Howard Springs Nature Park - Howard Springs
Direct Phone Number : (08) 8999 4555
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Howard Springs Nature Park protects 283 hectares of diverse habitats including monsoon forests, extensive swamps and riverine areas. These areas provide valuable wildlife habitats. There are plenty of shady picnic areas with a children’s pool. You will see ibis and agile wallabies on the lawns near the main pool and there is a 1.8 kilometre walking track below with signs explaining 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. You can also view a variety of fish and turtles in the main pool, including barramundi.
The European history of the springs began in the late 1800s when they were part of large pastoral leases in this area. In the 1910s, the springs themselves came into focus as a solution to Darwin’s unreliable water supply. During the World War II, rest and recreation camps for up to 120 men were set up for Australian and American servicemen. The weir was built in 1944 by the Royal Australian Engineers to improve access to the water hole. In 1957, Howard Springs became the Northern Territory’s first reserve under the NT Reserves Board, now the Parks and Wildlife Service.