Parks And Reserves Of The Top End

Distances shown are from Darwin, and area measurements are in hectares.

Darwin Botanical Gardens (42ha/2km): Established in 1886 to introduce and evaluate plants for economic uses in the Northern Territory, the Darwin Botanic Gardens have survived severe cyclones, major bushfires, and World War II bombing raids, and now provide a window into the world of Northern Territory flora.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve (1180ha/15km): This Reserve, along the coast of Darwin's northern suburbs, extends from Rapid Creek to Lee Point. Beautiful beaches, mangrove and rainforest thickets which merge with paperbark forests make this spot ideal for a short or full day visit. Abundant wildlife including hermit crabs, dotterels, sea eagles, bats and bandicoots are of interest to the nature enthusiast. Old Man Rock, a registered Aboriginal Sacred Site, lies off shore and World War II artillery observation posts are of historical interest. There is a kiosk, children's playground and nude bathing area.

Holmes Jungle Nature Park (250ha/15km): Holmes Jungle, close to Darwin's northern suburbs, has a scenic lookout and picnic area with a panoramic view of swamplands, rainforests, undulating ridgeland and grassed woodland. This variety of habitats has an array of Top End wildlife, including water birds, many reptiles and small mammals including the Northern quoll and bandicoot. Walking tracks winding through the rainforest and woodland areas make this Park a pleasant spot for a half day visit.

Howard Springs Nature Park (1009ha/35km): This park has a spring-fed swimming pool surrounded by monsoon rainforest. A picnic area and open woodland prove plenty to do, including swimming, bushwalking, wildlife observation and photography. An enjoyable spot for a day trip, Howard Springs Nature Park is just off the Stuart Highway. Sealed roads provide year round access. Open 8 am to 8 pm

Berry Springs Nature Park (405ha/65km): Berry Springs is a natural freshwater spring close to Darwin. It is an ideal spot for picnics, walks, barbeques and swimming in the clear, rainforest fringed pools. Strong currents can occur during wet season flooding (December - March) and care should be taken when swimming. Sealed roads ensure year round access via the Stuart Highway and Cox Peninsula Road. Open 8 am to 7 pm.

Territory Wildlife Park (400ha/66km): Set in natural bushland the Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs is only 45 minutes drive south of Darwin. A series of enclosures has been designed to display native and introduced animals of the Northern Territory in natural habitats. The enclosures are found along a 4 km link road. A motorised train transports visitors between enclosures. A tour of the Wildlife Park takes at least two hours. There is a kiosk and souvenir shop at the Park entrance. An entrance fee applies. To get to the Wildlife Park, take the Stuart Highway and turn off onto the Cox Peninsula Road.

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve (1596ha/52km): Fogg Dam is a wetland, created in the 1950's for the short-lived rice plantations developed on the Adelaide River floodplains. The wetlands, surrounded by rainforests and paperbark swamps, attract many water birds, and bird watching early in the morning or at dusk is the main attraction of the Park. The Reserve is east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway.

Window On The Wetlands (60km): A visitor centre intended to provide an overview of the wetlands. Information is presented on the wildlife, seasonal changes and the problems of feral animals and weeds. Touchscreen computers allow visitors to find detailed information on various animal groups and on local Aboriginal and European history. Fun interactive displays help to explain ecological processes that occur in the wetlands. Located 60km from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.

Manton Dam (76km): Manton Dam is a large lake south of Darwin which offers an ideal location for power boat activities, picnics and swimming. The Park is off the Stuart Highway. Open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Litchfield Park (65700ha/100km): Part of the Tabletop Range, Litchfield Park features four large and spectacular waterfalls. Wangi, Florence, Tolmer and Sandy Creek Falls flow through the year, spilling into clear pools surrounded by lush rainforest. The Lost City with its fascinating sandstone formation and Sandy Creek Falls are on four-wheel drive vehicle tracks. Swimming, photography, wildlife observation and bushwalks, ranging from a 20 minute stroll to extended wilderness walks, are all popular activities at Litchfield.

The Park is approximately two hours drive from Darwin and can be reached via Batchelor township or the Cox Peninsula Road. A formed gravel road provides dry season two-wheel drive access, but can become corrugated and towing of caravans or trailers is not recommended. The wet season (October to April) brings flooding to lowland streams and roads to the Park may be closed for weeks at a time.

Daly River Nature Park (960ha/227 km): This 60 hectare Park is a favourite fishing and boating area noted for its barramundi. Swimming is not recommended as the river is home to many saltwater crocodiles.

Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs (3107ha/200km): the thermal pools of Douglas Hot Springs Nature Park attract visitors and wildlife alike. Flying foxes, bandicoots and other nocturnal animals as well as a variety of birdlife can be seen. The Hot Springs are often as hot as 60BC and it is recommended that you swim in the cold water pools some 200 metres upstream.

The Park is south of Darwin along the old Stuart Highway scenic route. The final 20 km into the Park is a formed gravel road giving dry season access to all vehicles.

Butterfly Gorge (104ha/200km): Butterfly Gorge with its sheer rockfaces, surrounded by forest and spinifex grass, offers walks, swimming and beautiful views. The Gorge is named for the large numbers of butterflies which shelter in its cool, shady rock crevices. Approximately 130 km from Katherine along the Stuart Highway scenic route, the Park is easily reached from Katherine or Darwin. The final 17 km into the Park is recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles only, and is closed to all vehicles throughout the wet season.

Umbrawarra Gorge (972ha/246km): The beautiful Umbrawarra Gorge has a series of permanent pools during the dry season (May to September). Walking and swimming in the gorge reveal ancient aboriginal rock art and wildlife, including wallabies, butterflies, native fish and many birds. It is an excellent spot for relaxation and photography. The Park turn-off is west of the Stuart Highway just south of Pine Creek, with two-wheel drive vehicle access during the dry season.

Leaning Tree Lagoon (101ha/90km): The lagoon is an ideal area for picnics, canoeing and bird watching. A relaxing spot for a day trip only 45 minutes drive from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway with two-wheel drive access. The road may be flooded during the wet season.

Mary River National Park (150km): The Mary River National Park and Reserve protects a part of the Mary River catchment that includes freshwater billabongs, paperbark forests, and a river system that provides year-round opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, bushwalking, and photography.

Wildman Reserve (22940ha/170km): The Reserve includes a large part of the beautiful Mary River floodplain; fresh water billabongs, paperbark forests, monsoon rainforest and woodland surround the winding river. Abundant bird life, saltwater crocodiles, fruit bats and fish make the Reserve a haven for the boating, fishing, photography or wildlife enthusiast. This Reserve is off the Arnhem Highway with two-wheel drive access to most areas during the dry season (May - September).

Kakadu National Park (1755200ha/250km): This large Park is jointly managed by the traditional Aboriginal owners and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. The magnificent scenery of the Arnhem Land escarpment dominates the area. Viewing the Aboriginal art, boat cruises through the wetlands, bushwalking, and scenic photography are all popular activities for visitors to Kakadu. You can reach the Park via the Arnhem Highway from Darwin, the Kakadu Highway from the south or by air to Jabiru.

Gurig National Park (220700ha/570km) And Coburg Marine Park (22900ha/570km): Gurig National Park and Cobourg Marine Park at the very top of the Northern Territory offer scenic coastal areas perfect for walking, photography, fishing, birdwatching and boating. A cultural centre explores the fascinating history of the area and commercial tours within the Parks are available. Gurig National Park is Aboriginal owned land and entry to the Park requires a permit obtained in advance from the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary Board, PO Box 496, Palmerston NT 0831. Access is by four-wheel drive vehicle 570 km north-east of Darwin, by boat or by light aircraft. The road is impassable during the wet season.