Howard Springs Hunting Reserve
Overview
The Howard Springs Hunting Reserve protects a large area around the Howard River including some open forest/woodland and periodically inundated areas.
The Reserve also protects areas of cultural significance. The Larrakia people speak for this land.
The Howard Springs Hunting Reserve provides an area where hunting of ducks and magpie geese can occur during the hunting season. Many other species of wildlife occur in this Reserve inhabiting the wide range of different vegetation types found there.
How to Get There
The Reserve is located to the East of Darwin and to the North of the Howard Springs Nature Park. The Reserve can be accessed from the Gunn Point Road shortly after crossing the Howard River. The final approach to the Hunting Reserve is along gravel roads and dirt tracks.
When to Visit
The Reserve is accessible during the dry season.
Once the wet season sets in, the tracks are impassable and extremely slippery as the area is inundated.
What to See abd Do
Hunting is permitted for approved duck species including magpie geese. Waterfowl hunting regulations must be adhered to. Lead shot is not permitted to be used.
Outside the hunting season there are opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation. Bird watching on the receding marshes and swamps at the end of the wet season can be rewarding as a large variety of species can be seen, including brolgas, saurus cranes, jabiru and species of duck.
Visitor Facilties
There are no visitor facilities. Tracks lead to the fishing spots and to places where views of swamps and marshes can provide wildlife observations.
Please Remember
Safety and comfort
- Observe park safety signs.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Protect yourself from tropical disease. (further information)
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
- Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.
Please remember
- Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks. Remain on all existing tracks. Do not drive off road.
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Pets are not permitted in this Reserve.
- Nets and traps are not permitted.
- Take care with fire, and light fires only in fireplaces provided.
- Observe all fishing regulations.
- Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and Cane Toads.
Recreational Activities
- Fishing
Fishing is on the Howard River at the rockbar just to the North of the North-West boundary of the Reserve. Access to this point is through the Reserve. - Hunting Reserve
- Walking Tracks
There are no constructed walking tracks on the Reserve. However, visitors are able to walk where they want, but appropriate care should be taken.
Scenic and Cultural Features
There are wide views of the floodplains in this area with saline marshes and freshwater swamps predominate on the area between the upland woodland section and the Howard River.
Plants and Animals
The Hunting reserve supports an open forest/woodland dominated by stringybark, woollybutt and ironwood. There are patches of rainforest located near and around springs. Patches of paperbark inhabit the damp freshwater depressions. There are also patches of rainforest and large swamp plains which are inundated from the Howard River during wet season.
The Hunting Reserve has important wildlife habitats particularly for magpie geese and whistling ducks. At certain times of the year, Brolgas congregate on the drying swamps. Rainbow Pitas and Orange Footed Scrub Fowl can also be seen in suitable locations.
Crocodiles may inhabit the deeper waterways.