The
Manton Dam Recreation Area is a short distance west of the Stuart Highway, about 70km south of
Darwin and 47km north of
Adelaide River township. All roads are sealed and accessible all year round. 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. Access to the
Dam wall and pumping sheds is about 5km north of the
Recreation Area turn off.
Manton Dam is an easy day trip from
Darwin with activities such as: picnics, walking, fishing, boating, canoeing and windsurfing. The facilities include sealed
parking areas,
toilets, shaded picnic areas with barbecues, a
boat ramp and
walking tracks. The
walking tracks are not “formed” as such, so walkers will have to find their own way along the shoreline and through timbered areas. Camping is not permitted.
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.
Manton Dam was opened for
recreation in 1989 after
Darwin River Dam (built in 1972) became the main
water supply for
Darwin.
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 also inhabit this area.
For more information and a downloadable “fact sheet” from NT Parks & Wildlife website, click on this link:
Manton Dam Recreation Area