The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT (PWCNT) advises that the waterholes at Berry Springs Nature Park will be closed for swimming after this weekend.

PWCNT District Manager, Nigel Weston said Berry Springs is seasonally closed for swimming during the Wet Season when increased turbidity and increased risk of saltwater crocodiles entering the system make it unsafe for swimming.

Mr Weston said regular water testing is also conducted throughout the year and results received this week show bacteria concentrations are consistently above recommended levels, meaning swimming will be off limits from Sunday night.

Rangers have also detected increased crocodile activity in Berry Creek, downstream of the managed swimming area. A 1.7 metre saltwater crocodile was removed on Monday night, about 750 metres downstream.

“Visitor health and safety at parks and reserves is the top priority,” Mr Weston said.

“That’s why we regularly check the water for hazards such as crocodiles as well as making sure bacteria concentrations are within safe levels.

“Unfortunately, consecutive tests show that bacteria concentrations are remaining above the recommended levels in each of the public swimming spots.

“These higher readings are not unexpected due to last year’s poor Wet Season and lower flow through the Springs, combined with early intermittent rain.

“And once the consistent rains do come it will remain unsafe due to flushing and high flows, increased turbidity and crocodile risk, which is why swimming will be off limits at Berry Springs for the remainder of the Build-up and over the Wet Season.

“All other facilities at Berry Springs, including the picnic area and barbeques will remain open to the public, providing visitors with a shady place to stop for a picnic before strolling the Monsoon Forest and Woodland Walk track.

“The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT urges the public to BE CROCWISE when in and around any waterway in the Top End, croc danger is real, don’t risk your life.”

Berry Springs Nature Park is located 47km from Darwin on Cox Peninsula Road, next to the Territory Wildlife Park and protects much of the Berry Creek catchment.

Members of the public can visit www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au for the latest access reports for parks and reserves administered by Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT.

Media note – For further information/interviews please contact Nigel Weston on 8995 5079.