Noonamah
Town
Noonamah is a tiny town outside Darwin at the centre of numerous parks and reserves. It is a great base to experience wildlife, native bushland and safe swimming spots (something of a rarity, considering the Northern Territory's crocodile population).
Visitor Information
Noonamah Tavern, Stuart Hwy;
(08) 8988 1054
Nearby national parks
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Charles Darwin National Park
Named after the world-famous scientist Charles Darwin, this national park provides stunning views across the mangroves and harbour to the...more -
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
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 -
Adelaide River
Adelaide River is a small town located midway between Darwin and Pine Creek. A settlement was established here as a base for...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
Nearby
Territory Wildlife Park This 400 ha bushland park provides an easy way to view native animals in their natural habitat. They can be seen from walking trails or a motorised open train. A tunnel leads through an extensive aquarium that represents a Top End river system, where visitors can come face to face with a 3.7 m crocodile. Other highlights include a bird walk, nocturnal house and daily show of birds of prey. 14 km SW.Didgeridoo Hut: see Aboriginal craftspeople make didgeridoos and weave baskets and dilly bags. Works are for sale in the gallery and there is an emu farm on-site; 8 km N. Lakes Resort: great facilities for watersports including waterski and jetski hire; accommodation available; 10 km SW. Berry Springs Nature Park: safe swimming in spring-fed pools in a monsoon forest with pleasant walking trails and picnic areas; 13 km SW next to Territory Wildlife Park. Jenny's Orchid Garden: huge and colourful collection of tropical orchids, many on sale in the nursery; 22 km NW. Howard Springs Nature Park: Swim in the freshwater springs and see barramundi and turtles or relax with a picnic in the shade by the children's pool. 23 km NW. Manton Dam: safe swimming, fishing, watersports and shady picnic spots; 25 km S. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park: fauna enclosure and caravan park; 26 km SW. Fogg Dam: built in the 1950s to provide irrigation to the Humpty Doo Rice Project. The agricultural scheme failed, but the dam became a dry-season refuge for an amazing range of wildlife, especially waterbirds. It’s best to visit at sunrise or sunset, when there is the most activity. There are a few lovely walks through the park, such as the Monsoon Forest Walk, a 2.7-kilometre trail that traverses a variety of fascinating habitats; also inquire about rangerguided nocturnal walks; 41 km NE. Window on the Wetlands: interpretive centre offering insight into the Top End's fascinating wetland environments plus superb views over the Adelaide River flood plains. Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon, when the vistas are best; 40 km NE (7 km beyond Fogg Dam turn-off). Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises: see crocodiles jump out of the water with the lure of food. Several tours each day; bookings on (08) 8988 8144; 41 km NE (next to wetlands centre). Fishing: excellent barramundi fishing at Mary River Crossing (45 km E of Fogg Dam turn-off); several 4WD tracks lead north from here to prime fishing spots in Mary River National Park such as Corroboree Billabong (houseboat hire available).
Fishing spots near town
Manton Dam 25 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 moreShady Camp 73 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 76 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 moreSouth Gutter 80 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 moreChambers Bay 86 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 moreSwim Creek 89 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 moreWildman River 114 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 moreDaly River 131 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 moreJessie River 139 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 moreJohnston River 143 km
In December, the NT is hot. All around us, thunderstorms were brewing and in the distance, a solid black curtain of heavy rain was pelting down on Goose Creek. It was the start of the wet season, when monsoonal rains... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve 32 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 33 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 moreNearby eco-friendly places to eat
Saffron 33 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
Howard Springs Holiday Park 16 km
With Howard Springs National Park just up the road, and extensive facilities on-site, this 6 ha Big4 Holiday Park is ideal for a relaxing stay in Darwin. It has 3 saltwater pools, 3 spas, squash courts, a TV room, games... Find out moreHidden Valley Tourist Park 28 km
Powered sites with your own ensuite await you at this classy tourist park. Each ensuite has a toilet, shower and handbasin, and most include a water connection. There are also normal powered sites and unpowered sites... Find out moreLeaders Creek Fishing Base camping area 40 km
The name says it all. On Leaders Creek, 40 km north of Howard Springs along the Gunn Point Rd, this is an ideal spot for anglers to base themselves as they fish 15 km of sheltered waterways, the mouth of the Adelaide... Find out moreFlorence Falls 4WD camping area 60 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 moreFlorence Falls 2WD camping area 60 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 moreBuley Rockhole camping area 61 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 moreWalker Creek camping area (walk-in camping) 64 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 moreCouzen’s Lookout camping area 65 km
Take a walk by the river or stroll up to the lookout to witness spectacular Top End sunsets. You need to bring drinking water. To get here, take the Point Stuart Rd turn-off from the highway, then turn onto Rockhole Rd.... Find out moreAdelaide River Showground Caravan Park 67 km
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 moreWangi Falls camping area 72 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 moreCaravan parks around town
Coolalinga Caravan Park 13 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 16 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 22 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 28 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 32 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 moreLitchfield Tourist Park 45 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 moreBatchelor Caravillage 45 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 moreMount Bundy Station 66 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 moreThe Bark Hut Inn 72 km
This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out moreGagudju Lodge Cooinda Caravan Park 160 km
Located close to the famous Yellow Water billabong, this park is just off the Kakadu Highway, 54 km south of Jabiru. It is a great choice, especially if you are planning a cruise on Yellow Water, as the cruise bus... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Fogg Dam is one of the most diverse areas for wildlife in the Top End. Off the Arnhem Highway, 65 kilometres from Darwin, this property is a certified organic tropical fruit farm that produces much of the food available... Find out more
Mary River Houseboats
On Corroboree Billabong, off the Arnhem Highway and an hour from Darwin, these houseboats are a great way to spend time in a Top End wilderness. The flat-bottomed vessels are easy to drive and navigate, and make the... Find out moreMary River Park
An hour from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway, this park has comfortable one- and two-bedroom cabins in a tranquil setting. The park is beautifully situated high on a bank of the Mary River, one of the Top End’s most... Find out moreTwo hours’ drive east of Darwin, this lodge has a range of accommodation, ranging from budget to deluxe rooms. The lodge is a short distance from Shady Camp, one of the best barramundi fishing spots in Australia.... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Darwin Central 32 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 35 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
Manton River Rest Area 23 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 moreWetlands Rest Area 26 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 moreCoomalie Creek Park Area 43 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 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 moreBridge Creek Rest Area 88 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 moreWest Alligator Rest Area 116 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 moreDouglas Hot Springs Camp Area 131 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 more
