This Reserve protects about 1500ha of coastal habitats between the estuaries of Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek, in the Darwin area. It includes 8 km of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and shady casuarina trees. The beach here is very wide - the size of the people at the water's edge in the second photo gives an idea of its width. Behind the dunes lie typical Top End coastal plant communities including patches of woodlands, monsoon forests, mangroves and paperbarks.



The Larrakia people maintain links with the land, its sacred and significant sites include Dariba Nunggalinya (Old Man Rock) visible at low tide from Dripstone Cliffs lookout. Although fishing is permitted, disturbing the rock in any way or the removal of shellfish at this site is prohibited. Also in the Park are World War II artillery observation posts providing a reminder of the area's wartime involvement.

How to Get There: The Reserve is located in Darwin's northern suburbs and can be entered via the Rapid Creek, Trower Road (Brinkin), Lee Point or Buffalo Creek

The cycle path from Rapid Creek Bridge to Dripstone Park is bitumen. It has a link to the Northern Territory University. The other paths, which are dual purpose for use by cyclists and walkers run from Daribah Road past the Royal Darwin Hospital to Lee Point.

Although fishing is permitted, disturbing the rocks in any way or the removal of shellfish is prohibited.

Barbeques, tables and plenty of shade make this Reserve a popular picnic spot. There are gas BBQ's throughout the Reserve with locations at Dripstone Park and Lee Point.



Walking Tracks: A signposted track is located at the Dariba Road carpark, with access through to Rocklands Drive, Tiwi. The path from Daribah Road goes on past the Royal Darwin Hospital to Lee Point. A stroll on the beach or along the track to Sandfly Creek is also enjoyable. There s usually plenty of beach space except at the peak of very high tides. Other walking tracks take you through through the forest patches behind the dunes.

Exercising Animals: Dogs and horses are permitted only in some areas. Download information Sheet >>

About Casuarina

The suburb of Casuarina derives its name from the Casuarina trees that grow along the nearby Casuarina Beach. Casuarina was the name used in the early 1960s for the proposed main business area in the northern suburbs. Casuarina is a small suburb taking in the large shopping and business area and vice facilities/ buildings..

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