Window On The Wetlands Brochure

Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre Fact Sheet Window on the Wetlands Visitors Centre is perched on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest points on the Adelaide River floodplain.

The Visitor Centre

Safety and Comfort •

Beatrice Hill was named on 6 June, 1864 by Naval officers Hutchinson and Howard while surveying the Adelaide River on board HMS Beatrice.

The Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre provides an introduction to the northern coastal wetlands. Details of places to visit, tours, accommondation are available from Parks and Wildlife Commission staff.

The Limilngan-Wulna people speak for this land and call Beatrice Hill Ludawei. The three hills represent Turtle Dreaming called LULAK. This site is an important part of their culture.

There are also interactive displays about the ecological processes that occur in the wetlands, seasonal changes and the problems of feral animals and weeds.

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The Northern Coastal Wetlands

Touchscreen computers help you find detailed information on wildlife and on local Aboriginal and European history.

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The Adelaide River is one of eight rivers in the Top End which have large floodplains in their catchments. Together, their floodplains create a great expanse of coastal wetlands, one of the rarest and most threatened land systems in the world. They are collectively known as the northern coastal wetlands. The Arnhem Highway takes you across five of the eight rivers as you travel between Darwin and Jabiru. The catchments of these rivers are not separate from one another, especially those east of Darwin. Their lower reaches almost join up in the wet season. Large native animals like wallabies move between catchments. Unfortunately so do weeds and feral animals, like pigs and buffalo.

From the top floor of the Centre you can enjoy superb views across the floodplains, especially during the early morning or late afternoon. In the wet season you can see the flooded wetlands and if you are lucky, spectacular lightning storms. Entry is free. Opening hours - 8.00 am - 7.00 pm daily.

Access (see map)

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Please Remember • •

Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you. Keep to designated roads and tracks. All cultural items and wildlife are protected.

Parking - there is quite a steep walk from the car park to the entrance of the Visitor Centre. However, a drop-off area is provided at the entrance for less able passengers. A visit to Windows on the Wetland can be combined with visits to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and/or Mary River National Park, see maps and other Fact Sheets.

Travel approximately 60 km from Darwin along the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. You’ll easily see the upswept line of the Visitors Centre roof, which reflects the contours of the hills in the area.

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory Window on the Wetlands Office Ph: (08) 8988 8188 Fax: (08) 8988 8123 www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks

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Carry and drink plenty of water. Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day. Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped. Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.

Head Office - Goyder Centre 25 Chung Wah Tce PALMERSTON NT 0830 PO Box 496 PALMERSTON NT 0831

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Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre

Darwin

Jabiru

Window on the Wetlands Visitors Centre

Fact Sheet

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Territory Wildlife Park Manton Dam Recreation Area

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Hig

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Alice Springs Yulara

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SOUTH

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Litchfield National Park

Camooweal

NORTHERN TERRITORY

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Charles Darwin National Park Casuarina Coastal Reserve Holmes Jungle Nature Park

AUSTRALIA

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Douglas River Esplanade Conservation Area

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Butterfly Gorge Nature Park Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park

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Vernon Islands

Djukbinj National Park

Van Diemen Gulf

Cre ek

Escape Cliffs Historical Reserve

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Darwin

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Berry Springs Nature Park

Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodiles

Territory Ro ad Wildlife Park

Creek

Parking

Picnic Area Camping Accommodation

Jimmy Creek Monsoon Forest

Beatrice Hill (Window on the Wetlands)

Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge

Wildman Sector

Mary River Houseboats

Swimming Walk Track

Wildman River Wilderness Lodge Mistake Billabong Mary River National Park (proposed)

Kakadu National Park

Brian Creek Monsoon Forest

Rockhole

Stuart

Par k

Corroboree Park Tavern

Fuel 8km sealed

Mt. Bundey Sector

Arnhem

Highway

Boat Ramp River

Mt Bundey Hills

Ad ela ide

Bark Hut Inn

Sealed Road

Annaburroo Billabong

Bird Billabong

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Unsealed Road 4WD Track lay McKin

Mary River Park (boat cruise, beds food, walking tracks)

Park Boundary

McKinlay Sector

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Riv er

High way

Litchfield National Park

Ri ve r

Batchelor

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10

20

30

River

Kilometres

Mary River National Park (proposed)

To Katherine Douglas Range

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Hunting

Tavern

Couzens Lookout

Termite Mound

Scenic Lookout

Kiosk

Corroboree Leaning Tree Lagoon Nature Park

Ro ad

Pe nin sula

Ranger Station

Djukbinj National Park

Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises NT

Beatrice Hill Research Farm

LEGEND

Shady Camp

River

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Stuart’s Tree Historical Reserve (restricted access)

Toilet Harrison Dam (4WD Access)

Lambell's Lagoon

Humpty Doo Co x

Mary River Conservation Reserve

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Black Jungle A rnh

Sa Tommycut Creek mp an

Melacca Swamp Conservation Area

Howard Springs Hunting Reserve

Ri ve r

High way

Chambers Bay

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Stuart

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Howard Springs Nature Park

Point Stuart Coastal Reserve

Djukbinj National Park

Mary

Tree Point Conservation Reserve

Lea der s

Timor Sea

For more information see our website: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks or contact Tourism Top End (08) 89362499 or 1300 138 886.

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