Leanyer Recreation Park

Leanyer Recreation Park sits on Vanderlin Drive in Leanyer, in Darwin's northern suburbs. A hugely popular free recreation reserve, it's a fantastic family destination — combining a great water park with slides and splash areas, a skate park, BMX track, playgrounds and barbecue areas, all in one spot, and especially welcome in the tropical climate.

The appeal is that combination of so much free, family-friendly fun in one place: the water park alone is a magnet for kids on a hot Darwin day, with the skate park, playgrounds and picnic areas adding plenty more to do. For families looking to keep everyone entertained without spending a cent, it's a genuine Top End gem.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,000 reviews, it's a much-loved destination. It's free and open, but the water park, facilities and any maintenance vary, and it gets busy on weekends and in the warmer months, so it's worth checking the surrounds before a special trip — and taking sun protection, with the open tropical setting, while letting the kids enjoy the water and play areas.