Australia Birding
Birding Australia's east Coast & Tasmania
Australia is home to an incredible 360 species of endemic birds–the second highest rate of endemism of any country in the world. It also boasts the title of the most endemic bird families. On this 18-day tour across the eastern coast of Australia and the island of Tasmania, we can expect to encounter at least 100 endemic species and see a total of nearly 300 species overall. In addition to the phenomenal birding, we’ll also keep our eyes peeled for some of the most iconic mammals in the world: platypus, echidna, kangaroos, koalas, and perhaps even the rare Spotted Quoll.
As we work our way down the coast from Cairns to Tasmania, we will explore the various forest habitats that dominate the East Coast of Australia. We will spend time in the tropical rainforests of Cairns, the dry savannah woodlands of the Atherton Tablelands, and the temperate rainforest of Tasmania. As if this tour couldn’t get any better, we will also spend a day out in Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling among sea turtles and colorful tropical fish while also observing tens of thousands of seabirds that breed here.
This tour offers an incredible opportunity to dive deep into the birdlife of eastern Australia and Tasmania. With our packed and well crafted itinerary, this tour is sure to be an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the unusual, unique, and truly spectacular birds, wildlife, and natural wonders in the eastern coast of Australia.
Highlight and Target Birds
- Colonies of nesting seabird species, including Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, Greater and Lesser Crested Terns, Silver Gulls, and much more.
- Tablelands specialties such as Galah, Apostlebird, Red-winged Parrot, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Barus and Brolga Cranes, Eastern Whipbird, Golden Bowerbird, Fernwren, and much more.
- Iconic Australian species, such as Southern Cassowary, Tawny Frogmouth, Rosella Parrot, Lovely Fairywren, Albert’s and Superb Lyrebirds, and Paradise Riflebird.
- Tasmanian specialities like Fairy Penguin, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Native Hen, Orange-bellied Parrot, and Yellow Wattlebird
KEY LOCATIONS
Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree River, Atherton Tablelands, Lamington National park, Tasmania, Eaglehawk Neck, Bruny Island, Melaleuca, Royal National Park
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- In addition to incredible birdlife, we will also be on the look-out for several of Australia’s iconic mammals such as platypus, echidna, quoll, and several species of kangaroo and wallabies.
- Our journey into Michaelmas Cay will offer exceptional birding opportunities as well as a chance to snorkel and ride on a semi-submersible boat through this portion of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Our itinerary allows for several days of thorough exploration through the wilderness of Tasmania, where we will find incredible scenery, amazing birds, and intriguing wildlife.
- Spending two whole days in Lamington National Park will provide an opportunity to enjoy the immense birdlife at this renowned conservation area, which we will explore through hikes, drives, and night-viewing opportunities.
More Details
Accommodations
Cairns Plaza Hotel (1 night), Thala Beach (2 nights), Chambers Wildlife Lodge (3 nights), Brisbane Pacific Hotel (1 night), O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (3 nights), Brisbane Pacific Hotel (1 night), Hobart Travelodge Hotel (4 nights), Novotel Sydney International (2 nights)
Weather and climate
The weather in Australia is likely to be warm, but comfortable, with high temperatures ranging from 75°F/24°C to 90°F/32°C, depending on where we are. October is the end of the dry season in this region, but some rain is still possible. On Tasmania, we can expect daytime highs below 70°F/21°C with a substantially higher chance of rain.
Tour Details
Price: From $9,371 per-person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,450
Included: In-country accommodations, ground transportation, meals from dinner on first day to breakfast on last day, tour leader and guide throughout, all taxes and entrance fees.
Not Included: Pre & post trip accommodation, meals and drinks other than those specified, personal expenses, personal travel and cancellation insurance, international and internal flights other than Melaleuca, visa fees, laundry, tips and anything else not specifically mentioned. Domestic flights CNS – BNE or BNE – HOB are not included in this pricing.
Arrival Airport: Cairns (CNS)
Departure Airport: Hobart (HBA)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 8
Activity Level: Easy
Deposit: 30% per-person deposit is required to reserve, with balance due June 15, 2025.
Tour Leaders: Wesley Homoya and local guides
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!