Images and Video
Fogg Dam Bird Tour
The Fogg Dam Bird Tour takes bird enthusiasts east of Darwin to the vast freshwater floodplains of the Adelaide River. Fogg Dam and Harrison Dam are shallow dams constructed in the 1950s to store water for a rice growing project that was ultimately abandoned. The legacy of that project is the world-class wetlands that developed upstream and downstream of those dam walls.
These wetlands are now home to large numbers and a great diversity of waterbirds: egrets, herons, jabirus, brolgas, sea-eagles, as well as wallabies, water buffalo, crocodiles and turtles. The monsoon forest that surrounds the wetlands supports Rainbow Pittas, Rose-crowned Fruit Doves and much more.
Guests on the Fogg Dam Bird Tour will see and learn about these Top End waterbirds and diverse wildlife while discovering scenic beauty, fascinating pioneer heritage and a rich Aboriginal tradition. They’ll gain insight from birding guides with decades of experience in the region, explore back tracks that few tourists will ever see, and take home images they’ll cherish and memories they’ll never forget.
Itinerary highlights
Fogg Dam
Built in 1958 this low dam wall stored water over a vast area for use in a rice-growing project. After the failure of that enterprise the abandoned dam became a wetland of great significance for waterbirds that gather in their thousands for much of the year.
In particular, during March and April when water flows over the dam wall, birds gather to fish and fight and breed in the abundance of food and water. Being so used to vehicles and people, the birds are quite comfortable being close to birdwatchers and photographers, and appear quite oblivious of their presence.
Around the edges of the wetlands, monsoon rainforest supports a different suite of birds that can be seen from the walking tracks through those areas.
Harrison Dam
Like Fogg Dam, Harrison Dam was constructed to store water for a failed rice-growing project. Larger and deeper than Fogg Dam, it supports a different suite of birds and the rugged tracks around the dam and the nearby Adelaide River floodplain provide access to these species and the experience of driving through hard-to-get-to places.
Tour details
- On demand
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Seating in common areas including reception area
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
- Modify their cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc).
- Staff are trained to respond to allergic reactions.
- Complies with The Food Authority requirements for allergy management in food preparation.
Operation information
Northern Territory Bird Tours
Northern Territory Bird Tours is a new venture from Northern Territory Indigenous Tours, a local family tour business established in 2009.
Its head guides bring extensive experience as Park Rangers in the World Heritage Areas of Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks, and as wildlife park guides. As passionate and highly skilled birders and bird photographers based in the Northern Territory, the company’s guides offer deep local knowledge and expertise.
The diversity of tropical habitats in the Northern Territory’s Top End supports a broad suite of spectacularly coloured birds, many of which can only be seen in this region. Northern Territory Bird Tours is ideally placed to showcase this wonderfully diverse avian fauna.
Northern Territory Bird Tours takes guests to birding hotspots well off the typical tourist trail for a truly unique and rewarding experience. Very small tour group sizes encourage interactive discussions and allow guests the best opportunities to spot a wide range of bird species.
Northern Territory Bird Tours holds all requisite permits, licences, insurances and training to ensure a professional and safe experience. Its tour vehicles are air conditioned, comfortable and specifically suited to local conditions.
Accreditations
-
ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
-
Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certified by Ecotourism Australia
-
Sustainable Tourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
Plan more around this area
Lambells Lagoon, NT Shady Acres
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp. Private area of around 2.5 acres to park up out of the busy parks. No power or water.
Herbert, NT Herbert Homestead
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Territory lifestyle living… 10 acres, green…
Herbert, NT NT – Darwin Base Camp
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Our 8 acre property located in Hebrert
Humpty Doo, NT Brazzen Ranch
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. The property has recently cleared area.…
Humpty Doo, NT Lazy Sunday's
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Perfect Getaway on 5 Acres of…
Humpty Doo, NT Top Camp
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Hobby farm with cattle/horses/pigs and chickens.…
Humpty Doo, NT 
Humpty Doo Hotel
Over 40 years of stories, horses, bulls, bankers and bikers enjoying the Humpty Doo Hotel. Drop in and enjoy their hospitality.
