Casuarina Coastal Reserve - Darwin CBD and Suburbs
Direct Phone Number : (08) 8999 4555
Return to Darwin CBD and Suburbs
Casuarina Coastal Reserve protects a large coastal area between the mouth of Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek in Darwin. The highlights of the reserve are white sandy beaches fringed by Casuarina trees and beautiful sandstone cliffs. Behind the beaches and dunes are mangroves, monsoon vine thickets and paperbark forests. The reserve also protects areas of cultural significance. The Larrakia people speak for this land. Off shore is Old Man Rock, Dariba Nunggalinya, which is a registered Aboriginal sacred site. Although fishing is permitted, disturbing the rock in any way or the removal of shellfish at this site, is prohibited. World War II artillery observation posts provide a reminder of the areas wartime involvement.
Barbecues, tables and plenty of shade make the area a popular picnic spot. Enjoy a stroll on the beach or along the track to Sandfly Creek. There are also cycle paths throughout the park and along the main roads. Wildlife such as ospreys, brahimny kites, red-tailed black-cockatoos, cormorants and gulls can be seen along the dunes or soaring overhead. You can see a variety of marine life in the rock pools at low tide.
During the tropical summer, from October to April, swimming is not permitted due to box jellyfish being common at this time of the year. During the dry season, May to September, travellers may swim at their own risk. Box jellyfish have been recorded throughout the year. There is an stretch of beach north of the Dripstone picnic area where nudity is permitted within the signposted boundaries.
Access via Trower Road in Brinkin, or via Lee Point Road in Lyons.