Darwin’s beloved red footbridge reopens at Jingili Water Gardens after it was closed for more than six months

Darwin's iconic red footbridge has returned to Jingili Water Gardens after a six-month wait, built to withstand the next half-century of monsoons. Read the details.

City of Darwin chief executive Simone Saunders, councillor Julie Fraser, councillor Ed Smelt and Lord Mayor Peter Styles. Picture: Thomas McLean

Burrowed between tall trees and vast shrubbery, the Jingili Water Gardens’ new bright-red footbridge sticks out like a sore thumb.

On March 31, the old footbridge that served the community for more than 40 years closed to the public after it reached the end of its life.

But after a six month wait, the new bridge has finally made its anticipated debut.

The Jingili Water Gardens footbridge has gone back to it’s iconic bright-red colour. Picture: Thomas McLean

The new footbridge, which is supposed to last for at least the next 50 years, was craned in on September 2, followed by final installation works including footpaths, lighting, landscaping and inspections throughout September.

City of Darwin said in a statement the footbridge was built for long-term durability and elevated to meet the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT), reducing the likelihood of corrosion and enhancing its ability to withstand monsoonal rains and king tides.

Friday’s launch was attended by Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles and several other councillors.

Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles was pleased with the new footbridge. Picture: Thomas McLean

Mr Styles said the new footbridge, which started construction under the former council, showed council’s commitment to safe and accessible infrastructure.

“This project is about more than replacing a footbridge, it’s about strengthening connections between our communities while protecting the unique environment of Rapid Creek,” he said.

“We’re proud to have delivered this important project before the wet season, ensuring residents can continue to enjoy the Jingili Water Gardens for years to come.”

Darwin councillor Ed Smelt, who was part of the formal council that brought this initiative forth, said he was happy with the new footbridge. Picture: Thomas McLean

Darwin Councillor Ed Smelt of Chan Ward said it was “fantastic” to be at the opening.

Mid-interview the first bike users of the bridge rode through, garnering much applause from the councillors and members of the public.

“This is so important to our local communities between Jingili and Milner: people walk to school; people walk to work; they bring their families down to the park; it’s part of a broader cycling network, and it’s just such a critical link to join our local communities,” Mr Smelt said.

The Jingili Water Gardens Footbridge, located in Darwin, Northern Territory, reopened to the public after being closed for months, Friday, October 3, 2025. Picture: Thomas McLean

The Jingili Water Gardens footbridge is reportedly wider than the previous. Picture: Thomas McLean

“One of the most important parts that we heard through consultation and feedback from the community was that people really wanted to see the red bridge come back.

“So it was a really important part of the design and the replacement bridge that it reflected the red bridge that we all know and love in Milner.”

Originally published as Darwin’s beloved red footbridge reopens at Jingili Water Gardens after it was closed for more than six months