Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs is a series of clear spring-fed pools linked by short cascades in monsoon vine forest, with the water holding a steady temperature year round and shaded by paperbarks and palms. It is one of the more reliable swimming spots near Darwin, which matters in a region where most water holds estuarine crocodiles; rangers survey and manage the pools, closing them when necessary and after the wet season until they are cleared. During the Second World War the area was used as a recreation camp for troops stationed around Darwin. The Territory Wildlife Park next door holds Top End species including a walk-through aviary and an aquarium tunnel.

What you actually see

• The spring pools - clear water in a chain of pools with small cascades.
• The monsoon forest - paperbarks, palms and vine forest along the creek.
• The Territory Wildlife Park - Top End species in the reserve next door.
• The wartime history - the site's use as a troop recreation camp.

When to go

May to October, when the pools are open and clear; they close during and after the wet season while the creek is surveyed for crocodiles, sometimes into May. Weekends and holidays fill the car park by mid-morning.

Honest expectations

The pools close for months after the wet and reopening dates vary each year. Crocodile management is active, and closures happen at short notice. The pools are busy on weekends, and facilities are picnic areas and toilets.

Nearby

The Territory Wildlife Park adjoins; Darwin lies north and Litchfield south.