Minister for Parks and Wildlife
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
Andrew Mackay
Member for Goyder
Media Release Berry Springs Nature Park opens ahead of schedule - just in time for King's Birthday long weekend
5 May 2026
Popular destination, Berry Springs Nature Park, has reopened ahead of the jam-packed King's Birthday long weekend, after undergoing significant repairs.
This comes as major parks continue to reopen ahead of schedule, while the government invests a landmark $10 million to upgrade parks infrastructure.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is restoring our unique Territory lifestyle and growing our visitor economy.
One of the Territory's most popular parks is opening ahead of schedule - and just in time for the King's Birthday long weekend, as Berry Springs Nature Park gives locals and visitors another reason to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend.
Just a short drive from Darwin and Palmerston, Berry Springs has long been one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the Top End, attracting around 186,000 visitors each year. The perfect place for picnics, barbecues, swimming and walking, Berry Springs also offers the chance to come face-to-face with birdlife, wildlife, and the Territory's rich military history.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby said that Berry Springs opening ahead of schedule was a huge win for local families and local businesses.
"Berry Springs is one of the closest major parks to Darwin and Palmerston, and I know that local families and businesses share my excitement that the Park is open - and ahead of schedule!" Minister Boothby said.
"It's the perfect excuse to drop by the Berry Springs Tavern after taking out Best Overall Regional Pub at the Hospitality Excellence awards last week - or to get up close and personal with some animals at the Territory Wildlife Park."
Member for Goyder, Andrew Mackay, welcomed the opening.
"Berry Springs is a must-see for everyone coming to the Territory, and it's a must-do for local families as well."
"There's so much to do - have a swim, go for a walk, bring the kids down, enjoy the fresh air. Berry Springs reopening is great news for locals and visitors alike."
Owner of Crazy Acres Kiosk, Karen Dean, celebrated the opening, saying she was looking forward to seeing locals come out and support local businesses.
"After the huge Wet season we had it's great to be able to get the kiosk open again and sooner than anticipated after the flood damage to the park."
"Great work by the rangers to get us back ready for the long weekend."
"We'll be open 7 days a week until the middle of October and very much looking forward to the next few months of perfect Dry season swimming days."
Berry Springs Nature Park was severely impacted by flooding in March, with water reaching nearly 7 metres - the highest levels since records began. Its reopening follows a number of other parks, including the likes of Central Valley, Mataranka Thermal Pools, Southern Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Bitter Springs.
"Whether it's a barbecue at Berry Springs, camping at Central Valley, swimming at Bitter Springs, stargazing at the Devils Marbles, fishing at Channel Point, four-wheel driving through Finke Gorge, or just walking through one of our unique Territory parks, there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors this long weekend," Minister Boothby said.
In May, the Finocchiaro CLP Government announced a landmark $10 million investment to upgrade parks infrastructure, including barbecues, bike paths, access roads, and amenities.
"Our parks are in our DNA. They are central to our lifestyle, our visitor economy, and the reason so many people choose to live, work, visit and invest in the Territory.
"In our year of growth, certainty and security, we are investing in the Territory's one-of-a-kind parks as we restore our unique lifestyle."
