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		Rapid Creek Environment Study 2005

		Introduction - History, Location and General Significance


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			Rapid Creek is the last relatively natural freshwater creek in the Darwin area. It has important cultural, historical and social significance. Many organisations are working together to protect and improve the Rapid Creek Catchment Area. We hope that by sharing our knowledge and concerns we can help our community and the environment.




			- Location and Description -
			Darwin is the Capital City of the Northern Territory, Australia. Rapid Creek is located North-East of Darwin city centre. The creek originates in a swamp east of Darwin Airport and travels north-west to Casuarina Beach. It flows out to the Timor Sea. Click here to see our maps.

	Darwin is in the tropical north

		-------> Rapid Creek appears grey on the aerial photo, and heads for the Timor Sea	Greening Australia Archives NT Government 1987			Here is the Darwin Airport <-------

			Rapid Creek has a catchment area of approximately 28 hectares. The creek includes a saltwater component and freshwater. The Catchment area is home to eight different plant communities. Many people use the area for recreation purposes. Like many natural environments there are many human and natural impacts which threaten the local ecology.

			- History -
	The traditional owners of the Rapid creek area are the Larrakia people. They have lived in this region for thousands of years. They hold important knowledge about the land and the spirit of the land. We acknowledge and value the Larrakia people as the owners of this land.				Larrakia People Late 1880s Photos Courtesy of NT Library


					From 1882 – 1891 Rapid Creek was the site of a Catholic Jesuit Mission in the suburb of Millner. The cross has been drawn using Tux Paint


	For over a hundred years Rapid Creek has been a recreational area for Darwin residents and visitors. It has been used for picnics, boats, camping and fishing. Rapid Creek continues to be a significant recreational site today.				1920s Copyright Northern Territory Archive Service


					From the 1940s to 1960s the Chinese community used the area for some celebrations and for Chinese vegetable gardens. Members of the Chinese community also congregated there to gamble (Pi Que).


	During World War II there was a huge influx of people into Darwin, particularly American servicemen. By this time the area was now easily accessible. The swimming holes upstream from Henry Wrigley Drive became known as "Yankee Pools".				1940s Armed Forces Swimming at Rapid Creek Copyright Northern Territory Archive Service


			Since the 1980s various organisations and individuals have been involved in protecting and improving Rapid Creek. The building of the new Darwin Airport, and the subsequent urban development, led to an extensive protest and much public debate.


	Greening Australia Archives				Today, many organisations continue to be involved in the management of Rapid Creek. The Rapid Creek Catchment Area Management Committee oversees the work of these organisations.

©Millner Primary School 2005
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Darwin is the Capital City of the Northern Territory, Australia. Rapid Creek is located North-East of Darwin city centre. The creek originates in a swamp east of Darwin Airport and travels north-west to Casuarina Beach. It flows out to the Timor Sea. Click here to see our maps.