DARWIN BIRDWATCHING EXPERIENCE

Day Tour of Bird Rich Habitats around Darwin

Paperbark Forest at Fogg Dam, home to Rainbow Pitta, Arafura Fantail, Brown Whistler and many other monsoon forest specialists (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Paperbark Forest at Fogg Dam, home to Rainbow Pitta, Arafura Fantail, Brown Whistler and many other monsoon forest specialists (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

 

 

  • Day tour 7am - 5.30 pm  (6.30am-5.00pm November to March) exploring bird rich areas around Darwin and a 70 kilometre radius that comprises Outer Darwin. 

  • Key species - Rainbow Pitta, Green-backed Gerygone, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Red-headed Honeyeater, Grey Whistler, Crimson Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Northern Rosella, Red-winged Parrot, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.

  • Will this tour suit me? 

    Tour proceeds at easy and relaxed pace as we visit various areas and do several short walks in parkland and natural habitats. We follow the itinerary as laid out below, or structure the day to prioritize your targets or visit areas you have not previously been to.

  • Cost - $595 for one or two people, extra persons $50 each (maximum four people).

    Dates running - While we don't run day Darwin Birdwatching day tours everyday, we have many days up and running on our booking page. Please click here to check availability and/or book a day tour. 

Hello Mike 

Just a short note to say how much we enjoyed a day’s birding around Darwin, with Diana, earlier this month. We are from Melbourne and saw a lot of new birds with plenty of photo opportunities. We particularly enjoyed the Mangroves and of course Fogg Dam. The bird life was incredible and the “feeding frenzy” was something to experience. We had hardly arrived at the dam when a Rainbow Pitta was spotted – fantastic. 

Thank you and your Staff especially Diana for a trip to remember.  

Kindest Regards
Rod & Trish
Melbourne
May 2017

 

 

Itinerary

Within minutes of leaving the city, we visit monsoon forest in search of the endemic Rainbow Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Varied Triller and Brown Whistler; then we go to a nearby rocky coastline in search of shorebirds, Sacred Kingfisher and Brahminy Kite.

We take the 2km return walk that goes right through the mangroves, along a boardwalk to the mudflats, with a pleasant landing that allows us to sit, listen and observe while various waders, Red-headed Honeyeaters, Broad-billed Flycatchers, Torresian Kingfishers, and others come into sight. After visiting some savannah woodland habitat for Forest Kingfisher, Double-barred and Long-tailed Finch, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Spangled Drongo and others, we head out to the wetlands of Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve.

Brolgas and chick at Fogg Dam (photo copyright Marie Holding)
Brolgas and chick at Fogg Dam (photo copyright Marie Holding)
The 60 kilometre drive out to Fogg Dam gives us the opportunity to spot various raptors, kingfishers and the Blue-winged Kookaburra, as well as see a blend of savannah woodland and paperbark forest habitats. At Fogg Dam, the Pandanus lookout is a great place to eat our picnic lunch overlooking the floodplain. The spotting scope is set up and we pick out Magpie Geese, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Pied Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Little Black Cormorant, White-browed Crake, Black-necked Stork and sometimes Brolga from here. Whistling Kites and often a White-bellied Sea-eagle soar overhead, sometimes Swamp Harrier is seen flying low over the floodplain. Crimson Finches, Rufous-banded Honeyeaters, Lemon-bellied Flyrobins, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher and Paperbark Flycatcher are some of the species that occupy the bush on the edge of the floodplain.

Estuarine Crocodiles, Gilberts Dragon’s, Yellow-spotted Monitors, Northern Long-necked Turtles and Common Tree Snakes may be seen here.

Fogg Dam Monsoon Forest Walk (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)
Fogg Dam Monsoon Forest Walk (photo copyright Mike Jarvis)

Then we explore the 2.2km return Waterlilies boardwalk which takes us along the fringe of wetland, through paperbark forest. We often see Rainbow Pitta, Brown Whistler, Arafura Fantail and Shining Flycatcher.

The return journey back to Darwin gives us an opportunity to view some spectacular Magnetic Termite mounds, before arriving back at your accommodation around 6.00pm.

 

Inclusions: Pick-up and drop-off to Darwin City accommodation (northern suburbs and Palmerston by arrangement), use of binoculars and spotting scope, sunscreen and insect repellent if required, cold drinking water in clean, insulated stainless steel bottles, morning tea, lunch, afternoon refreshments.

Cost - $595 for one or two people, extra persons $50 each (maximum four people).

Booking This Tour - This tour is only available as a private charter, if you would like to book, please email with your preferred dates and we will confirm availability.

All prices are in Australian dollars. Please click here for conversion to your currency. 

Rose-crowned Fruit Dove (photo copyright Oz Horine)
Rose-crowned Fruit Dove (photo copyright Oz Horine)

Please Note:
  • All tours require a reasonable level of mobility and moderate fitness
  • For protection from the sun and biting insects, light long sleeved shirt and pants are recommended, sturdy shoes and a hat are a must
  • Due to seasonal changes and large tides some habitat types may not be available for your tour, however we will visit locations for the best bird watching experience on the day
    • If you book this tour for a second day, we will vary the itinerary so that you get to visit new places each day

  • All prices are in Australian dollars.
  • Our Terms and Conditions document outlines our cancellation and refund policy. 

 Please Click Here for Other Birdwatching Itineraries