Swimming in Darwin | Northern Territory, Australia (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to swim in Darwin Australia? ›

Natural swimming holes in Darwin

Beaches, rivers and creeks in the Top End look welcoming during the humid months but they're not for swimming unless signed as safe. Crocodiles and stingers may be present so always obey the nearby signs.

From the Top End to the Red Centre, there are countless national parks filled with breath-taking places to take a dip. Visit iconic landscapes like Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Northern Territory boasts an array of spectacular swimming spots.

This safe wave and swimming lagoon is stinger and crocodile free, covering an area of 4,000 square metres, including a shallow water play area for younger children.

Not only are there plenty of swimming opportunities, but there are four patrolled beaches within 15 minutes of the CBD. No matter what type of beach you enjoy, there is one for you in Darwin.

Sometimes because Darwin is a smaller city, people may forget to take precautions. There are crocodiles in the sea and they sometimes come on shore, and box jelly fish in the sea- so no swimming. Mosquitoes at night, snakes and spiders. If you take precautions and use your common sense, you will be safe.

In the Top End, it's not advised to swim at any beach or estuary. Saltwater crocodile danger is very real. Always be crocwise around any body of water. Stinger or box jellyfish inhabit waters from October to May each year.

Both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles can be found in the waters and river systems around Darwin, but it is the larger species, the saltwater crocodile, that captures the imagination.

If a waterway does not have a swimming area sign, do not swim in this area. There may still be danger if there is no sign. The area may not be safe or free from saltwater crocodiles. It is safe to swim in all public and private swimming pools.

Discoloured water can occur during November to May and is usually caused by wet season weather mixing the layers of water in Darwin River Reservoir. Chlorine is maintained in the water supply at all times and in all but the most severely discoloured incidences, the risk of illness from consumption is very low.

Can you snorkel in Darwin? ›

Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Darwin

The turquoise waters teem with tropical fish and intriguing coral formations. The best time to snorkel here is during the dry season, from May to October, when the water visibility is at its peak.

In the Darwin region, 85% of our water supply comes from the Darwin River Dam, which is currently operating at capacity. The remaining 15% is provided through groundwater resources. The total demand for water in the Darwin region is expected to more than double by 2050 to 100 gigalitres per year.

Beach swimming in the Northern Territory should be undertaken in the dry season months of June, July, August and September as these months are outside the 'Stinger Season'. When you see red and yellow flags on a beach, it indicates that there is currently a lifesaving service operating on that beach.

Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, experiences the typical Wet (November–April) and Dry (May–October) seasons of the Top End. During the dry season, you'll be welcomed by blue skies daily with temperatures sitting comfortably between 20°C and 33°C (68°F and 91°F).

With everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and sunset cruises, Darwin is as easy going as it is exciting. If balmy nights, colourful characters and outdoor adventures are on your bucket list, you'll want to visit Darwin, located in the Northern Territory.

They can grow to an impressive seven metres long and can easily weigh more than 1,000 kg, though the average size of a fully-grown male in the Northern Territory is around five metres long. There are around 200,000 saltwater crocodiles in Australia, with the vast majority of them calling the Top End and Darwin home.

In the area you have selected (Darwin (C)) tsunami hazard is classified as medium according to the information that is currently available.

Historically, tsunamis are rare long the NT coastline. The NT has a low to moderate risk from tsunami because it is protected by shallow waters and a large tidal variation.