Howard Springs Nature Park
Overview
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Howard Springs Nature Park has been a recreational venue for the people of Darwin since World War II. The Nature Park covers 283 hectares of diverse habitats that includes monsoon forests and extensive woodlands.
These areas provide valuable wildlife habitats, especially for Magpie Geese, Whistling Ducks, Radjah Shelducks and Pygmy Geese.
Howard Springs Nature Park Upgrades
Howard Springs Nature Park is being redeveloped to enhance the recreational opportunities available to visitors. The redevelopment of the Park will include the construction of shallow rock pools which will provide visitors with the opportunity to cool down within a picturesque setting. The redevelopment will also include the construction of aquatic wildlife viewing platforms which will allow visitors to gain a better view of the aquatic wildlife found in the waterhole.
The designs for this stage of the redevelopment are complete and construction should be complete in early 2012.
Artists’ impression of Howard Springs Nature Park proposed shallow rock pools
How to Get There
The Park is approximately 35 km south of Darwin.
Turn east off the Stuart Highway onto Howard Springs Road.
When to Visit
Gates are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm daily, all year round.
What to See and Do
Picnicking and swimming
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.
Walking
There is a 1.8 km walking track below the weir. Signs along the track explain some of the different vegetation and animals you may see. Another short track off the main road will take you through dense rainforest to the springs which feed the main pool.
Visitor Facilities
Visitor facilities include:
- Toilets
- Picnic area
- Barbecue
Please Remember
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.
- Use firewood provided sparingly.
- Camping is not permitted.
- No fishing.
- Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and Cane Toads.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 782Kb)
Recreational Activities
- Picnic Tables
- Walking Tracks
There is a 1.8 km walking track below the weir. Signs along the track explain some of the different vegetation and animals you may see. Another short track off the main road will take you through dense rainforest to the springs which feed the main pool.
Scenic and Cultural Features
The European history of the Springs began in the late 1800's when they were part of large pastoral leases in this area.
In the 1910's the Springs themselves came into focus as a solution to Darwin's unreliable water supply.
Eventually, in 1939, after a community petition and delays caused by the Depression, water from the Springs was piped to railway dams, overhead tanks in Darwin, and Vestey's meat works. This arrangement served as a stop-gap measure until Manton Dam was completed in 1942. A road connecting this area with Darwin was built as part of this project.
During the Second World War, rest and recreation camps for up to 120 men were set up here for servicemen from USA and Australia. The weir was built in 1944 by the Royal Australian Engineers to improve the swimming hole.
In 1957 Howard Springs became the Northern Territory's first Reserve under the NT Reserves Board, now the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Plants and Animals
You can often see Ibis and Agile Wallabies on the lawns near the main pool, also a variety of fish including Barramundi, can be seen from the weir wall. Signs on the weir walkway will help you identify some of the fish.
Ranger Guided Activities
Parks Alive Program
Free Ranger guided activities are provided in this Park between June and August each year.
Check out the Top End Territory Parks Alive brochure for activities offered in 2012.