Just 47 km south of Darwin along Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs Nature Park is one of the Top End’s most popular natural attractions and an easy day trip for locals and visitors alike. Famous for its crystal clear swimming pools, shady picnic spots and lush surrounds, Berry Springs is the kind of place where a simple swim turns into a full day relaxing in nature. The spring-fed pools are connected by a small weir, flowing into Berry Creek, and are home to native fish and other aquatic life, making every float a chance to spot something interesting beneath the surface.
Surrounded by monsoon forest and woodlands and located just minutes from Darwin, Berry Springs Nature Park offers a refreshing escape that showcases the Territory’s incredible landscapes, wildlife and laid-back outdoor lifestyle. Read on for our guide on Berry Springs that includes how to get there, when the best time to go is, and all the highlights.
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Where Is Berry Springs?
Berry Springs Nature Park is located approximately 47 km south of Darwin, making it an easy and popular day trip for both locals and visitors. The park sits just off Cox Peninsula Road, around 10 minutes past the turn-off to the Territory Wildlife Park, and is clearly signposted from the main road.
Thanks to its close proximity to the city, Berry Springs feels like a secluded natural oasis while still being conveniently minutes from Darwin, ideal for a quick escape into nature without a long drive.
The Best Time to Visit Berry Springs
The best time to visit Berry Springs is during the Dry Season (May to October), when conditions are at their best for swimming and relaxing outdoors. During this time, the water is clear and cool, access is reliable, and the park is generally open for swimming.
Daytime temperatures sit comfortably between the mid-20s and low-30s, making it ideal for picnics, floating in the pools and exploring the surrounding monsoon forest. This is also when most visitors plan their trips, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
Berry Springs is open between 8am to 6:30pm, so if you want to get nice photos and have some time on your own, we recommend going nice and early.
The tour buses start rolling in around 9am and then it gets VERY busy until just after lunch time. However, if people don’t worry you, there are plenty of BBQ areas to perch up for lunch.
There’s also a little kiosk that sells delicious homemade mango ice cream and hires out pool noodles for a small fee.
Important Note: Berry Springs is closed for swimming during the wet season.
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Top Things to Do at Berry Springs
One of the best ways to experience Berry Springs is to float your way through the pools, so we recommend bringing a good floaty or pool noodle for maximum relaxation. Start at the left-hand side of the park, where a gentle running waterfall feeds into the system. From here, the current will slowly carry you downstream toward the main swimming area, making it feel more like a lazy river than a typical swimming hole—perfect for a laid-back day in the water.
The water flowing from the waterfall is beautifully clear and refreshingly cool, offering great visibility if you enjoy spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for small archer fish, catfish and other native aquatic life gliding beneath the surface. As you drift further downstream, the pools become noticeably deeper and the water shifts to a striking jade green colour. In this section, fish life is usually only visible close to the surface, adding to the sense of depth and mystery of the main pool.
Beyond swimming, Berry Springs is also ideal for a slow, unhurried day outdoors. Take advantage of the shady pools, grassy areas, and nearby picnic and barbecue spots to relax between swims, or simply sit back and watch the water flow through the surrounding monsoon forest.
Tip: If you arrive early in the morning, the main pool offers an incredible opportunity to capture a mirror-like reflection photo, with the jade green water still and undisturbed before other swimmers arrive—easily one of the most photogenic moments at Berry Springs.
Whether you’re based in the area or planning a Northern Territory adventure, Berry Springs Nature Park is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to slow down and soak up the Top End. The park has a fascinating history—Berry Springs was part of a rest and recreation camp set built at Berry Springs during World War II—and today it continues to be a favourite place to cool off, unwind and connect with nature. Keep in mind that Berry Springs during this time of year may experience seasonal pool closures, and sections can be closed for swimming in the Wet Season, so it’s always worth checking conditions before you go. When open, visitors can enjoy well-maintained picnic and barbecue areas, shady pools, and facilities including when the kiosk is open or if the nearby holiday park is open. With amazing wildlife, from barramundi to turtles and other aquatic life, and nearby attractions like Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs remains one of the Northern Territory’s most loved natural escapes—perfect for a relaxed day out surrounded by nature.
Berry Springs has become one of our FAVOURITE spots for a swim in the NT, so add it to your itinerary for your next visit to the Top End!
*Cover image is by @un_professional_travellers on IG.
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Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
