One of the best things to do in the Northern Territory is to go on Darwin Adventure Boat tours and rides, whether it’s on our jet boats or airboats, to check out the mangroves at Darwin Harbour. These mangrove forests scattered around the harbour are just a few of the many natural wonders to be seen in the NT. Through our boat adventures, you can see these Darwin mangroves up close and gain a better appreciation of them.
To learn more about mangroves, read our guide so you can be prepared for your Darwin mangrove boat trip!
Mangroves are a group of growth forms, ranging from shrubs to trees, that are typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal environments. Because their location is subject to many harsh environmental conditions, such as the high salt levels and the tides and waves, many mangrove species are known for their strong adaptive characteristics.
Mangrove communities are found usually in two main regions: the Western Group (the coasts of Africa and the Americas, Tropical America, and Galapagos Islands), and the Eastern Group (East Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, etc.). These communities usually develop due to the presence of tropical temperatures, alluvium, shores without strong waves and tides, salt water, and a large tidal range.
In Australia, the most diverse sets of mangroves occur in the northern and northeastern coasts. Australian forests also boast 41 species of mangroves from 19 different plant families. With more than half of all mangrove species being in the country, Australia is the perfect location for those who want to explore mangroves up close and personal.
In the Northern Territory, its mangroves are most abundant in Arnhem Land, Bathurst Island, Melville Island, and Darwin Harbour. At Darwin Harbour specifically, 36 of the 50 mangrove species in the world are found there naturally. This is why Darwin Harbour is one of the best places to go on a mangrove boat adventure to experience their natural beauty.
But the importance of mangroves doesn’t stop there. Aside from their beauty, mangroves are also a key reason as to why soil doesn’t erode in intertidal zones. During storms, they serve as buffer zones to lessen the damage of these disasters on the rest of the region. Lastly, they are a great source of food, shelter, and materials for different species and humans alike. Indigenous Australians in particular have traditionally depended on mangroves, among other things, for their food supply and materials for canoes, weapons, and more.
The beauty and value of mangroves is a source of pride in the Northern Territory. That’s why at Matt Wright Wild Territory, we offer our Adventure Boat packages for visitors to see the mangroves of Darwin Harbour in their fullest glory. Choose from a jet boat ride or an airboat tour in Darwin Harbour to experience a fun and exhilarating journey!
Starting at Dock 1 located at Stokes Hill Wharf, our tours promise an extensive look at the mangroves around the area. You’ll also get to see the mudflats, marine ecosystems, and wildlife in our exciting boat tour! Make sure you have sunscreen and waterproof casing for your gadgets to protect yourself from the sun and the splashes of water. The ride can also get quite bumpy and muddy, so have a clean change of clothes for afterwards.
There’s no better way to experience the beauty of mangroves than through a Darwin mangrove boat adventure. Book now to make your next trip to Darwin an exciting and memorable one! And for more experiences in the Top End, check out our website at Matt Wright Wild Territory!
We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present, and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation; we are proud to work closely with the traditional owners of the Northern Territory and to honour their land and culture in everything we do.