Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Fogg Dam was built in the 1950s to irrigate a rice-growing scheme on the Adelaide River floodplain; the rice failed, defeated in part by magpie geese eating the crop, and the wetland it created became a bird site of international standing. Magpie geese, whistling ducks, jacanas, egrets, brolgas and jabirus use it in enormous numbers, particularly as the floodplain dries and birds concentrate on the remaining water. A road runs along the top of the dam wall, giving views across the wetland from a vehicle, and boardwalks and a monsoon forest walk run from either end. The reserve also holds one of the highest recorded densities of snakes anywhere, mostly water pythons.

What you actually see

• The waterbird concentrations - magpie geese, ducks, egrets and jabirus in numbers.
• The dam wall road - the drive across the wetland with views both sides.
• The monsoon forest walk - a boardwalk through vine forest at one end.
• The snake density - water pythons in exceptional numbers, mostly nocturnal.

When to go

May to October, with bird numbers peaking as the floodplain dries from around June to September; dawn and dusk are best. The wet season floods the area and access is restricted. Walking on the dam wall has been prohibited at times due to crocodile risk.

Honest expectations

Estuarine crocodiles are present, and walking along the wall has been banned in recent years; viewing is mostly from the vehicle and the designated platforms. Mosquitoes are severe at dawn and dusk. There is no shade on the wall.

Nearby

The Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises are close; Darwin lies northwest.