Seasons

The Monsoon – ‘The Wet’ – December to March

The monsoon forms over South-East Asia and pushes a dense blanket of cloud in from the Timor Sea. Where the dry season is test of survival the wet season is an act of environmental rebirth as the floodwaters that empty off the stone country inland spill out over the riverbanks and onto the floodplains. The Estuarine Crocodiles move back onto the plains from the river channels in preparation for their breeding season. The regrowth of aquatic plants provides an abundance of food for the Magpie Geese as they build up for their nesting season. This time of year results in heavy rains most days with some spectacular storms.

March to May

As the waters recede from the floodplains, the Magpie Geese and Brolgas are starting to tend newly hatched young and the shallower areas of water attract a variety of waterbirds (cormorants, pelicans, egrets, spoonbills, herons and ibises). Waterlilies and other perennial waterplants are at their best over this period. The country can still receive the occasional late season storm. 

May to July – early ‘Dry’

Cooler day and night temperatures and lower humidity make this period a more comfortable time of the year to visit from a climatic perspective. Grassfires can be a feature at this time of year which provides an opportunity to spot a variety of raptors, kites especially but also Brown Falcons and Sea-Eagles.

August to September – late ‘Dry’

The days are warmer and the nights not so cool. Greater concentrations of birds are evident on the billabongs as the waterways and floodplains dry out. Tropical woodland plants flower at this time of year producing an abundance of nectar. Flowering cluster figs bring in a variety of species including Northern Brushtail Possums and the Black Flying-fox. The dry floodplains are susceptible to fire at this time of year but nevertheless provide the opportunity to visit the coastline across the spectacular tidal mudflats. 

The Pre-Monsoon - October to December

The clear skies of the dry season transform themselves into build ups of cumulus and sudden massive storm cells. The parched earth soaks up the rain and the transformation of the floodplains to a carpet of greenery is remarkable. Termites use this time of year to build up their nests and there is a constant buzz of cicadas in the air as they undergo their final moult. The concentrations of birds, especially Magpie Geese, on the remaining waterholes are spectacular. The frogs start calling again in the woodlands building up to an evening crescendo. The Antilopine Wallaroos and Agile Wallabies put on condition and resume their breeding cycle.