Natural Darwin
Lake Alexander
Just 5km from the city centre East Point Reserve has stacks of things to do and see. Situated on a low headland the Reserve is fringed by water on three sides and has a shared path looping around the coastline. The coastal path has some amazing vistas with views over Fannie Bay to the city, there is even a dedicated viewing platform where you can relax and watch Darwin's famous sunset. 
Nature lovers should keep an eye out for dugong, dolphin and turtle that are regular visitors to these waters. The low cliffs are home to herons and they can be seen perched amongst the crevices. Overhead you'll spot Brahminy Kites, White Bellied Sea Eagles and Osprey soaring the sea breeze. Off the main path bush tracks zigzag through the forest where you'll spot wallaby, bandicoots and other bird species like rainbow pitta and tawny frogmouths.
East Point played a significant role in Australia's defence during WWII. Many military structures remain within the Reserve and most are open to the public. The Military Museum is located here and contains a large collection of war time memorability, equipment and stories.
One quirky note about East Point Reserve is the Rock Sitter's Club. The Club began in 1974 when some friends gathered on a rock to fish and drink beer. The meetings became regular and at one point the Club had claim to a world record after a 12 day 'sit'. That record was broken but Club members still meet every Saturday afternoon out on the rocks.
At the northern edge of the Reserve is the entrance to Ludmilla Creek. Here mangroves provide shelter to all sorts of marine life including mud crabs and juvenile fish. An all-access viewing platform allows visitors a bird's eye view of life amongst the tangled roots. Mud skippers and orange-claw fiddler crabs scurry about feasting on the muddy surface before the tide returns. Tidal movement in Darwin is huge. The difference between low tide and high tide can be up to 6 metres. Some low tides expose large sand banks that offer new environments to explore.
On the southern side of the Reserve the waters of Darwin Harbour lap gently along the sand. This part of the bay is sheltered from the wind and the glassy water is favoured by paddleboards, canoes and 'skurfers'.
Just beyond the sandy shore the grass fringe is a popular picnic spot and has free barbecues, a gym, play equipment and toilets. This is a great spot to enjoy breakfast and if you don't bring your own food, Street Food vendors have great coffee, crepes and breakfast rolls.
Just back from the beach, Lake Alexander offers swimming and watercraft activities in a safe environment away from stingers and crocodiles. The Lake is fringed by lush green grass and there's loads of room to spread out your towel and relax while the kids entertain themselves on the massive undercover playground.