Adelaide River is the name of a river and a township it flows through. The town is on the Stuart Highway, 114 km south of Darwin, the State Capital of Northern Territory. If you aren’t self-driving there are buses available from Broome, Alice Springs and Darwin.
Between the Budget Rooms, a Motel, Cabins, Caravan and Camping Sites in town and Resorts and Station Stays in the surrounding area, there will be accommodation to suit most people.
A small township on the banks of the Adelaide River was established in 1872 as a stopover for travellers and gold miners at Pine Creek. A railway from Darwin to Adelaide River was completed in 1888 to service their needs. During the early 20th century the area was used for farming, notably at Mount Bundy Station, where water buffalos were hunted and their hides exported to Europe.
The town played an important role during World War II, first as a rest area for troops stationed in Darwin and then as a major military base and civilian refuge after the bombing of Darwin. The town itself was only bombed once as part of the last Japanese air raid to take place in the Northern Territory. A war cemetery was established in 1942 and is still visited today.
People not only visit the area as a gateway to Litchfield National Park or to see the attractions of the town itself, many visit to cruise the river and see what has made Adelaide River a famous landmark, jumping crocodiles.
See More Landmarks The Top End – Northern Territory – Home