The best places to go birdwatching around Australia
Australia is blessed with an abundant and diverse variety of birds so pack your binoculars because we’re going birdwatching! Here are some of the best locations to catch a glimpse of those feathered beauties.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Arguably the best destination for birdwatching, the many habitats of the Kakadu is home to more than 280 species of birds or one-third of Australia’s bird species. Even the least patient of observers will be rewarded with fascinating sights. Some common species to keep an eye out include blue-winged kookaburra, red-tailed black cockatoo, magpie goose, chestnut-quilled rock pigeon, barking owl and plumed whistling-duck. BirdLife International has listed some 12,000 (of the 20,000) square kilometres of the park as part of their “Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas” as it supports populations of the endangered Gouldian finch, red goshawk, partridge pigeon and chestnut-backed button-quail, hooded parrot and rainbow pitta.
Broome Bird Observatory, Western Australia
An educational, scientific and recreational facility, Broome Bird Observatory is a paradise for birdwatchers. It’s privy to more than 300 species of birds and is regarded as the most significant viewing site for shorebirds in Australia. Look for bower birds, white-breasted whistler, red-headed honeyeaters, golden-whistler, Australian raptor, and the yellow-chat. If you’re a novice, the tours at the observatory are always helpful.
Gluepot Reserve, South Australia
This 50,000 hectares of mallee scrub is home to 190 species including six nationally threatened bird species. The relative accessibility of Gluepot means it’s one of the very few areas where you can observe first-hand some otherwise difficult to find species including the black-eared miner, malleefowl, red-lored whistler, regent parrot, scarlet-chested parrot and striated grasswren. In the taller, denser woodlands keep a look for Gilbert's whistler, hooded robin, chestnut quail-thrush and southern scrubrobin.
Werribee Western Treatment Plant, Victoria
One of the most popular sites for birdwatching in Australia, the Western Treatment Plant is a haven for 284 recorded species from south eastern Australia and East Asia. The varied habitat of lagoons, grasslands and coastline provide an ideal place for feathered creatures including threatened species, the brolga and orange-bellied parrot; shorebirds such as the red-kneed dotterel, red-necked avocet and red-necked stint and waterfowls like the chestnut teal and freckled duck. You have to apply for a permit to bird watch here.
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
You can find 430 species of birds among the trees of the world heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. It draws not only Aussie birdwatchers but international crowds attracted to the large variety of birds on offer including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher, great-billed heron, black bittern, Victoria's riflebird, spotted catbird, pied monarch, Macleay's honeyeater, and many, many others