The Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve is a small wetland located in a semi urban area on the outskirts of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. This Conservation Reserve is a significant wildlife habitat and provides an important opportunity for the public to view flora and fauna in their natural state.

The Reserve contains four natural depressions of varying size that fill with water and at times combine to form one large body of water covering approximately 54 ha.

The Reserve also protects areas of cultural significance. The Larrakia people speak for this land. The Aboriginal values relate to the past and present use of the Reserve by Aboriginal people. The historical values of the Reserve relate to its use as a recreational area by Darwin residents and the use of the Reserve by the defence forces during World War II.

See and Do

Bird watching and other wildlife observation is the main activity.

This prominent lagoon or lagoons was named by Surveyor General GW Goyder during the Survey of the Port Darwin and Environs in 1869 after Richard Randall Knuckey, his Senior Surveyor, who took a leading part in the survey. Knuckey also surveyed part of the Overland Telegraph Line in later years. Born in Cornwall (England), Knuckey was educated in Kadina (SA), trained as a surveyor in Adelaide and served in the Northern Territory. This locality was removed from the Berrimah suburban area in the City of Darwin.

How to Get There: The Reserve is located 12 kms South East of Darwin City Centre. Access is off Lagoon Road (Randall Road) or McMillans Road (Fiddlers Lane).

When to Visit: The Reserve is accessible all year round. Visitors need to be aware that vehicle access into the Reserve is not available.