Deals > Explore > Darwin > Nature
Berry Springs Nature Park
Berry Springs Nature Park is a popular and picturesque area for picnics and is a great swimming spot. Use goggles to spot native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. The picnic area is a good base from which to take a walk through the monsoon forest and woodlands. Bring your binoculars if you're keen on bird watching.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles are found in the coastal fringe of Darwin and the various rivers that drain into it. There are many opportunities to enjoy a safe encounter with crocodiles in Darwin by visiting local attractions such as Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or joining a jumping crocodile cruise to observe these remarkable creatures up close.
Litchfield National Park
Darwin is the gateway to Litchfield National Park, a natural wonderland of waterfalls and plunge pools, wildlife and birdlife, ranges and rainforest. Just a one-and-a-half hour drive from the city, an excursion to Litchfield makes the ideal day trip.
George Brown Botanical Gardens
Darwin's Botanical Gardens are located an easy bike ride or short drive from the city centre. The Gardens house a major collection of Northern Australian monsoon flora, including orchids to bromeliads and other striking foliage plants. The Garden's ethno-botanical collections in the areas of Aboriginal plant use are world-renowned.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
Just 20 minutes drive from the city, the Casuarina Coastal Reserve comprises sandy beaches fringed by Casuarina trees and sandstone cliffs. The Reserve protects areas of cultural significance, including Old Man Rock, a registered Aboriginal sacred site. The Reserve also features a large grassy area with barbeques and tables.
Territory Wildlife Park
The Territory Wildlife Park is a world acclaimed attraction, only 45 minutes drive from Darwin. Highlights include an impressive aquarium, a daily birds-of-prey display, nocturnal house and the bird walk. Learn fascinating facts about reptiles at the reptile display and explore a representation of Darwin's river systems, from the escarpment to the mangroves on the coast.
Darwin has many parks and reserves that form its cityscape, giving the town a tropical feel.
Its wide streets are lined with lush foliage and its many suburban parks are dotted with enormous banyan trees, used by local children as cubby houses, and red flowered poinciana trees. Bicycle tracks and boardwalks wind through the coastline's mangroves that fringe the city, and areas like the Botanic Gardens, East Point Reserve and Casuarina Coastal Reserve are popular spots for early morning joggers, afternoon cyclists and sunset barbecues.
Travelling just beyond the city limits unlocks all types of accessible nature experiences. Nature and wildlife parks, like Howard Springs and Berry Springs Nature Reserves, are only a half hour drive from the city centre and offer the chance to swim with barramundi, relax in cascades, bird watch, bushwalk and enjoy a barbecue in manicured park lands.
Darwin is also the gateway to some of Australia's best-known national parks and tropical outback landscapes. Litchfield National Park, Mary River National Park and the world heritage listed Kakadu National Park are all located within a few hours drive of the city, making camping trips and fishing expeditions a natural part of the Darwin travel experience.
While Litchfield and Mary River National Parks can both be enjoyed on day trips, both offer enough to fill a couple of days. At least three days is recommended to get the most out of Kakadu, Australia's largest national park. Some opt to self tour, with a car or for more remote areas 4WD. However, organised tours can be booked at the visitor information centre and are also recommended for the holiday maker.
