Activities

The floodplains of the Mary River region form one of the most significant ecosystems in Australia. Dominated by the climatic extremes of the tropical monsoon, the wetlands and savannah woodlands that fringe the coastal regions between Darwin and Kakadu National Park harbour an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna.

Airboat tours

The floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment are the key natural feature of this area and some of the most important in the country, home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. A morning trip out on the plains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this environment.

Bird watching

The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. Even in the dry season the Swim Creek floodplain retains large areas of water where the birdlife congregates in vast numbers. The floodplains on the property still retain large areas of water to which the birdlife congregates in extraordinary numbers rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.

Wildlife viewing

The floodplains and neighbouring savannah woodlands host an immense variety of wildlife. Species that you might encounter include Agile Wallabies, Antilopine Wallaroos, Dingos, Estuarine Crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo. Other species appear at night and include a variety of reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians.

River cruises (April-October)

 The Sampan River, which forms the western boundary of the station, harbours one of the largest crocodile populations in the world. Cruising amongst the mangroves in search of these prehistoric reptiles will also uncover a huge variety of birdlife.

4WD safaris

With the recession of the waters from much of the floodplain in the dry season, the plains become accessible to 4WD vehicles and an afternoon out with one of the guides will provide a unique insight to this fragile yet very important environment. Our open top safari vehicles provide for the best possible viewing and are equipped so that you can enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat while out on the property.

Scenic Helicopter Flights (additional cost)

Enjoy the thrill of a helicopter flight and an exclusive aerial experience over the spectacular floodplains and coastline of Northern Australia. 

A birds eye view of the thousands of Magpie Geese, Egrets, Whistling Ducks and flocks of Corellas provides a different and inspirational perspective of the floodplains, river systems, and prolific wildlife of Australia's north coast.  The rivers of this part of Australia play host to the largest salt water crocodiles in the world and the property is also home to almost 5,000 head of buffalo. 

Scenic Flight Options:

• 15 minute scenic flight
• 30 minute scenic flight
• 1 hour scenic flight
• Romantic sunset flight landing at an isolated beach for sundowner drinks and canapes
• Kakadu scenic flight takes you over the ancient floodplains and escarpments to the region
• Conditions: minimum two people, maximum 3 people, weight restrictions apply

Fishing (additional cost)

The Sampan River is mecca for barramundi fishermen and specialist fishing guides can be arranged for your stay.  To find out more about the fishing options available click here

Aboriginal Culture in Arnhem Land & Kakadu National Park (additional cost)

While Bamurru Plains does not provide sites of specific Aboriginal interest, the rock art galleries of Kakadu and Arnhem Land are only a short distance away and Bamurru provides an ideal base from which to visit Kakadu or Arhnemland and yet return to an exclusive bush camp at the end of the day.

Our day trips can be taken by road, small aircraft or helicopter.  Day trips by air are the preferred way to travel as it takes in the spectacular scenery and reduces the travel time.

To find out more about the options available, click here.

Station activities

Bamurru is located on Swim Creek Station, one of a handful of buffalo pastoral properties in this area, and when the muster is in full swing the sight of helicopters or ‘Mad Max-like’ bull catchers corralling these beasts into the yards is awe inspiring. As musters are conducted on an ad hoc basis, this is not a guaranteed activity.