Berry Springs Tavern, a country-style pub at 795 Cox Peninsula Road, sits about a 40-minute drive from Darwin — a convenient stop for travellers heading to Litchfield National Park. The tavern’s official site describes it as a local owner-operated venue focused on food and service. This article gathers verified facts from the tavern’s own website, review platforms, and local directories to help you plan a visit.
Last checked: 2026-07-15
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Address: 795 Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs NT 0838 · Phone: (08) 8988 6186 · Cuisine: Modern Australian · Distance from Darwin: 40-minute drive · Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM · Dog Friendly: Yes
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-15.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Australian Good Food Guide listing, Facebook page, local directories (Darwin Foodies, Darwin Localista), travel vlog.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent verification of menu prices.
Snapshot: Key facts about Berry Springs Tavern
- Located at 795 Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs, NT 0838 (Official website)
- Full menu available 11:30–21:00 daily (Official website)
- Approx. 200 seats; accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Eftpos, UnionPay (AGFG)
- Open 10:00–21:00 daily (Facebook)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 795 Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs NT 0838 |
| Phone | (08) 8988 6186 |
| Cuisine | Modern Australian |
| Distance from Darwin | 40-minute drive |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (bar); restaurant 11:30–21:00 |
| Dog Friendly | Yes |
| Bottle Shop | On-site, drive-through |
Is Berry Springs Worth Visiting?
Berry Springs is a popular day-trip destination about 40 minutes south of Darwin, known for its spring-fed swimming hole and the nearby tavern. The swimming hole opens daily from midday and offers warm, croc-free water in a tropical setting — a refreshing escape during the dry season. The tavern fits neatly into the experience: a cold drink or a meal just a short walk from the water. One TripAdvisor reviewer regularly drives from Darwin for lunch and appreciates the dog-friendly policy (TripAdvisor). The combination of nature and hospitality makes Berry Springs a worthwhile stop, especially for those en route to Litchfield National Park.
Is Berry Springs Tavern Dog Friendly?
Tavern policy on dogs
The official website does not explicitly state a dog policy, but multiple TripAdvisor reviews confirm that dogs are welcome in outdoor areas. A July 2025 reviewer noted they regularly bring a small dog to lunch without issue (TripAdvisor). This suggests the tavern is a viable option for travellers with pets.
Outdoor seating options for pet owners
The tavern has a verandah and beer garden where dogs are likely allowed. The AGFG listing describes it as a “cool spot to bring the kids”, implying a family-friendly, outdoor-oriented atmosphere (AGFG). Pet owners should confirm indoor restrictions directly when booking.
Can You Swim at Berry Springs?
Swimming hours and conditions
Berry Springs Nature Park opens its swimming area daily from midday. The water is spring-fed and warm, typical of the tropical Top End climate. No lifeguards are on duty, and visitors swim at their own risk.
Crocodile safety
There are no reported crocodile sightings at Berry Springs, but visitors are advised to exercise caution. Signs at the park remind swimmers to stay within designated areas. The risk is considered low compared to other Top End waterholes.
Water temperature
The water is consistently warm — often described as “bath-like” in reviews. The spring feeds a constant flow, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.
“The water is warm and clear — perfect for a mid-day dip after driving from Darwin.”— TripAdvisor reviewer, 2024
What Is There to Do at Berry Springs?
Dining at Berry Springs Tavern
The tavern serves modern Australian pub food. The full menu is available from 11:30 to 21:00 daily, with lunch 11:30–17:00 and dinner 17:00–21:00 (until 21:30 on Friday and Saturday) (Official website). Weekday happy hour starts at 17:00. A YouTube vlog from 2023 noted weekly dinner specials Monday–Thursday and live Sunday afternoon entertainment (YouTube).
Bottle shop and takeaway
The drive-through bottle shop is open 10:00–21:00 daily (Facebook). Takeaway meals can be ordered by phone and collected from the bottle shop — handy for picnickers heading to Litchfield.
Nearby attractions
The Berry Springs swimming hole is a short walk from the tavern. Litchfield National Park is about 30 minutes further down the road. Many visitors combine a swim, a meal, and a drive to Litchfield’s waterfalls in a single day.
Berry Springs Tavern at a Glance
| Address | 795 Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs, NT 0838 |
| Phone | +61 8 8988 6186 |
| Website | berryspringstavern.com |
| Cuisine | Modern Australian |
| Seating | Approx. 200 |
| Full menu hours | 11:30–21:00 daily |
| Bar hours | 10:00–23:00 (approx.) |
| Bottle shop | Drive-through, 10:00–21:00 |
| Dog friendly | Yes (outdoor areas) |
| Happy hour | Weekdays from 17:00 |
| Payment cards | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Eftpos, UnionPay |
| Seniors meals | Approx. AUD 15, weekdays all day (via TripAdvisor) |
Price Range at Berry Springs Tavern
Menu prices are not officially published, but TripAdvisor mentions seniors meals around AUD 15 with about five choices. Standard pub mains likely fall in the AUD 20–35 range — consistent with similar Darwin-region venues. The tavern offers a “happy hour” weekday from 17:00, with drink specials. Prices are not verified independently, so confirm directly.
Getting to Berry Springs Tavern
Berry Springs Tavern is on Cox Peninsula Road, about 40 minutes south of the Darwin CBD via the Stuart Highway. Turn onto Cox Peninsula Road at the Berry Springs turn-off; the tavern is on the right. Parking is available on-site. The tavern lies directly on the route to Litchfield National Park (30 minutes further) and is a common stop for visitors to Berry Springs Nature Park, which is a short drive north.
Other Dining Options Near Darwin
If you’re exploring the Darwin region, consider these alternatives:
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct – A modern dining strip with waterfront views, seafood, and international cuisine. About 10 minutes from the CBD. Dog-friendly on some terraces.
- Litchfield Pub – Located inside Litchfield National Park, serving classic pub meals with a bush setting. Not always open for lunch, so check ahead.
- Dundee Beach Bistro – A small coastal bistro about 1 hour from Darwin, serving fresh seafood. A bit further afield, but worth the drive for a relaxed beachside meal.
For another regional country pub review, our Wallabadah Pub Review covers a similar venue with lunch menus and accommodation, while the Crookwell Hotel Motel article details a hotel with a bottle shop — a close match to Berry Springs Tavern’s services.
Our Pick: Berry Springs Tavern for Day Trippers
We recommend Berry Springs Tavern for:
- Day-trippers from Darwin – The 40-minute drive is manageable, and you can combine swimming and lunch.
- Travellers en route to Litchfield – A convenient stop for a meal or takeaway before entering the park.
- Dog owners – Outdoor areas welcome pets, which is rare in the region.
- Groups seeking a casual meal – The large seating capacity and varied menu suit gatherings.
The tavern’s owner-operated status and consistent TripAdvisor rating (4.4 out of 5, ranked #1 of 3 Berry Springs restaurants) support its reputation as a reliable Darwin-area destination.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
- 10:00 AM – Depart Darwin. Drive via Stuart Highway (40 minutes).
- 10:45 AM – Arrive at Berry Springs Nature Park. Enjoy a swim (opens at midday, so explore walking trails first or wait).
- 12:30 PM – Head to Berry Springs Tavern for lunch. The full menu is available.
- 2:00 PM – If heading to Litchfield, takeaway can be ordered from the bottle shop for the journey.
- 2:30 PM – Drive to Litchfield National Park (30 minutes). Visit Florence or Wangi Falls.
- 5:00 PM – Return to Darwin. Stop at the tavern’s bottle shop if needed before it closes at 9 PM.
This itinerary works best during the dry season (May–October) when roads are good and the weather is fine.
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, darwinlocalista.com.au, th.tripadvisor.com, darwinfoodies.com, th.tripadvisor.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a park pass for Berry Springs?
No, Berry Springs Nature Park is free to enter. No national park pass is required.
Is Berry Springs in Litchfield National Park?
No, Berry Springs is a separate nature park about 30 minutes south of Litchfield’s main attractions.
Can I take my dog to Berry Springs swimming hole?
Dogs are not permitted in the swimming area, but they are welcome on-leash in the picnic grounds.
Are there crocodiles in Berry Springs?
There are no reported crocodile sightings, but visitors should stay within designated swimming zones as a precaution.
Is Berry Springs water warm?
Yes, the spring-fed water is warm year-round, typically above 25°C.
What is the Berry Springs Tavern phone number?
The tavern’s direct line is (08) 8988 6186.
Does the Tavern have a bottle shop?
Yes, a drive-through bottle shop is on-site, open 10:00–21:00 daily.
What are the tavern’s opening hours?
The bar opens from 10:00; the restaurant serves food 11:30–21:00. The bottle shop closes at 21:00.