Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve
Overview
This Coastal Reserve protects a large coastal area between the Howard River to the eastern boundary near Gunn Point. The Reserve shares a common boundary with the Howard Springs Hunting Reserve and Tree Point Conservation Area. It contains a large area of Eucalypt woodland and large areas of saline swamp with areas that are inundated during the wet season.
The Reserve also protects areas of cultural significance. The Larrakia people speak for this land. A number of Aboriginal shell middens are located on one of the upland intrusions into the swamp area.
This Coastal Reserve is also used as an extension to the Howard Springs Hunting Reserve with magpie geese being the main target during hunting season. Many species of wildlife occur in this Reserve inhabiting the wide range of different vegetation types found.
How to Get There
The Reserve is located to the East of Darwin and to the North of the Gunn Point Road. The Reserve can be accessed off a number of tracks located near the Howard Springs Hunting Reserve.
When to Visit
The Reserve is accessible during the dry season. The tracks become impassable once the wet season sets in and the area becomes inundated.
What to See and Do
The Coastal Reserve is an extension of the Howard Springs Hunting Reserve during the Duck Hunting Season.
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.
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 and Jabiru.
Visitor Facilties
There are no visitor facilities.
Tracks lead to the shell middens and to places where views of swamps and marshes can be seen.
Please Remember
Safety and comfort
- Observe park safety signs.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
- Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.
Please remember
- Take your rubbish away with you.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks.
- 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
There are no constructed walking tracks on the Reserve. However visitors are able to walk where they want, but appropriate care should be taken.
Other activities include:
- Hunting Reserve
Scenic and Cultural Features
There is an Aboriginal shell midden site located on the Reserve. A number of other Aboriginal sacred sites are also located on the Reserve but knowledge is restricted to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
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 coast.
Plants and Animals
The Coastal 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.
The Coastal 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 appropriate locations.