Darwin in March has a cosy tropical climate that helps the city’s diverse ecosystems bloom like crazy. With temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c and the end of the wet season giving you lush, vibrant landscapes, March is a fantastic time for bird watchers to find and photograph Darwin’s avian beauties.
Top End Birdwatching Benefits
March in Darwin is close to the start of the transition from the wet season to the dry season. This period is known as the ‘build-down’ and means high humidity and frequent rain, which creates the perfect conditions for birdlife. All the full wetlands and billabongs attract a number of waterbird species too.
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is a must-visit for birdwatchers and only an hour from Darwin. The beautiful wetlands here are home to many waterbird species, such as magpie geese, egrets, herons and the iconic jabiru. Early mornings and late afternoons are definitely the best times to visit, as the birds are most active during these cooler parts of the day.
Leanyer Swamp is an urban birdwatching site that’s definitely a hidden gem. The swamp is teeming with birdlife like rainbow bee-eaters, black-necked storks and raptors. With diverse habitats ranging from mangroves to open water, the area is excellent for spotting both common and rare species.
There’s also the amazing George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, which is a more leisurely birdwatching location within the city. The gardens’ lush greenery attracts a variety of bird species, including the red-collared lorikeet, double-barred finch and the often-sighted rufous owl. You can also spot hidden dinosaur statues for fun!
Meet the Local Species
During March in Darwin, you’ll have the chance to see so many species and the best way to do that is by joining a wetlands tour or wildlife tour. If you’re lucky, you might spot an elusive rainbow pitta, a graceful Australasian darter or a cheeky red-tailed black cockatoo.
The city is also full of museums, nature reserves and other places where you’ll spot and learn about the city’s beautiful birds. Our Things To Do in Darwin page has more activities you can do while visiting.
Travelling at another time? Check out what to expect from Darwin in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
