This Park protects part of the Port Darwin wetland, one of Australia's most significant wetlands. It protects locally significant woodlands too. Port Darwin is recognised as a nationally significant wetland because it is large, (48 sq. km) and diverse. Thirty six of the Northern Territory's 51 mangrove species occur in its convoluted system of inlets, islands and bays.
The Park lies on Frances Bay in Port Darwin, and includes the western bank of Sadgroves Creek, Reichardt Creek and part of Blessers Creek. Housing and industrial estates are its neighbours.
Although this Park is new, the land has history. Shell middens in the area show that Aboriginal people have used the land for thousands of years. Today, the Larrakia people speak for this land. The area was part of a network of World War II military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's northern defence line. The historic ammunition storage and testing areas were built in 1944.
How to get there
Travel east from Darwin city, along Tiger Brennan Drive. At Winnellie, opposite Bowen Road about 5.5 km from the city, highway signs identify the Park. Turn south through the gates.
When to visit
The Park is available for day use only. The gates open between 7 am and 7 pm. Sorry - no camping.
What to see & do
The area was part of a network of military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's World War II northern defence line. The bunkers and shelters in the Park were used for storage between 1944 and the mid 1980's.
Take a leisurely stroll or ride along the walking tracks and then relax with a picnic lunch overlooking the harbour.
Lookout Platform: There are wonderful views of the harbour and its wetlands from the picnic ground.
WWII Display: An overview of Darwin's role in the Pacific War. Free entry, open 8am - 5pm daily.
Visitor facilties
There are toilets, barbecues, a WWII display, walking tracks, a lookout, and a cycle path for visitor use.
Biting Insects - beware biting insects are part of the coastal web of life. Midges are tiny two-winged flies that breed in the intertidal zone. They can be a problem in the Park around sunrise and sunset. Wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent. Their numbers are highest around the full moons between August and October.
Recreational activities
There are wonderful views from the lookout platform in the picnic grounds. There is also an extensive network of walking and cycling tracks throughout the park. Vehicle access is restricted to the main entry and exit roads.
Cycle paths are in conjunction with the walking tracks though many mountain bike riders use the Park tracks. Barbecues and shade shelters are available. Bring your own picnic. The network of tracks in the Park was developed in the war years.
Scenic & cultural features
Although this Park is new, the land has history. Shell middens in the area show that Aboriginal people have used the land for thousands of years. Today the Larrakia people speak for this land. The area was part of a network of military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's World War II defence line. The bunkers and shelters in the Park were used for storage between 1941 and the mid 1980's.
Plants & animals
As well as protecting many of the Top End's mangrove species, the Park is also home to many native animals.
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