Conservation Parks & Nature Reserves

The following Parks and Nature Reserves are operated and maintained by the Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts and are situated in the Litchfield municipality.

Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs Nature Park is a popular swimming and picnic area with several pools and a small waterfall fed by crystal clear spring water and surrounded by natural bush. A low weir keeps the swimming pools full, while below the weir is crocodile country and swimming is definitely not recommended.

About an hour's drive from Darwin on the Cox Peninsular Road, this is probably the most popular of the bush swimming pools in the Litchfield Municipality.

Howard Springs Nature Park

Swim and Picnic at the Howard Springs Reserve Nature Park. Only 35 km from Darwin, this is a small freshwater spring with barramundi, turtles, wallabies and a pleasant 1.8 km bush walking track. Lots of shady picnic areas with access to a beautiful spring-fed swimming pool, surrounded by a monsoon forest. A toddlers pool is provided for small children.

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of several parks in the lower Adelaide River catchment that provide havens for wildlife in the Litchfield Municipality's developing rural fringe. It is one of the few wetland systems accessible to visitors all year round.

The Adelaide River catchment is one of several connected catchments which make up the Top End wetlands.

These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty, natural systems and importance to Aboriginal people.

Recreational activities within Fogg Dam include a number of walking tracks.

Windows on the Wetland

Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre is perched on Beatrice Hill, one of the highest points on the Adelaide River floodplain.

Travel approximately 60 km from Darwin along the Stuart and Arnhem Highways. You'll easily see the upswept line of the Visitors Centre roof, which reflects the contours of the hills in the area.

There is a steep walk from the car park to the entrance of the Visitor Centre. However, a drop-off area is provided for less able passengers. Entry is free, and the Visitor Centre is open every day from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Territory Wildlife Park

Opened in 1989, the Territory Wildlife Park is a project of the Northern Territory Government, Parks and Wildlife division.

Situated in Berry Springs, a 45 minute drive south of Darwin's CBD, and conveniently located next door to Berry Springs Nature Reserve the Territory Wildlife Park truly is the Territory's wildest wildlife experience!

At the Territory Wildlife Park, not only do you see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, you meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations.

You stroll beneath the surface in our walk-through aquarium and meet some of the Top End's most amazing aquatic life. You meet, nose to nose, with our giant Saltwater croc. It's the closest you'll ever get to a salty without risking a scratch!

Manton Dam

Manton Dam, built in 1942, was Darwin's first reliable water supply. Today, although its water is still used in emergencies, the Dam is a popular recreation area.

Its undisturbed drainage area is also a valuable catchment and conservation area. Manton Dam is a pleasant destination for an easy day trip from Darwin.

Visitors can enjoy the following activities: picnics, fishing, boating and canoeing and windsurfing.

The Dam is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 7 pm on weekends and public holidays. The area is closed each night.

Turn west off the Stuart Highway about 70 km south of Darwin. All roads are sealed and accessible all year round.

To view more NT Government Parks information visit http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/index.html