Howard Springs

Description

Howard Springs is a rural area on the outskirts of Darwin and covers over 1000 ha just 30 kilometres from the centre of town and is a great place to swim and snorkel in natural springs with the huge barramundi that live there. It is predominantly eucalypt woodland and monsoon rainforest so the activities include bushwalking, swimming and birdwatching.

Lots of shady picnic areas with views to a beautiful spring-fed waterhole, surrounded by a monsoon forest. A toddlers pool is provided for small children.

The Nature Park includes facilities that will provide visitors and families with hours of fun, including:

Shallow rock pools where people can cool-off in an attractive setting;
A playground which uses existing trees as features and includes a slide, flying foxes and a tree-house;
Picnic and barbeque facilities;
A toddler pool; and
Monsoon forest walk

Howard Springs Nature Park is a place where visitors can walk, relax, explore and cool off close to Darwin. It is maintained as bushland oasis for families to ‘get outdoors’, enjoy picnics and barbeques, get close to local wildlife and aquatic wildlife, such as barramundi and turtles.

These areas provide valuable wildlife habitats, especially for Magpie Geese, Whistling Ducks, Radjah Shelducks and Pygmy Geese.

Useful Information

Opening Times:

Daily from 8am to 8pm.

The Park is approximately 35 km south of Darwin.

Turn east off the Stuart Highway onto Howard Springs Road.

Safety and comfort

Observe park safety signs.
Swim only where recommended, observe warning signs.
Carry and drink plenty of water.
Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Carry a first aid kit.
Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.

Please remember

Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you.
Stay on designated roads and tracks.
All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
Pets are not permitted in this Park.
Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted.
Take care with fire, and light fires only in fireplaces provided.
Camping is not permitted.
No fishing.
Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and Cane Toads.

Please refer to the website for information on park access before you head to the park, especially during the Wet Season.

Contact

• Phone: (08) 8983 1001
• Website: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/hsnaturepark#.VG0w276Za-8

• Cost: Free
• Booking not required

• Howard Springs, NT Gunn Point Road, Howard Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

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