Howard Springs Nature Park

Howard Springs Nature Park is a beloved recreation spot for locals, built around a spring-fed waterhole amid monsoon forest. The park’s main attraction is a large concrete-lined natural pool once used as Darwin’s early water supply, now a safe swimming area (seasonally open) where visitors can swim among barramundi and turtles that are visible in the clear water:contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}. Shaded picnic lawns surround the pool, with free electric BBQs, tables and a playground, making it ideal for family outings:contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}. A short loop walking trail and boardwalk lead through dense forest and paperbark swamp, with interpretive signs about the area’s ecology and World War II history (Howard Springs was developed in 1944 as a Rest and Recreation camp for soldiers). Wildlife is plentiful – you may spot wallabies in the picnic area, file snakes in the water, and a variety of birdlife in the trees. The park has recently undergone upgrades and now includes an all-abilities access pathway and improved facilities. (Note: As of 2023, swimming access may be periodically closed for management reasons; check current status.) With its combination of natural beauty, wildlife encounters and amenities, Howard Springs Nature Park offers a refreshing escape just 35 km from Darwin’s city centre.