy.
Adelaide River Railway Station: National Trust–classified station (1888), now a museum featuring relics of local history, including the railway construction and WW II; open every day except Christmas day; Stuart Hwy; (08) 8981 2848 (National Trust Darwin). Adelaide River War Cemetery: a 'must-see', Australia's only war cemetery on native soil contains graves of 434 military personnel. The adjacent civil section contains the graves of 9 post-office staff killed on 19 February 1942 during the bombing of Darwin.
Nearby
Daly River Copper was discovered here in 1883 and mining began in 1884, which led to a bloody conflict between miners and Aboriginal people. Today the town, located on the banks of the river, is little more than a pub, a free caravan park and a popular destination for fishing. The Daly River is renowed for its large barramundi and there are two major fishing competitions every year, the "Barra Nationals" and the "Barra Classic". The Merrepen Arts Festival is held at the nearby aboriginal community each June. 102 km SW.
Old Stuart Highway Scenic Route: runs for 61 km from Adelaide River, past Robin Falls (15 km S) and the turn off to Daly River to just north of Hayes Creek. Mt Bundy Station: rural experience with 4WD tours, horseriding, fishing, walking, swimming and a wide range of accommodation (08) 8976 7009; 3 km NE. Robin Falls: pleasant 15 min walk to falls that flow most of the year; 15 km S. Grove Hill Heritage Hotel and Museum: example of outback ingenuity made by a master blacksmith who scavenged for materials in and around the nearby mine sites. There is basic accommodation and bar meals; (08) 8078 2489; Goldfields Rd; around 70 km SE. Litchfield National Park: a world of waterfalls, gorges, pockets of rainforest, giant termite mounds and rock formations that resemble lost civilisations. Enjoy the scenic pools beneath the waterfalls – most offer crocodile-free swimming, but read the signs before you take the plunge; around 100 km SW.
Travellers note: Snake Creek, an old wartime base, is no longer accessible to visitors.
Fishing spots near town
Manton Dam 42 km
Queensland has received a lot of publicity about stocking lakes with barramundi, but since the mid- 1990s NT Fisheries has been doing similar work. More than 100 000 barramundi have been put into Manton Dam, a... Find out moreDaly River 72 km
The Daly River is one of the most popular barramundi fishing destinations for Darwin anglers. The river is rightly famous for its spectacular runoff fishing at the end of the Wet, but produces barramundi year round. Some... Find out moreShady Camp 108 km
This barrage separates fresh and salt water and is a famous land-based fishing spot. It consists of a free camping area with a reasonably clean toilet block. There is no worry about dogs and cats getting into rubbish... Find out moreTommycut Graveyard 118 km
After seeing so many healthy wetlands in the Territory, Tommycut Graveyard is a shock to the system. In the 1970s this was a thriving freshwater wetland system similar to Kakadu. However, it was all but destroyed by... Find out moreSwim Creek 124 km
After a long, hot day fishing for barramundi, the bar and dining area at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, just north of Mary River National Park, is a magnet for anglers. Thirsts are quenched, meals eaten and fish tales... Find out moreChambers Bay 130 km
The Mary River system is about three hours’ drive east of Darwin. The Mary River breaks up into a system of billabongs and creeks that would be called rivers in southern Australia. Two of the largest waterways are... Find out moreSouth Gutter 135 km
Returning from a barramundi fishing trip in the wilds of Arnhem Land to a reef-fishing session offshore from Darwin is like comparing apples with oranges. Seeing big barra exploding from the water in a mass of spray is... Find out moreWildman River 147 km
In an untamed land, the name Wildman River is enough to stir the cockles of any adventure- loving angler. Being told the river is inaccessible by road and that it will take about two hours fast running in a boat to get... Find out moreSouth Alligator River 163 km
Adventure is what the NT is about. Be prepared to go home with more than fishing memories. The flora and fauna are full of unexpected excitement too. In this raw environment, anything that swims, walks or flies –... Find out moreJessie River 206 km
The run from Milikapiti to Lethbridge Bay at the entrance to Jessie River is about 40 km, or a little over an hour. The Jessie is a big river and the rock bar near the mouth is famous for producing barramundi and... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve 91 km
This incredible site 70 kilometres east of Darwin is believed to have the highest known biomass of predators and prey of any ecosystem on earth, and is teeming with water pythons and their primary food of choice, dusky... Find out moreCycling around Darwin 92 km
Although the humidity might prevent you from wanting to do any exercise at all, the advantage of cycling is that you get a cool breeze as you go, and Darwin is relatively flat. Join a relaxing, guided three-hour cycle... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Saffron 93 km
This Indian restaurant in Parap uses biodegradable plates and bowls made from sugarcane fibres, and buys nearly all ingredients locally.... Find out moreCampsites around town
Adelaide River Showground Caravan Park
On Dorat Rd, about 500 m off the Stuart Hwy and within an easy drive of Litchfield National Park, this caravan park is both dog- and horse-friendly. Make sure you drop into the Adelaide River Hotel to have a drink with... Find out moreBuley Rockhole camping area 36 km
Bring your own drinking water to Buley Rockhole. To get here, take the signposted turn-off from Litchfield Park Rd, 42 km south-west of Batchelor towards Florence Falls, and follow it for 2.5 km. GPS S:13 06.761 E:130... Find out moreFlorence Falls 2WD camping area 37 km
Camping for 2WD vehicles is around 4.5 km off Litchfield Park Rd, via the turn-off 42 km south-west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 05.834 E:130 47.094... Find out moreFlorence Falls 4WD camping area 38 km
This 4WD trailer area is an extra kilometre up the road from the area for 2WD vehicles. To get here, take the signposted turn-off, 42 km south-west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 05.597 E:130 47.092... Find out moreTjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls camping area 39 km
This site off the Reynolds River 4WD track is 9 km south of the Litchfield Park road. GPS S:13 15.025 E:130 44.702... Find out moreSurprise Creek Falls camping area 39 km
The most remote of the official campsites in the park, this site without drinking water is off the Reynolds River 4WD track, about 16 km north of Daly River Rd and about 29 km south of the Litchfield Park road. GPS S:13... Find out moreWangi Falls camping area 46 km
There are quite good facilities at this large campsite, only 1.5 km off Litchfield Park Rd. It’s signposted 66 km west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 09.771 E:130 40.835... Find out moreWalker Creek camping area (walk-in camping) 47 km
Suitable only for tents, this walk-in camping area has just 6 sites along Walker Creek. Bring drinking water. It’s just off Litchfield Park Rd, 82 km west of Batchelor and 16 km past Wangi Falls. GPS S:13 04.688... Find out moreDouglas Daly Tourist Park 67 km
Base yourself here for an adventure in this less-travelled part of the Top End. The well-equipped and excellently situated park has everything you need, including fuel, alcohol, restaurant and supplies, as well as a pool... Find out moreDouglas Hot Springs camping area 69 km
This reasonably large camping area has pit toilets and bore water. The park is approximately 50 km south of Hayes Creek off the Oolloo–Douglas Daly Rd. The last 7 km is a gravel road suitable for conventional... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Mount Bundy Station 4 km
This is a unique riverfront farmstay camping area, 3 km from Adelaide River, with basic but good amenities. The station raises water buffaloes for export. The camping area is grassy and well shaded.... Find out moreBatchelor Caravillage 23 km
The park is 500 metres from the Batchelor town centre and a good base from which to explore nearby Litchfield National Park. The park has good facilities including a hotel and fuel station, and a minigolf course.... Find out moreLitchfield Tourist Park 28 km
Located west of Batchelor on the road to Litchfield National Park, this is a very convenient park for those exploring the area. The park has a restaurant and good facilities.... Find out moreThe Bark Hut Inn 73 km
This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out moreCoolalinga Caravan Park 79 km
On the outskirts of Darwin, this is a very convenient park, especially if you are travelling with your dog. Hidden from view behind a service station, it adjoins a shopping precinct and is within easy walking distance of... Find out moreHoward Springs Holiday Park 82 km
The popular park is 23 km from central Darwin, in a quiet position off the main highway. It is close to Palmerston shopping centre and is an easy drive into Darwin. The park is a popular tourist destination and a good... Find out moreDarwin FreeSpirit Resort 87 km
Located on the Stuart Highway 19 km from Darwin, this is a large park with good facilities and a quality licensed restaurant. We find it a good base for exploring Darwin and the surrounding areas. We also had less... Find out moreHidden Valley Tourist Park 91 km
Easily accessible from the Stuart Highway, this is a good quality park about 7 km from Darwin. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreKoa and Malak Caravan Parks 95 km
This is located about 12 km from central Darwin, 5 km from Darwin’s largest shopping plaza, Casuarina Square, and adjacent to Darwin Golf Course. It is a huge park with 327 ensuite sites (no tent sites). On... Find out moreEdith Falls Camp Ground 157 km
This is a good camping area within Nitmiluk National Park. It is reached along a 19-km sealed road; turn off the Stuart Highway 42 km north-west of Katherine. The base of the falls is a short walk from the camping... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
A magnet for anglers but also a great base from which to explore one of the most interesting regions in the Top End, Mango Farm offers a variety of accommodation including budget rooms, cabins and a house. Long-term... Find out more
Primarily a camping ground, Perry’s also has one room and a house available. Located two and a half hours south of Darwin, this place is renowned for good fishing and wildlife experiences. Boats can be hired to... Find out more
On the eastern bank of the Daly River, about three hours drive from Darwin and Katherine, Woolianna is 15 kilometres downstream of the Daly River crossing. This is primarily a camping ground but there are two... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Darwin Central 90 km
One of the first things you may notice about Darwin Central in comparison to other nearby hotels is its surprisingly small windows – part of its energy-efficient design. It was recently declared one of... Find out moreFeathers Sanctuary 97 km
The owners of this quiet B&B, 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, are wildlife carers and often have injured birds such as jabirus on site. Their dug-out lagoon is also home to a wide range of birds, including... Find out moreKakadu Culture Camp 184 km
This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated camp in the heart of Kakadu is 100 per cent solarpowered, including the bore pump. It has solar hot water and 40 solar panels providing electricity. From May to November you can stay in... Find out moreRest areas around town
Coomalie Creek Park Area 25 km
25 km N of Adelaide River (R) or 88 km S of Darwin (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 00.925 E131 07.347 ... Find out moreBridge Creek Rest Area 26 km
23 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 34 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large grassy area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 24.060 E131 16.624... Find out moreManton River Rest Area 44 km
47 km N of Adelaide River (L) or 66 km S of Darwin (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S12 50.240 E131 08.032... Find out moreDouglas Hot Springs Camp Area 69 km
T/O 6 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 51 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large open campground located 39 kilometres south-west of the highway on the banks of a creek that is fed by the hot springs. Shade is limited. GPS: S13... Find out moreMary River Park Area 69 km
141 km W of Jabiru (L) or 74 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. NOTE: No sign. GPS: S12 54.489 E131 38.707... Find out moreWetlands Rest Area 70 km
191 km W of Jabiru (L) or 24 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Small area just off the highway with a good view over the wetlands. GPS: S12 38.573 E131 18.583 ... Find out morePine Creek Park Area 103 km
Middle of town Small parking area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S13 49.344 E131 50.054 ... Find out moreCopperfield Dam Camp Area 103 km
T/O 86 km N of Katherine (L) or 4 km S of Pine Creek (R) Small campground situated 3 kilometres west of the highway overlooking the dam. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S13 50.56 E131 49.05 ... Find out moreHarriet Creek Rest Area 108 km
28 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 186 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S13 40.799 E131 59.138... Find out moreWest Alligator Rest Area 122 km
85 km W of Jabiru (R) or 130 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S12 48.062 E132 07.718... Find out moreGungurul Camp Area 134 km
T/O 109 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 105 km SW of Jabiru (R) Small campground surrounded by scrub 1 kilometre west of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S13 17.401 E132 20.195... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Adelaide River Show inluding rodeo and Campdraft: June.
Adelaide River Races: June.