Casuarina Coastal Reserve

The Casuarina Coastal Reserve is a 1500-hectare protected area north of Darwin. It encompasses the lower ends of Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek.The reserve sustains pristine white beaches, the mangroves, forests and a thriving wildlife. It also preserves important sites in the area, among them: Dariba Nunggalinya (Old Man Rock), a rock formation that has sacred significance for the Aboriginals; and the observation posts close to Lee point, a historical reminder of Darwin's role in World War II.

A drive through Trower Road or Brinkin, Rapid Creek, Lee Point or Buffalo Creek Roads will lead to this beautiful reserve.

Must Sees and Must Dos

Birds like ospreys,cormorants, red-tailed black-cockatoos and gulls flock to the beaches near Buffalo Creek for food. The dunes are nesting grounds for turtles. While the forests and mangroves are sanctuaries to a number of bird species and small mammals like the Northern Brown Bandicoot and Northern Brushtail Possum.

Dripstone Cliffs, Dripstone Park, Lee Point and Buffalo Creek have facilities for barbecues and picnics. When the tide is at its lowest, the Old Man Rock can be clearly seen from the Dripstone Cliffs. The low water also gives a peek at a diversity of creatures flourishing in the water. Fishing is allowed but tampering of rocks and shellfish in the Old Man Rock area is illegal.

At the north of the Dripstone picnic area, within signposted limits, is a nudist beach.

Box jellyfish, with their poisonous stings, are present in the waters. They are particularly frequent from October until May so going to the waters during these months is not allowed.

Rapid Creek Bridge to Dripstone Park is a cycling path. Trails running from Daribah Road, passing Royal Darwin Hospital, ending at Lee Point, can be used for both hiking and cycling.

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