Water Skiing

When the weather warms up in the Northern Territory, everyone heads to one of the waterholes, dams or lakes around the state to cool off from the harsh Aussie sun. Falling off the ski around here might have more to do with needing to get away from the heat than any lack of expertise!

Just outside Darwin, Manton Dam is the largest body of water in the state with a specifically designated ski area. Created from a demand for water sports without the danger of box jellyfish or saltwater crocodiles, Manton Dam is one of the only safe skiing spots in the area. You’ll love the unrestricted boating zones that allow for complete freedom, and when it’s someone else’s turn on the towrope, you can sit on the lawns of one of the shady picnic areas along the banks.

If you’re after world class facilities with jumps and slalom courses, head to The Lakes at Berry Springs. Hire skis and equipment any day of the week and take to the horseshoe shaped waters of Lake Barden, where you can do the slalom course on the narrow side of the lake, or learn to ski on the wider side. Visit during the quiet times to avoid the crowds that flock here during school holidays and the hotter months.