The best time of year to hunt magpie geese in the Northern Territory is during the official waterfowl hunting season, which is strictly regulated and changes slightly each year. The season typically runs from mid-August to early January.
2024–2025 Season Example
Private Land:
Opens: August 15, 2024
Closes: January 6, 2025
Hunting Reserves:
Opens: September 25, 2024
Closes: January 6, 2025
Daily Hunting Hours
August: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm (private land)
September–October: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
November: 5:50 am – 7:15 pm
December–Early January: 5:50 am – 7:30 pm
Why These Months Are Best
August and September often offer the best access to wetlands, as water levels are ideal and geese are abundant and active.
The season is set to coincide with the end of the dry season and start of the wet season, when magpie geese congregate in large flocks on floodplains and hunting conditions are optimal.
Access: Early in the season, airboats and other means can reach remote wetlands, maximizing hunting opportunities.
Key Points
You must have a valid permit to hunt magpie geese during the season.
Hunting outside the declared season is illegal and subject to penalties.
Season dates and regulations are reviewed annually based on population surveys and environmental conditions.
Summary Table
Year
Private Land Season
Reserve Season
Season End
2024–2025
Aug 15, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
Jan 6, 2025
For the most up-to-date information, always check the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife website or contact their permits office before planning your hunt.
Packing for the Top End’s outdoor adventures means preparing for tropical heat, intense sun, humidity, and sudden downpours. Here’s a season-by-season guide for both the dry season (May–September) and wet season (October–April), with key accessories for comfort, safety, and sun protection.
Dry Season (May–September)
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting shirts, shorts, skirts, or dresses made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo. These fabrics allow airflow and help regulate body temperature.
Sun Protection:
Long-sleeved shirts and pants (preferably with UPF rating) for extra protection from the harsh UV rays.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your face and neck.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
Swimwear: Essential for swimming in waterfalls, waterholes, or at the beach.
Comfortable Footwear:
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for bushwalks and rocky terrain.
Sandals or breathable shoes for casual wear.
Light Layers for Evenings: Pack a light jacket, fleece, or sweater for cooler nights and early mornings, especially if camping.
Accessories:
Reusable water bottle (at least 1L capacity).
Quick-dry towel or sarong for swimming and drying off.
Insect repellent (tropical strength).
First aid kit.
Headlamp or flashlight for camping or power outages.
Pack for Sun, Heat & Humidity: Always prioritize sun protection and hydration.
Cultural Considerations: When visiting Aboriginal communities or sacred sites, wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Practical Accessories:
Power bank for charging devices in remote areas.
Quick-dry towel or sarong for swimming and covering up.
Map or GPS for hiking.
Summary Table
Item
Dry Season
Wet Season
Lightweight, breathable clothes
✔️
✔️
Quick-dry fabrics
✔️ (recommended)
✔️ (essential)
Long-sleeved sun protection
✔️
✔️
Wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses
✔️
✔️
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
✔️
✔️ (multiple)
Sturdy walking shoes
✔️
✔️ (waterproof preferred)
Sandals
✔️
✔️
Light jacket or fleece
✔️ (for evenings)
(rarely needed)
Rain jacket/poncho
(optional)
✔️ (essential)
Insect repellent
✔️
✔️
Reusable water bottle
✔️
✔️
First aid kit, headlamp
✔️
✔️
Dry bags/umbrella
(optional)
✔️
In summary: Pack for high heat, humidity, and strong sun year-round. In the wet season, prioritize waterproof gear and quick-drying fabrics; in the dry, add a light jacket for cool nights. Always bring sun and insect protection, sturdy shoes, swimwear, and plenty of water-essentials for safe and comfortable outdoor adventures in the Top End.
The Top End is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, offering some of Australia’s best wildlife viewing in both wild habitats and expertly managed parks. Here are the must-see wildlife spots you shouldn’t miss:
1. Kakadu National Park
Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kakadu’s vast wetlands, floodplains, and billabongs teem with wildlife.
What to see: Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, wild horses, buffalo, and over 280 bird species including jabiru, brolgas, and magpie geese.
How to experience: Take a Yellow Water Billabong cruise for close encounters with crocs and prolific birdlife, or join guided tours for expert insights.
2. Litchfield National Park
Why visit: Easily accessible from Darwin, Litchfield is famous for its waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, and diverse wildlife.
What to see: Agile wallabies, flying foxes, monitor lizards, and a variety of birds. The park is also home to unique magnetic termite mounds-some of the largest in the world1.
How to experience: Explore walking trails to Wangi, Florence, and Tolmer Falls, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
3. Territory Wildlife Park (near Berry Springs)
Why visit: The best place to see and interact with native Top End wildlife in a natural bushland setting.
What to see: Agile wallabies, antilopine wallaroos, dingoes, nocturnal marsupials, freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, turtles, barramundi, and a huge variety of birds.
Highlights: Billabong with pelicans and turtles, walk-through aviaries, a nocturnal house, aquarium, and daily Flight Deck bird show.
How to experience: Self-guided or guided visits; shuttle trains connect various exhibits.
4. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve & Mary River Wetlands
Why visit: A birdwatcher’s paradise and one of the best places in Australia to see waterbirds and reptiles.
What to see: Massive flocks of magpie geese, jacanas, jabiru, egrets, brolgas, and both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.
How to experience: Boardwalks, bird hides, and guided cruises; visit Mistake Billabong for tranquil birdwatching.
5. Adelaide River
Why visit: Famous for its jumping crocodile cruises.
What to see: Large saltwater crocodiles leaping for food, plus abundant birdlife and occasional buffalo sightings.
How to experience: Book a crocodile safari or cruise for thrilling close encounters.
6. East Point Reserve & Casuarina Coastal Reserve (Darwin)
Why visit: Accessible nature reserves near Darwin, ideal for spotting wallabies, birds, and marine life.
What to see: Agile wallabies, shorebirds, and sometimes dolphins or turtles offshore.
7. Aquascene Fish Feeding (Darwin)
Why visit: A fun, interactive experience where visitors can hand-feed wild fish at high tide.
What to see: Milkfish, mullet, catfish, and more in a safe, urban setting.
8. Wildlife Cruises
Why do it: Cruises on rivers and billabongs (like Yellow Water in Kakadu) are among the best ways to see crocodiles, buffalo, wild horses, and immense bird colonies in their natural habitat.
Tip: For the richest wildlife experiences, time your visits for early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active, and always follow local safety advice-especially around crocodile habitats.
