1 Day Private Tour – Mary River Wetlands

Experience the beauty and magnificence of the Mary River Wetlands and Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve on this guided day tour which shares with you some of the unique Territory experiences you can only find in Australia’s Top End.

1 Day Private Tour – Mary River Wetlands

Private tours are subject to a quote

Experience the beauty and magnificence of the Mary River Wetlands and Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve on this guided day tour which shares with you some of the unique Territory experiences you can only find in Australia’s Top End. On this tour, we will delve into the history and the natural wonders of the region and experience a great variety of historical and geographical landmarks. Along with having the chance to spot our unique wildlife, you will witness the uniqueness of our tropical ecosystems and hear how we have worked with the land and the elements in the Northern Territory for centuries. Activities include guided walks, scenic lookouts and a Corroboree Billabong Lunch Cruise. Offroad Dreaming share their knowledge of combined decades of experience in the area and we have the opportunity to join specialist activities where specific cultural, geographical and historical information is a valuable inclusion of your itinerary.

Highlights

  • Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
  • Wetland View Top Centre
  • Beatrice Hill Lookout 
  • Corroboree Billabong Lunch Cruise (2.5 hrs)

Private single day tour details

  • Chilled drinking water, snacks and lunch
  • Pick up from your Darwin accommodation at the start of the tour and return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.
  • Transport in a private fully licensed and permitted tour vehicle
  • Private and public activities as per itinerary
  • Guided tour of each location on your itinerary
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sun hat and Sunscreen 30+
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack for walks
  • Lightweight waterproof clothing during the Shoulder Wet Season months (typically March, April, September and October)

Transport in a well-maintained air-conditioned vehicle, with tinted windows for comfort and UV protection

  • Incidentals eg fresh coffee at comfort stops
  • Flights to and from Darwin
  • Pre and post tour overnight accommodation
  • Travel insurance
1 Day
The Top End
1 Day Private Tour

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1 Day Private Tour - Mary River Wetlands
Leaving Darwin behind, we travel East along the Arnhem Highway into the Adelaide River Floodplains.
A short drive off the highway leads us to Fogg Dam, part of the old Humpty Doo Rice Project established back in the 1950s. Today Fogg Dam is a wildlife conservation reserve. We drive along the dam wall, raised just a few metres across the floodplain to retain the monsoonal rainfall, which was then fed into the lower rice fields on the northern side of the wall in the earlier days. Today this makes the perfect habitat for an array of wildlife, in particular for our wetland bird species.
We stop at Pandanus Lookout for a snack and photo opportunity or take the Waterlily Boardwalk to enjoy the viewing platforms.
After visiting Fogg Dam we continue our journey East, our next stop is Wetland View Top Centre. Perched on top of Beatrice Hill, the centre’s viewing platform provides spectacular views across the Adelaide River Floodplains.
Next, we travel towards the Mary River Wetlands and Corroboree Billabong, home to the largest concentration of Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodiles in the world. Here we join the 2.5-hour lunch cruise, which allows plenty of time to explore this nature lovers’ paradise without any rush. Here you will get as close as safely possible to see these crocodiles in their natural habitat and hear about the characteristics of these amazing creatures and how they have survived for millions of years.
After the cruise, we make our way back towards the tropical city of Darwin, while enjoying another drive through the beautiful floodplains region.

Guidelines for your travel with us here in Australia’s Top End:

Offroad Dreaming will host your visit through the Northern Territory.  Offroad Dreaming Guides will use their knowledge, training and experience, along with our exceptional customer service standards, to share some of the quality experiences and activities the Top End offers.  Our Guides are fully licensed and accredited, and first-aid qualified. They hold knowledge certification and Ochre cards where required.  All our Guides are hand selected, with appropriate experience and references.  We will work with you to find the right Guide for your group.

You will not need to bring any food with you.

We provide fresh snacks and meals based on whole food ingredients, which can be amended to cater for special dietaries when required. Chilled, filtered drinking water is provided. Please bring a refillable water bottle.

Itinerary Changes

Throughout the day, if you would like to amend the itinerary or spend more or less time at each location, please consult with your Guide, who can restructure the day as you go.

Footwear

Please be aware of the walking distance of each trek and take a full water bottle with you each time. You will walk on bush tracks with loose dirt, sticks and stones. Suitable supportive footwear is recommended.

Travel Distances

Distances between locations in the Northern Territory can be vast. Itineraries are designed to minimise driving times as much as possible. Your drive will be broken up with regular comfort stops, and you are welcome to discuss additional stops with the Guide at any time. Some of our larger vehicles also have onboard toilet facilities.

The Vehicle

Offroad Dreaming has a variety of their own 2 Wheel Drive and 4 Wheel drive vehicles available for your transport. We will allocate you the most suitable vehicle depending on your group size and itinerary. We also work with other local vehicle providers when additional or extra sizes of vehicles are required. All vehicles are fully accredited, licensed, and insured to carry passengers and fitted with specific tour vehicle plates and are maintained to a high standard. Our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible.  Small walking aids can be stored in the back of the vehicle or trailer, depending on group size or vehicle.

Wildlife

Wildlife, such as wallabies, birds, snakes, frogs and lizards, can be spotted and observed throughout the region, which is made up of Savannah Woodlands, Monsoon Forest and sandstone formations.  We do not approach wildlife but will have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.  Most of our wildlife is not naturally aggressive and generally does not approach humans unless provoked. Many species of snakes inhabit the Top End of Australia. Not all are venomous. Your Guide is fully trained to manage any health and safety requirements. Spider bites can cause mild sickness. Their bites are not fatal. Estuarine crocodiles do inhabit our waterways. Regular water surveys are carried out in designated swimming spots. Please observe swim safety signs at all times. Your Guide will also be available with safety updates.

Subject to change

Your itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural, seasonal and/ or environmental conditions. We aim to replace unavailable activities and locations with suitable alternatives.

Seasonality

Our Dry Season runs from May to October, and the weather is typically dry with light winds. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-30s, with low humidity and mild nights ranging from 15-25°C. November to April is the Wet Season in the Top End, tropical storms bring long-awaited rain, and the bush comes alive. Days can be sunny and dry and not adversely affected; however, it is monsoon season, and the rains can cause localised flooding, resulting in temporary road closures.  We are given advance notice of upcoming weather events and will make appropriate amendments to your itinerary.  In extreme cases, we may have to cancel.  Temperatures can range from 20-30°C overnight and up to the high 30s and 40s during the day.  Humidity levels often reach 80% or more, causing the temperature to feel hotter than it is.