Top 15 Birding Locations in Australia

Dave's Creek Track (1.4km)

Best for Albert's Lyrebird, Rufous Scrub-bird, and Australian Logrunner. Excellent dawn/dusk birding.

Border Track (6km return)

Multi-habitat trail ideal for Paradise Riflebird, Regent Bowerbird, and Noisy Pitta. Elevation changes provide diverse bird communities.

Box Forest Circuit (10.8km)

Great for mixed feeding flocks, Russet-tailed Thrush, Bassian Thrush, Welcome Swallow, and Eastern Yellow Robin.

Coomera Falls Track (3.6km return)

Creek habitat perfect for Pale-vented Bush-hen, Green Catbird, and Lewin's Honeyeater.

Rainforest Circuit Track (1.2km)

Elevated boardwalk through pristine lowland rainforest targeting Torresian Imperial-Pigeon in fruiting trees. Orange-footed Scrubfowl forages on forest floor among leaf litter, while Australasian Figbird feeds in canopy levels. Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Topknot Pigeon provide additional fruit-eating species. Early morning visits yield best activity levels.

Dubuji Boardwalk (1.1km return)

Accessible beach and mangrove edge walk where Eastern Cattle Egret feeds in grassy areas near the beach. Little Egret frequents tidal pools and creek mouths, while Welcome Swallow hawks insects over open areas. Coastal heathland sections support different species inside the adjacent rainforest.

Madja Boardwalk (1.2km return)

A trail through fan palm forest where Australian Swiftlet roosts in palm crowns and Metallic Starling flocks seasonally. The boardwalk provides access to mid-story levels without ground disturbance, enabling close observation of Orange-footed Scrubfowl mound-building behavior.

Daintree River Cruise

Essential complement to land-based birding featuring Black Swan on calmer river sections and Magpie Goose in seasonal flocks. Little Egret and Eastern Cattle Egret frequent muddy banks, while mangrove specialists like Little Kingfisher and Torresian Kingfisher hunt from overhanging branches. Great-billed Heron provides spectacular sightings for patient observers.

Main Road Through Rainforest Camp

The primary birding location where most species are found by walking the sealed road from the campsite. Papuan Eclectus (bright green males, red-blue females) frequently crosses the road, while Red-cheeked Parrot appears along forest edges and the Magnificent Riflebird displays in canopy above the road. The road provides easy access to rainforest edges where most target species feed and move.

Rainforest Camp Area

Walking around the campsite and immediate surrounds yields Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Frill-necked Monarch, White-eared Monarch, Northern Scrub-Robin and Black-winged Monarch. Trumpet Manucode often feeds in fruiting trees near camp facilities, while Double-eyed Fig-Parrot (Marshall's subspecies) visits flowering trees.

Road to Gordon Creek

Short road walk from camp targeting Papuan Pitta (wet season only) in dense understory along the creek approach. White-faced Robin and Northern Scrub-robin skulk in roadside vegetation, while Yellow-legged Flyrobin hunts from low perches.

West Claudie Creek

Reliable site for Palm Cockatoo, Australia's largest parrot species with distinctive casque. Yellow-billed Kingfisher hunts from rainforest streams, while three endemic monarch species create identification challenges: Black-winged Monarch, White-eared Monarch, and Frill-necked Monarch.

Old Coen Road Track

The park's longest walk (8km return) provides access to Yellow-legged Flyrobin and White-faced Robin. Northern Scrub-robin skulks in understory, while Tropical Scrubwren represents another Cape York exclusive. Double-eyed Fig-Parrot (Marshall's subspecies) feeds in fruiting trees.

Chili Beach

Coastal complement featuring Beach Stone-curlew and Lesser Frigatebird. October-March brings spectacular Metallic Starling congregations numbering thousands. Bridled Tern colonies nest on offshore islands.

December-March (Wet Season)

Peak target period for Papuan Pitta but requires fly-in access only. High humidity and regular storms challenge birding conditions but deliver the ultimate prize species.

May-October (Dry Season)

Road access possible with 4WD expedition travel. Missing Papuan Pitta but accessible for all other specialties. October provides optimal weather balance.

Mount Lewis Road

28km unsealed road climbing through rainforest zones. The Clearing at 11.6km (1,000m elevation) hosts Blue-faced Parrotfinch (November-April peak season) and multiple endemic species. Walking tracks from Clearing include trails to historic dam and "Ho Chi Minh Trail" with savannah views. 4WD recommended beyond first 11km.

Kingfisher Park Lodge Grounds

240+ species recorded within 1.5km radius. Red-necked Crake provides reliable viewing from lodge verandas. Atherton Scrubwren (highly localized endemic) inhabits gardens and forest edges.

Capertee Valley Bird Trail

Self-guided trail containing 19 bird watching sites marked on the roadside. Various species can be spotted at each site including Gang-gang Cockatoo, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Rainbow Bee-eater, Little Eagle, and Plum-headed Finch. Many birds can be seen from roadsides, creeklines and private property areas.

Coco Creek Bridge

Prime location for Gang-gang Cockatoo, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Little Lorikeet, and White-bellied Cuckooshrike. The bridge provides excellent roadside birding opportunities.

Glen Davis

Located in the valley, about 70km from Lithgow. Here you can see Weebill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, White-winged Chough, Red-rumped Parrot, and White-naped Honeyeater. Glen Davis also offers excellent opportunities for nocturnal birds including Eastern Barn Owl and Australian Owlet-nightjar.

Grand Canyon Track (6.3km loop)

Located within Blackheath, this moderate difficulty track explores sandstone walls, waterfalls, creeks and lush vegetation. Stop by Evans Head Lookout for scenic views where Glossy Black-Cockatoo have been spotted, though rare. Easily accessible from Blackheath village or by car from Leura and Katoomba. Look for Rockwarbler, Superb Lyrebird, Satin Bowerbird, Spotted Pardalote, and Yellow-rumped Thornbill.

Blue Gum Swamp, Winmalee (10km loop)

Located in the Grose Valley, this track features substantial eucalypt forest and sandstone rock formations with rainforest sections. Various routes can be taken depending on your preferred difficulty. Look for Australian Owlet-nightjar (nocturnal), Bell Miner, Australian Rufous Fantail, Eastern Spinebill, White-naped Honeyeater, Variegated Fairywren, and Square-tailed Kite.

Lady Carrington Drive (10km)

This trail follows the Hacking River through the Royal National Park providing ample birdwatching opportunities. Look for Rockwarbler, Sacred Kingfisher, Satin Bowerbird, Azure Kingfisher, and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren.

Wattle Forest

The Wattle Forest picnic area surrounds the Hacking River with relaxing views and abundant birdlife. Here you can see Green Catbird, Bassian Thrush, Satin Bowerbird, Topknot Pigeon, Azure Kingfisher, and Eastern Spinebill.

Forest Path

A delightful rainforest track that can be completed as a loop. With diverse plant life, this section is home to forest dwelling birds including Rose Robin, Green Catbird, Black-faced Monarch, Australian Rufous Fantail, and Australian Logrunner.

The Coast Track

This stunning walk features grand cliffside views amongst heathland scrub. Complete the whole track as a multi-day walk or do a section for a day trip. Look for New Holland Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird, Southern Emuwren, Rufous Whistler, and potentially White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Osprey.

White Box Walk (8.5 km Loop)

A great walk for key insight into the natural features and history behind Chiltern-Mt Pilot National park. Home to various eucalypt species and wildflowers. Try spotting the rare Regent Honeyeater and Turquoise Parrot. Plus, White-throated Treecreeper, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote, White-throated Needletail and Scarlet Robin.

Honeyeater Picnic Area

The trailhead for the White box walk and a key location for flowering ironbark forests in winter and spring, attracting nectar feeders such as honeyeaters and parrots. Keep an eye out for White-naped Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Swift Parrot (in winter) and Turquoise Parrot.

Chiltern Valley Dam 1 & 2

These dams are sites left from the parks gold mining era, which are now valuable wetlands within the park supporting a range of bird and eucalypt species. Look for Pink-eared Duck and Freckled Duck, Crimson Rosella, White-winged Chough, Diamond Firetail, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Whistling Kite.

Little River Bird Hide

One of two bird hides at the plant, located where the mouth of Little river and Port Phillip Bay meets. Look for Eastern Cattle Egret, Gray Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Australian Shelduck.

Walshes Lagoon

One of the plant's key lagoons in the sewage lagoon habitat, responsible for valuable waterbird habitat. Look for Ruff, Long-toed Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel, Swamp Harrier, Hardhead.

Lake Borrie

Coastal wetland, receives runoff from Little River. Look for Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Plumed Whistling-Duck and Blue-billed Duck, White-winged Tern, Black Falcon, Flame Robin, Red-capped Plover.

Kirk Point

Pacific Golden-Plover, Australian Fairy Tern and Little Tern, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Gray-tailed Tattler, Blue-billed Duck, Brolga, Short-tailed Shearwater, Whistling Kite, Yellow-billed Spoonbill.

The Heritage Trail (5km)

This key trail begins near the visitors centre and returns back to the beach, taking roughly just over 1 hour. Try looking for Noisy Scrub-bird, Western Bristlebird, Western Whipbird, Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, Southern Emuwren, Red-winged Fairywren, Red-eared Firetail, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Inland Thornbill, Rock Parrot. And be sure to take time to spot seabirds along the coastline. Try to find Sooty Oystercatcher, Pacific Gull, and Pacific Reef-Heron.

Try looking for Noisy Scrub-bird, Western Bristlebird, Western Whipbird, the rare Ground Parrot, Southern Emuwren, White-breasted Robin, Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. While traversing the coastline, also keep an eye out for rare plant species like the Granite Spider Orchid, Albany Pitcher Plant and other Wildlife such as Western Grey Kangaroo and even Humpback whales passing by in Winter.

Waychinicup Inlet Camping Area

55 minute drive to Two Peoples Bay. $15 per night. Suitable for camping. Toilets available. No caravans allowed, no fresh water supply.

Albany Motel and Apartments

37 minute drive to Two Peoples Bay. Various rooms and apartments available. Free wifi, close to cafes and restaurants.

Cheynes Beach Caravan Park

Powered tent and camper trailer sites. Various cabins available. Shaded, grassy areas, BBQ's, Boat wash down area, Fish cleaning facilities, Takeaway shop and general store on site.

Roosting Sites

Found along the shores of Roebuck bay, various roosting sites provide a key viewing area for shorebirds. Particularly, during high tide when the birds will move away from the mud flats to rest. Look out for Asian Dowitcher, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Gray-tailed Tattler, Pacific Golden-Plover.

Little Crab Creek

Mud flats and key foraging area that adjoins Roebuck Bay. Look for Common Redshank, Pacific Reef-Heron, Red Knot, Asian Dowitcher, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Paperbark Flycatcher, Black-tailed Whistler.

Roebuck Plains

Situated on a floodplain, this key habitat features tidal creeks, mangrove systems and sandy red beaches. Here you can search for Yellow Chat (rare), Brolga, Singing Bushlark, Australian Bustard, Oriental Plover, Little Curlew.

Simpsons Gap

18km West of Alice springs, this popular destination provides stunning views of the iconic Narrow gorge. Various walks can be completed here including the short Ghost Gum walk (200m) and the 1.5km Cassia Hill Walk. Look for Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and Gray-headed Honeyeater, Budgerigar, Pink Cockatoo and Painted Firetail & Australian Zebra Finch. Plus, Western Bowerbird and Western Gerygone.

Ormiston Pound Walk (7.5km loop, 3-4 hours)

This walk spans rocky valleys, Ghost Gums, waterholes and a spinifex valley. Look for Dusky Grasswren, Spinifex Pigeon, Rufous-crowned Emuwren, Painted Firetail, Red-capped Robin, Purple-backed Fairywren and Western Bowerbird.

Ellery Creek Big Hole (3km walk)

Featuring picturesque cliff face, creeks, ghost gums and waterhole. This walk is largely covered by Spinifex habitat for key specialist species like Spinifexbird, Rufous-crowned Emuwren as well as, White-plumed Honeyeater, Red-backed Kingfisher, and Little Buttonquail. Keep an eye out for Pink-eared Duck by the waterhole and raptors including Peregrine Falcon and Little Eagle.

Yellow Water Billabong Walk (2.6km return)

Access point for famous wetland cruises featuring Black-necked Stork (Jabiru), Brolga, and Little Kingfisher. Early morning walk yields Azure Kingfisher, Green Pygmy-goose, and seasonal Letter-winged Kite. The adjacent cruise delivers close encounters with Saltwater Crocodile and Whistling Kite.

Mamukala Wetlands Boardwalk (1km)

September-October spectacle of up to 60,000 Magpie Geese with viewing platforms and bird hide. Target species include Radjah Shelduck, Comb-crested Jacana, and massive waterbird congregations during peak dry season.

Bardedjilidji Walk (2.5km return)

Stone country trail targeting the endemic Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon around Nourlangie Rock. Sandstone escarpments provide habitat for White-lined Honeyeater and Banded Honeyeater. Ancient Aboriginal art galleries combine cultural experiences with specialized bird habitat.

Nourlangie Rock Walk (1.5km)

Easy paved trail to Anbangbang Gallery with excellent Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon viewing opportunities in cliff faces. Sandstone Shrikethrush calls from rocky crevices, while White-throated Honeyeater and Bar-breasted Honeyeater feed in adjacent woodlands. The cultural walk provides close access to 20,000-year-old rock art.

Manngarre Walk (10.4km)

Monsoon forest circuit where the elusive Rainbow Pitta calls from dense understory. Shining Flycatcher and Lemon-bellied Flyrobin inhabit creek lines, while Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove feeds in canopy fruiting trees. Best attempted with experienced guides.

Anbangbang Billabong Circuit (2.5km)

Combines wetland birding with Ubirr rock art, featuring Little Kingfisher and Forest Kingfisher. Plumed Egret and Royal Spoonbill frequent shallow areas, while surrounding woodlands support Hooded Parrot.

Gubara Walk (6km)

Targets the rare Gouldian Finch in Yurmikmik area woodlands. Long-tailed Finch and Double-barred Finch provide comparison species, while Red-backed Fairywren inhabits spinifex grasslands.

Gunlom Falls Walk (1km to top)

Steep climb to infinity pool overlook provides access to Sandstone Shrikethrush, a Northern Territory endemic found only in rocky gorge systems. The specialized sandstone habitat also supports White-lined Honeyeater and Banded Honeyeater. Plunge pool area below attracts Forest Kingfisher and Sacred Kingfisher.

Bruny Island Cruises

Get up close to Bruny Islands coastline with a boat cruise taking you along towering cliffsides, deep sea caves and unique landmarks like 'Breathing Rock' and 'The Monument'. These boat tours will get you some of the best viewings of a range of wildlife including dolphins, seals, Whales and of course, Sea birds.

Inala Nature Reserve

Inala Nature Tours provides carefully crafted bird watching tours for small groups on their private conservation reserve spanning 1,500 acres. The reserve has multiple hides, a nature museum, raptor photography hide and Jurassic Garden. Great for finding Forty-spotted Pardalote, Orange-bellied Parrot.

South Bruny National Park, Fluted Cape Walk (4km, 2.5 hr return)

Grand views of the coast including huge cliffsides and long sandy beaches with views of the Southern Ocean. Look for Tasmanian endemics such as Tasmanian Nativehen, Green Rosella, Dusky Robin, Black-headed Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote and more.

Neck Game Reserve

This unique landmark situated amongst 360 degree views of the coast provides excellent boardwalks and viewing platforms to see incredible species like Little Penguin and Short-tailed Shearwater. Key times of year are between September-February.

Adventure Bay

This long scenic yet sheltered beach will provide you with yet again, amazing soaring cliff views while situating you amongst eucalypt forest habitat. Look for Green Rosella, Hooded Plover, Yellow Wattlebird, Tasmanian Nativehen, Dusky Robin, Satin Flycatcher (summer), Dusky Woodswallow (summer).