East Point Reserve
East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0820
Spanning 500 acres (200 hectares), East Point Reserve is Darwin’s biggest park. It offers safe swimming in man-made Lake Alexander, plus beaches, playgrounds, workout stations, picnic and barbecue areas, cycle and walking paths, and sunset views. Ecosystems include monsoon forest, mangroves, and an intertidal boardwalk.
The basics
Between box jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles, it’s wise to be cautious about the ocean in Darwin, particularly during the wet season. But 8.5-acre (3.5-hectare) Lake Alexander, filled with filtered seawater, is a popular choice for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking. There’s more to East Point Reserve than swimming, though—it's home to wallabies, possums, reptiles, butterflies, and birds, plus a range of marine critters. Try to spot them all on the Interactive Science Trail.
Things to know before you go
East Point Reserve is a great choice for families and travelers who have more time to spend in Darwin.
The park has restrooms and shower facilities, but they’re only open during daylight hours.
East Point Reserve has flat paths and is generally wheelchair-friendly, with an accessible bathroom and accessible parking.
How to get there
East Point Reserve sits on a spit of land about 4 miles (7 kilometers) north of Darwin’s Central Business District, beyond Fannie Bay. It’s not well served by public transit, so most travelers drive. You can also cycle on the city’s excellent bike path network.
When to get there
East Point Reserve is open until 9:30pm Monday through Friday and until 10:30pm on weekends and public holidays. Sunset is a nice time to visit, particularly if you bring a picnic to enjoy.
Where else to swim in Darwin
Darwin offers plenty of options for swimming—even during the wet season when stingers make the beaches dangerous. Darwin Waterfront features a man-made beach and a wave pool; Palmerston Water Park and Leanyer Recreation Park offer water slides to ride for free; and Crocosaurus Cove lets you get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles (for a fee).
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