Darwin Off The Beaten Path Tips by 1+1 Top 5 Page for this destination

Termite Mounds

These giant termite mounds are common in the Top End. Commonly called Cathedral Termites they are one of about 30+ species of termite found in the area. The largest mound I've seen is over 5 metres high.

This group of mounds is to the east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway between Corroboree Park and the Bark Hut. A walkway was built to prevent cars and people from compacting the ground which has tunnels for the termites to move around and collect food.

Fogg Dam, Straw-necked Ibis

An ibis trying to settle that grumbling belly.

Fogg Dam, lotus

Lotus Lilies, Eleocarpus reeds along with other water plants dominate the wetlands. Although always a flood plain, a low dam wall built during the rice project days maintains a higher water level throughout the year.

Fogg Dam, White Egret

White Egret strolling around looking for a meal.

Fogg Dam, Magpie Geese

Fogg Dam is to the east of Darwin, off the Arnhem Highway. It's a wetland area originally earmarked as a rice growing area. Unfortunately for the developers, the Magpie Geese swarmed onto the rice paddys and ate every thing out. Despite many attempts to drive the geese off, end of the day the geese triumphed. Today the area is a sanctuary for wildlife with the Magpie Geese still dominating the area.

Suburban jungle (literally)

Holmes Jungle fringes the northern suburbs of Darwin and provides an interesting nature walk without having to travel long distances. There are picnic areas and shady spots. Great for watching nature.

Berry Springs rainforest walkway

The rainforest sections of the walk are mostly on elevated walkways to keep people off the ground and thus prevent erosion and other degradation of the forest floor.

Berry Springs Dendrobium orchid

Clinging to the trunks of trees the orchid Dendrobium affine seeks areas of higher light than under the dense rainforest canopy. It’s mostly found on the margins of the forest or high up in the branches where there is more light. This cluster is right next to the pathway.

Berry Springs strangler fig

The Banyan Tree, in some places known as the “Tree of Knowledge”, is often called a strangler fig because of its habit of enveloping other trees with their roots and killing them. It’s a common tree of Top End rainforests.

Berry Springs rainforest walk

If you over eat and want to walk it off before going for a swim, the monsoon forest walk is the ideal place. It’s about one kilometre long and passes between tropical woodland to rainforest.