Experience the Wildlife Habitat at Fogg Dam
A birdwatchers paradise, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is a wildlife and bird habitat a short drive from Darwin city in the Northern Territory.
Teaming with wildlife, this conservation park is home to birds, turtles, frogs, water pythons and crocodiles making it a nature lovers paradise.
As the wetlands across the Top End recede, Fogg Dam becomes a birdwatchers delight.
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is part of the Adelaide River catchment area and one of the waterways that make up the Top End wetlands.
You will find many species of birds at the causeway edge including Australia’s only Stork.
The dam was built in the 1956 to irrigate the Humpty Doo Rice Project. When the agricultural project failed the dam had already become a haven for wildlife, especially waterbirds.
The Limilngan-Wulna people of the Top End play an important role in the Dams management and have identified a number of sacred sites across these floodplains.
In 1959, Fogg Dam was declared a Bird Protection area.
These wetlands have international significance because of their diversity of wildlife habitats, natural waterways and importance to the Aboriginal people.
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A natural habitat for wildlife, reptiles, birds and plants
What to see and do at Fogg Dam
There is an abundance of birds around the causeway during the wet season. The diversity of wildlife within easy walking distance makes this habitat so interesting.
Birdwatching
Over 230 different bird species have been found in the Fogg Dam area. Many are considered rare.
It’s important not to startle the birds. Keep your distance from them and their nests. Move slowly and quietly along the trails.
You will see Jabiru’s (Black Headed Stork), Royal Spoonbills, Pied Heron, Great Egrets, Ibis, Kites, Magpie Geese and many more.
The ability to get close to the birds and other wildlife amazes me every time we visit.
Watch for beautiful butterflies, delicate dragonflies and rare frogs at the edge of the waterways. Reptiles and amphibians, saltwater & freshwater crocodiles lurk silently, sinking beneath the water as if on cue, once spotted.
The Dam and it’s rainforest walks hosts an abundance of turtles, frilled lizards, skinks, dragons, geckos and monitors. Tread quietly as you pass them along the tracks.
How the seasons affect the birds
Many birds migrate from the northern hemisphere in the build-up of the wet season. Once the rains start many of the waterbirds leave, heading to other wetlands to breed.
During the dry season birds arrive from other parts of Australia to escape the winter. The waterbirds return when the other wetlands start to dry out.
Experience the natural habitats around Fogg Dam
Fogg Dam is amidst thick native Eucalypt forest, Paperbark swamp, open scrublands, Melaleuca woodland, wide floodplains and open waters.
The dam is home to birds, reptiles, mammals and marsupials as well as a number of rare grasses and pandanus. Giant lotus waterlilies bloom between December and July.
Take a Walk around the Dam
Woodlands to Waterlily Walk – 2.2 km return. Approx: 45 minutes. Grade: Easy
This walk will lead you through forest habitats fringing the floodplains onto a Boardwalk taking you onto the Dam.
Monsoon Forest Walk – 2.7 km return. Time: 1.5 hours. Grade: Easy.
The Monsoon Forest walk passes through a variety of habitats, including monsoon and paperbark forests before reaching the floodplains.
Dam Wall Access – The causeway is closed to pedestrians at all times.
Shaded viewing platforms are located on the dam wall. Park your vehicle close-by on the dam wall to access the platforms.
Pandanus Lookout – Parking available.
This multi-level lookout provides wonderful views overlooking the floodplains. Great for sunset or sunrise viewing.
Photography
Birds flock to Fogg Dam in the hundreds and sunrise or sunset is the perfect time to shoot that stunning photo.
Local photographers can be seen at Fogg Dam most days capturing their favourite birds and wildlife. Both walking paths at Fogg Dam are teeming with local wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for the ‘shot of the day’.
Expect to see Magpie geese arriving in huge numbers, pairs of Jabiru or Black-necked storks, gorgeous Azure Kingfishers, Rainbow Bee-eaters, sun-drying Darters, Flycatchers and Finches. Look for the Royal Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Honey-eaters, the lily-hopping Jacana and the resident White Bellied Sea-Eagle.
Consider connecting up with experts such as NT Bird Specialists for some world-class birdwatching and ecotourism experiences. Luke Paterson, one of Australia’s best bird guides leads a number of tours of endemic, rare and migratory birds at Fogg Dam and other biodiversity hotspots in the Territory. Check out their website for birding, wildlife and photographic safaris.
Best time to visit Fogg Dam
The best time to experience the birdlife is from the end of December to July. The seasons and time of day of your visit will impact on the variety of birds that you will see at Fogg Dam.
It’s likely you will see more birds early in the morning and again late in the afternoon. Waterbirds can be seen at any time of the day.
Take in the diversity of the landscape as you stroll the pathways that move from shady forests of paperbark into the floodplain area. The Pandanus Lookout walk offers stunning views over the floodplains and is recommended for sunset or sunrise.
Dawn and sunset can show magnificent colours. Sunrise at Fogg Dam can be an extraordinary experience. About a half hour before sunrise with early light, the dawn chorus of birds begins. Unforgettable!
The dam wall or causeway
The causeway is essentially one lane wide with designated pull-over areas to allow vehicles to pass. The viewing platforms located across the dam wall are to provide over-water dam viewing.
Be Aware. The dam wall is closed for walking due to a potential risk of crocodile activity. Do NOT walk on the Dam wall.
At the western side of the causeway there is a multi-level viewing platform for visitors to access for sweeping views across the floodplains. Often providing spectacular wildlife sightings from a high vantage point.
What to wear and what to take with you
Wear dark or dull coloured clothing to blend in with the habitat.
- Binoculars
- Camera with a good lens
- A bird field guide.
How to get there
Located on the Adelaide River floodplain between Darwin and Kakadu, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is a 45 minute drive from Darwin city.
Directions from Darwin
- Drive 35 kilometres south along the Stuart Highway
- Turn left onto the Arnhem Highway
- Travel a further 24 kilometres and turn left into Anzac Parade
- Travel 6 kilometres before turning left in Fogg Dam Road.
Fogg Dam has all weather access and is open all year.
Caution, Safety & Comfort
Crocodiles
Crocodiles are often seen in Fogg Dam. They move silently and can travel great distances remaining submerged and undetected for some time. Please heed the safety signs and be aware that crocodiles frequent the Dam.
Biting Insects
Beware, biting insects are part of the wetland web of life. Mosquitoes can be a problem in the Park around sunrise and sunset. Wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent.
- Observe all Crocodile warning signs
- Carry and drink plenty of water
- Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and take insect repellent
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear
- Carry a first aid kit
Remember
- No fishing
- No swimming
- Nets, traps or firearms are NOT permitted
- No pets permitted in the Conservation Reserve.
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Add these adventures to your list when visiting Darwin
- Darwin boasts the best lifestyle in Australia
- Discover the Top End National Parks
- Do a Darwin to Kakadu road trip
Fogg Dam is the most accessible wetlands close to Darwin and where you will see birds and other wildlife throughout the year. Fogg Dam is the perfect location for bird watchers, wildlife photographers and nature-lovers.
Have you visited Fogg Dam yet? Did you see any of these amazing birds or perhaps you spotted a crocodile lurking nearby? Care to share your story with us in the comments below.
Reference: Friends of Fogg Dam Inc | Fogg Dam Conservation Area
