Adelaide River is the name of both a river and a town that sits on the banks of that river. Neither are anywhere near the South Australian city of Adelaide, but in the Northern Territory, near Darwin. Travelers come to the Adelaide River area to go on cruises, spot crocodiles—and especially for the “jumping croc” activities.
Adelaide River is a historic town with some World War II-era historical sites—it was bombed during the war—but most travelers use it as a base for exploring the Rum Jungle and Daly River areas, as well as to go on jumping croc cruises. On these cruises, travelers travel down the Adelaide River with knowledgeable guides, who dangle pieces of meat to entice large saltwater crocodiles to jump up and catch it. Other birds and wildlife can also be seen from these cruises, including buffalos, jabirus, sea eagles, kites, and snakes.
Many travelers visit the Adelaide River area independently, and tours also operate. Multi-day tours that include the Litchfield National Park, Darwin, and the Kakadu National Park often include a stop at Adelaide River.
The town of Adelaide River is at the crossing of the Adelaide River and the Stuart Highway, about a 1.5-hour drive south of Darwin. The river runs for 111 miles (180 kilometers) east of Darwin, from a point south of Adelaide River town to the northern coast of the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory experiences two main seasons—wet season and dry season. Most travelers prefer to come during the dry season (May-October). Temperatures are hot but less so than during the wet seasons, and humidity is lower. In the wet season, some roads and wetland areas are inaccessible due to flooding or muddy conditions. The level of the Adelaide River increases significantly in the wet season.
