Swimming in parks

In the Top End, you can swim in parks in areas managed for swimming.

Parks and Wildlife tests water quality, checks water flow and carries out crocodile surveys.

Where you can swim

Only swim in an area that has a swimming area open sign.

If it does not have a swimming area open sign, do not swim in this area.

The area may not be safe or free from saltwater crocodiles. Read more about crocodile capture and management.

It is safe to swim in some areas at certain times of the year, as shown in the following table:

Water safety

• only swim in areas marked open for swimming, and read all safety and warning signs before entry
• if you can’t swim, don’t enter the water
• never swim alone - always make sure someone is nearby if you need help
• always supervise children and never leave them unattended
• glass is not allowed within 10m of swimming areas - consider using plastics, cans or reusable cups for any drinks
• waterholes can have submerged objects such as rocks and logs - conditions can change after flood events, so always be vigilant
• don’t jump off any surface, especially waterfalls and rock ledges
• always Be Crocwise:
  • saltwater crocodiles live in salt and fresh water in the Top End and are dangerous - read and obey all crocodile safety signage
  • freshwater crocodiles generally stay away from people but will bite if provoked - do not disturb them
• in Central Australia, water temperatures can reach near-freezing in winter months
• you can take pool noodles and other floatation devices, but not watercraft.

Beach safety

In the Top End, it’s not advised to swim at any beach or estuary.

Saltwater crocodile danger is very real. Always BeCrocwise around any body of water. For more information on crocodile safety, go to the Be Crocwise website.

Stinger or box jellyfish inhabit waters from October to May each year.

If you want to swim in saltwater, it is best to visit the Darwin Waterfront. To find out more, go to the Darwin Waterfront website.