Where is Fogg Dam?

Discover one of the many wetlands in the Northern Territory. You’ll find all sorts of wildlife in these waters.

Fogg Dam is about a 45 minute drive from Darwin, not too far from Humpty Doo. Fogg Dam is a great way to experience amazing wetlands and spot tonnes of wildlife. As you overlook the wetlands, you’ll see water lilies placed on the water and shrubs poking out from the water.

What is Fogg Dam?

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of the Northern Territory’s wetlands and is part of the Adelaide River catchment. The beauty, natural value and importance have significant value to the Limilngan-Wulna people, who are the traditional owners of the land. The Limilngan-Wulna people play a very important role in managing the Fogg Dam land.

Fogg Dam’s History

Fogg Dam was built in 1956 for the Australian-American Humpty Doo Rice Project. Fogg Dam was going to store water from the Adelaide River during the wet season. Then in the dry season, the dam would become a reservoir so the rice paddy fields were sustained. Due to poor management in America, over eight years Fogg Dam didn’t go to plan, therefore failing.

A few years later in 1959, Fogg Dam become a Bird Protection District, and then in 1982 became a Conservation Reserve. Fogg Dam was becoming a home for all kinds of wildlife like birds, reptiles, and mammals.

When is the best time to visit?

One of the best times to visit Fogg Dam is during the wet season, between December to July. Around this time of year, you’ll be able to find more birds and see the huge amount of green water lilies and other plants that start to flower.

What can I do at Fogg Dam?

There are a few different activities you can do when visiting Fogg Dam. A popular activity is doing one of the many walks.

Monsoon Forest Walk

On this 45 minute walk, you’ll trail through the monsoon and paperbark forests until reaching the floodplains. The walk is fairly easy, and you’ll find there are some signs along the way.

Woodlands to Waterlily Walk

You’ll find yourself walking through the forests and along the boardwalk onto the dam. This is an easy 45 minute walk with plenty of lookout points and signs as you make your way around.

Wildlife spotting

You can spot a lot of different wildlife at Fogg Dam. The water is home to water pythons, freshwater turtles, and a Territory favourite, crocodiles. Keen on spotting some birds? Check out the shady dam wall access and you might spot a few different types of birds hanging around.

Fogg Dam is perfect to visit if you’re in Darwin for the first time and want to see some wetlands and wildlife. As it’s only a 45 minute drive out of Darwin, you can easily spend a few hours here before exploring other parts of the city.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.