Howard Springs Nature Park
Overview
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Howard Springs Nature Park protects 283 ha of diverse habitats including monsoon forest, extensive swamps and riverine areas.
These areas provide valuable wildlife habitats, especially for Magpie Geese, Whistling Ducks, Radjah Shelducks and Pygmy Geese.
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 access to a beautiful spring-fed swimming pool, 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 Facilties
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 (650Kb)
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 Vesty'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 Activies
Guided Walk
- When: Saturday 5 May, Monday 14 & Thursday 17 June, Saturday 28 July & Saturday 11 August, 2007.
- Time: 9am - 1.5 hours
- Meet: Ranger office
- Book: 8999 4555
Springs 'n Things - discover some of the interesting things that influence this popular spring. Please bring a hat, insect repellent, sturdy shoes and drinking water.
Notices of the talks are advertised in the local newspaper or further details are available on 8999 4555.
