Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangrove forests of the coastal plain. Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls.

Bowling Green Bay National Park covers 57,900ha of coastal and mountainous country. The habitats range from mangroves at sea level to rainforests on the mountain tops.

The national park includes a wetland that has gained international recognition as a significant habitat for waterfowl, and has been listed under the Ramsar Convention(external link). In the summer months at least 30 different species of birds migrate to the park from various parts of the world.

Within the park, Mount Elliot reaches a height of 1210m, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain and dominating the landscape.