Manton Dam Recreation Area
Overview
Manton Dam, built in 1942, was Darwin's first reliable water supply. Today, although its water is still used in emergencies, the Dam is a popular recreation area. It's undisturbed drainage area is also a valuable catchment and conservation area.
How to Get There
Turn west off the Stuart Highway about 70km south of Darwin. All roads are sealed and accessible all year round.
When to Visit
The Dam is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays. The area is closed each night.
What to See and Do
Manton Dam is a pleasant destination for an easy day trip from Darwin. Visitors can enjoy the following activities: picnics, fishing, boating and canoeing and windsurfing.
Visitor Facilties
The facilities available at Manton Dam include parking areas, toilets, shaded picnic areas with barbecues, a boat ramp and walking tracks.
Please Remember
Camping is not permitted in this Park.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 631Kb)
Recreational Activities
- Boat Ramp
Power boats and water skiing is popular at the Dam and an Unrestricted Boating Zone has been set aside for these activities. There is a seperate zone for Low Speed Boating. - Canoeing
Canoeing and windsurfing are also catered for in the Low Speed Boating Zone. - Fishing
In the early 1990's the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries released about 100,000 farm-bred fingerlings into Manton Dam. However the restricted area near the Dam wall must be adhered to and fishing is not permitted from the Dam wall. - Picnic Tables
Picnic and barbecue facilities are situated among lawns and large shady trees. Picnic tables are located near the Ski Beach for use by visitors. Additional picnic tables are located under shady trees across the creek on the peninsula. Access is via the bridge at the end of the carpark. - Swimming
An area of the Dam has been set aside for swimming but care has to be taken due to the enroachment of various species of water plants. - Walking Tracks
There are no developed walking tracks at the Manton Dam. Visitors may walk along the shore, although normal precautions should be taken.
Scenic and Cultural Features
The Manton River was impounded in 1942 to build the Dam which was Darwin's first water supply reservoir. In 1951 its catchment was declared as Woolnough Water Catchment and Flora and Fauna reserve. In 1972 a dam was constructed on the Darwin River, to the north-west, which then became the main water supply for Darwin's expanding population.
Manton Dam was opened for recreation in 1989. Some areas of the Dam are closed to protect water quality. Access to the Dam wall and pumping sheds is about 5km north along the Stuart Highway.
Plants and Animals
There is a large variety of bird life to be seen at Manton Dam. The water plants at the edge of the dam provide both food and cover for ducks and wader species. Many woodland bird species can also be seen as the Eucalypt woodland is the dominant habitat and is part of the shoreline in many places. Reptiles and mammals have also been recorded in this area and form a large part of the fauna list for the Dam and its environs.