Made up of various small reserves that protect the catchment area and floodplain, Mary River National Park has billabongs and forests that offer excellent wildlife watching, bushwalking and photography.
In the dry season (May to September) most areas are accessible to all vehicles, however many roads are unsealed. During the wet season (October to April), however, flooding can cause road closures. Despite this, commercial tours and accommodation are available all year round, although the most comfortable time to visit is during the dry season.
This region of Northern Territory supports a wide diversity of native animals, from insects and reptiles through to marsupials and mammals. Some of these are threatened as a result of changes to natural conditions (deforestation, burning regimes, disturbance, etc.), as well as competition with exotic animals, and loss of habitat. Other native animals may be considered to be a nuisance because they smell, bite or make lots of noise; nonetheless, these animals still have an important place in the natural environment.
In addition to its native animals, Northern Territory also supports a large number of exotic animals – including terrestrial vertebrates (horses, donkeys and camels), invertebrates (ants, snails, spiders, cockroaches), as well as aquatic and marine animals.
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