Howard Springs Nature Park: Synthesis of What We Know

Brief History

Howard Springs Nature Park has been a recreational venue for the people of Darwin since World War II. The Nature Park covers 283 hectares of diverse habitats that includes monsoon forests, extensive swamps and riverine areas.

The creek below the springs was dammed during World War II to supply water to a nearby abattoir and as a means of supplementing Darwin’s water supply. The pool area was also used as a rest camp by both American and Australian Service personnel. Following the war, the emergency water supply was no longer required but it was not until September 1950 that some facilities were erected and the area became a picnic ground under the control of the Darwin Town Management Board. In 1952 the Park became a Recreation Reserve under the control of the Northern Territory Reserves Board. The area was proclaimed a Recreation Reserve in 1952. In 1978, the Recreation Reserve was declared a Nature Park under Section 12 of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Chronology of infrastructure of the Howard Springs Nature Park

1944 - Weir at the springs created

The weir at the springs was built by the Royal Australian Engineers corps to supply water to Servicemen’s camps in Howard Springs, McMillians Road, Lee Point Rd and other places. The area became a popular recreation facility for servicemen.

1971 - Rock wall around the spring

The rock wall around the upstream section of the spring was built in 1971, after the Springs were cleared of gravel and silt to get it to flow again.

1986 - Sluice gate built

The sluice gate was built into the weir wall when the waterhole was drained towards the later part of the year in 1986. The waterhole refilled during the wet season of 1986-87. Rainfall for the wet season from September 1986 to June 1987 was 1 670mm, which was close to average. More than 60 per cent of the rain fell in January and February of 1987.