Charles Darwin National Park

Charles Darwin National Park, on Frances Bay in Darwin, sustains a portion of the wetland of Port Darwin and other local wetlands. The Port Darwin wetland plays a crucial role in Australia because of its huge size, 48 square kilometers and the complexity of the area comprising of islands, bays and inlets. A large variety of mangroves, 36 of the 51 species in the Northern Territory, are found in this wetland.

Also under the care of the Charles Darwin National park are the Reichardt Creek, portion of Bleesers Creek and the west end of the Sadgroves Creek.

History and Attractions

Charles Darwin National Park is both a cultural and a historical site because of the history of its land. Aboriginal people occupied this area. Shell middens, evidence of human settlement, were found in this site. In the midst of World War II, concrete bunkers and shelters were built as part of the military frontline defense system. A bunker has been transformed to a visitors centre showcasing World War II mementos with a lookout platform providing a scenic panorama of the Darwin Harbour and the surrounding wetlands.

Charles Darwin National Park has trails that can be used for walking and cycling, drinking water, barbecue and picnic sites, shaded areas, public toilets, car parking and coach parking spaces. Other activities that can be enjoyed in the vicinity are wildlife watching, mountain biking, bushwalking and guided tours. Visitors are advised to wear clothes that will protect them from insect bites and to use insect repellant. It is open from 7 am until 7 pm and the entrance is on Tiger Brennan Drive, which can be accessed by going east from Darwin City. Signs along the highways of Winnellie, approximately 5.5 km from the city, aid in locating the park. Camping is not allowed since it is open to the public only in the daytime.

Northern Territory Photos