Fogg Dam, Northern Territory: Birdwatching & crocodile safety
Near Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory, Fogg Dam is a brilliant birdwatching spot. Just don’t get too close to the water’s edge – saltwater crocodiles live here.
Fogg Dam near Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory was originally built as part of a failed rice-growing scheme.
It quickly became a dry season refuge for wildlife as the floodplains dried out elsewhere, and it was turned into the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve in 1982.
Several tours from Darwin visit Fogg Dam. Pick the one that suits you best here.
Birdwatching at Fogg Dam
The main reason to visit Fogg Dam is the birdlife, which hangs out in abundance here. There’s a good chance of seeing corellas, blue-winged kookaburras and jacanas – birds that give the illusion of walking on water.
The prime viewing spot is the Pandanus Lookout at the northern end of the Dam. This raised viewing hut offers expansive views over the floodplains.
Fogg Dam crocodiles
There are also a couple of viewing platforms along the dam wall. If you wish to use one of these, you’ll have to park right next to them as walking along the dam wall is forbidden. That’s because it’s not just birds that hang out in these parts. Fogg Dam is home to several saltwater crocodiles and if one gets the chance to take an ambling human for lunch, it will do.
Needless to say, swimming in Fogg Dam is not safe. Getting in the water is forbidden. There are, however, a couple of short walks you can do near the bottom end of the dam.
The other defining characteristic of Fogg Dam is the water lilies, which spread out across the water. Also known as lotus flowers, these lilies sport a big pink and yellow flower for the majority of the year.
For more information on Fogg Dam, visit the Northern Territory Government website.
Visiting Fogg Dam from Darwin
This Top End lake is just off the Arnhem Highway, and you’ll go past on the drive from Darwin to Jabiru in Kakadu National Park.
It’s no great surprise, therefore, that several Kakadu tours from Darwin stop at Fogg Dam on the way to the national park. You can visit on a day tour or a more expansive four day Kakadu tour from Darwin. There are also tours to Litchfield National Park (BOOK HERE) which visit Fogg Dam, while it’s possible to combine the dam with a half day jumping crocodiles tour on the Adelaide River from Darwin.
More Northern Territory travel
How long does the Alice Springs to Darwin train take?
How long is the Mataranka to Darwin drive.
What to see on the Tennant Creek to Darwin drive.
Take a day trip from Darwin to Crab Claw Island.
Where can I get a Kakadu Park Pass?