TRACKS BIRDING & PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Ever wanted to meet a Grasswren face to face? Dreamed of photographing a Palm Cockatoo in the wild? How about seeing your first Banded Fruit-dove amongst Monsoon Forests of Kakadu? Being a local bird photographer I have extensive knowledge of Northern Australia including Cairns, Iron Range, Mount Isa, Channel Country, Darwin, Kakadu and the Victoria River Regions. I can help you find and photograph that bird you've always dreamed of seeing, join Tracks Birding & Photography Tours for a once in a lifetime, unforgettable Bird Photography Tour.
ADVANTAGES WITH TRACKS BIRDING:
- Specialising in Private and/or Small Group Bird Photography Tours (Guest Minimum 2 / Maximum 4)
- Tracks Birding (Laurie Ross) is the only full time/true Bird Photography Guide in Australia
- Guide is a well known and published Professional Bird Photographer
- Photography hide setups available for incredible photographic opportunities
- Flexible dates - Book when it suits you (Subject to availability)
- A strong understanding of the needs of photographers
- Extensive local knowledge from over 17 years of birding in Australia
- See unique, rare & endemic birds from around the Australia
- Amazing photographic opportunities
- Finding time to appreciate the beautiful outback landscapes while touring
- Flexible Itineraries (Can modify to suit any birds you need to photograph)
- Have the opportunity to explore remote parts of Australia that not many tour companies visit
- Share my passion for finding and photographing birds
- Birds, Birds, Birds & more Birds!
INCLUSIONS: During your time on Tour
- Hotel Pick up / Drop off
- Transport in modern 4wd vehicle
- Air Conditioned accommodation included - No camping like other tours
- All meals while on tour
- Enjoy high quality meals at great local cafe's & restaurants - in the field when necessary
- Sunscreen / Insect Spray
- First aid kit on hand at all times
- All refreshments including soft drinks, water, tea & coffee
- Alcoholic beverage with dinners
- Professional guide (Who is also a professional photographer)
- All National Park entry fees
- All the latest local field guides (Digital & Printed)
- Overnight tours - All meals during our time on tour
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY and/or BIRDING WITH A CAMERA TOURS with one of Australia's leading bird finders and photographers;
JUST ABOUT ALL MY TOURS ARE PRIVATE SO DATES ARE TOTALLY UP TO YOU
CAIRNS AND SOUTHERN TABLELANDS | 6D / 5N Tour
Day 1 - Today is arrival day in Cairns, for the next two days we will be spending time exploring Cairns city itself. Sites we will visit include the famous Cairns Esplanade which is a fantastic place for shorebirds including Terek Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pelican, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater & Lesser Sandplover, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Caspian Tern and if we’re lucky a Beach-stone Curlew. The mangroves at the Northern end of the Esplanade are great for Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe a Satin Flycatcher.
Just North of town is Centenary Lakes where we find fresh and saltwater lakes, here we might see Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Australian Brush-Turkey, Cicadabird, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeaters, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Butcherbird, Magpie Goose, Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-heron, Radjah Shelduck, Metallic Starling, Double-eyed Fig-parrot, Green Oriole maybe a day roosting Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or similar)
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 2 - Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or similar)
Day 3 - Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights.
Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.
Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 4 - For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird. We will be concentrating on finding all the local Wet Tropic endemic birds.
Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.
An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 5 - Our second day around the Southern Tablelands
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 6 - Today we spend the morning following up any species we need to follow up, this could lead us to the dry habitat around Mareeba or continue targeting the rainforest birds. Lunch will be had a one of the Tablelands great cafes before making out way back down to Cairns where I can drop you at your accommodation or airport depending on your plans.
Cost - $14980.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation
Single Supplement $750.00
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
IRON RANGE NATIONAL PARK, LOCKHART RIVER and PORTLAND QLD | 6 Days / 5 Nights
Trip Begins - Cairns, QLD
Trip Ends - Cairns, QLD
DAY 0 - Arrival into Cairns, you will need to make yourself to Cairns a day before the tour (Flights to/from Cairns are not included)
Accommodation - Not included
Meals: Not included
Day 1 : We will be heading to Cairns airport nice and early to catch our morning flight to Lockhart River, where we will be spending the next week.
Once we arrive Lockhart we will collect our 4wd and be ready to head out.
For the next 7 days we will be exploring a range of habitats in and around Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River and Portland. Habitats include the dry woodlands for species like Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo and one of the more difficult birds the Yellow-legged Flycatcher.
The rainforest of Iron Range holds some of the star birds, these include Black-winged (Wet Season only) & Frill-necked Monarch, Green-backed & Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, White-faced Robin, Magnificent Riflebird, Black-eared Catbird, Yellow-legged Fly-robin, Red-cheeked Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Chestnut--breasted Cuckoo, Tropical Scrubwren, Trumpet Manucode, Northern Scrub-robin and of course the main target Papuan (Red-bellied) Pitta (Wet Season only) The dry woodlands around Lockhart and Portland hold Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, White-browed Robin, White-streaked Honeyeater and another star of the show the Palm Cockatoo. The mangroves around Portland can be fantastic for White-browed Robin, Mangrove Robin, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe the Cape York subspecies of Brush Turkey which has a crazy Purple wattle instead of the conventional Yellow. Dinner each night will be at Portland House where our hosts Sheree & Greg prepare some incredible meals. After dinner each night you will have the option of going out spotlighting for one of Iron Rangers most famous residents, the Green Tree Python. Other reptiles that are possible are Scrub Python, Carpet Python, Spotted Python, Mammals include Giant White-tailed Tree Rat, Cape York Rat, Southern Common Cuscus and Southern Spotted Cuscus. Bird targets are the Northern subspecies of Marbled Frogmouth which is likely to be split and also the more common Papuan Frogmouth. Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/) Meals included: (L, D). Day 2 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today. Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/) Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 3 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today. Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/) Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 4 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today. Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/) Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 5 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today. Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/) Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 6 - Depending on flight times and the birds we need to find will depend what what do today. Flights out of Lockhart River are usually late afternoon, giving us most of the day to follow up on birds we need to find and or Photograph. Meals included: (B, L). Cost - $17990.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Target Birds: Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta (Only on Dec - Jan Tours), Black-eared Catbird, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Graceful Honeyeater, Lovely Fairywren, Tropical Scrubwren, Green-backed Honeyeater, White-streaked Honeyeater, Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Black-winged Monarch (Only on Dec - Jan Tours), Frill-necked Monarch, Trumpet Manucode, Magnificent Riflebird, Yellow-legged Flycatcher, White-faced Robin and Northern Scrub-robin For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
TOP END TOUR including Kakadu NP | 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Pick you up from your accommodation in Darwin between 6 - 7 am. We will spend the morning exploring the many nature reserves around Darwin. The main species we will be targeting are Rufous Owl, Barking Owl, Tawny Frogmouth, Rainbow Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Bush-stone Curlew, Brown Whistler, Northern Fantail, Forest Kingfisher and Little Corella. We will also spend time in the Mangroves trying to photograph Red-headed Myzomela, Mangrove Gerygone, Mangrove Golden Whistler and Torresian Kingfisher.
Lunch will be had at one of Darwin's great cafes before we spend the afternoon photographing anything we missed in the morning and depending on tides photographing some of the mangrove and shorebird species out at Lee Point and Buffalo Creek.
Driving Time - 1.0 Hours
Accommodation - Argus Hotel, Darwin City
Meals included: (L, D).
DAY 2 : We head out early to one of Darwin’s best and famous birding spots, Fogg Dam. Targets here include Black-necked Stork, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Pied Heron, Comb-crested Jacana, Arafura Fantail, Paperbark Flycatcher, Royal Spoonbill, Crimson Finch and Forest Kingfisher. After our time at Fogg Dam we explore the Adelaide River Flood Plains and maybe Marrakai Tracks before making our way East towards Kakadu and our accommodation for the night. After checking in at our hotel in Jabiru we will then head South toward Nawurlandja to bird our first Arnhemland Sandstone and watch the sunset. Targets here are Banded Fruit-dove, Partridge Pigeon, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, White-lined Honeyeater, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and the Sandstone race of Helmeted Friarbird. Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation - The Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 3 : An early morning to head North to Bardedjilidji for an early morning walk, here we will be looking Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and maybe a Rainbow Pitta or Rose-crowned Fruit-dove. After the walk our next spot is Ubirr for the rest of the morning. This spectacular view over the floodplain can also be a great place for Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. This is also a great place to see Short-eared Rock Wallaby. If the tide is right we will check out Cahill crossing to see its famous crocodiles feeding together then it will be time to head back for lunch. After a break in the middle of the day we will head to Nourlangie to clean up any of the endemics we have missed, this is also a great spot to see some aboriginal artwork. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation - The Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 4 : This morning we will be booked on a 2 hour cruise around the famous Yellow-waters Billabong, this is usually one of the highlights of the tour with usually thousands of water birds to point out lens at. Main targets are Little & Azure Kingfishers, Black Bittern, Nankeen Night-heron, Plumbed & Wandering Whistling-ducks, Black-necked Storks, Green Pygmy-goose and Great-billed Heron. After the cruise we will head back to the lodge for a big brunch before making our way South towards Pine Creek and our accommodation for the night. The afternoon is spent around Pine Creek photographing the beautiful endemic Hooded Parrot and Partridge Pigeon if we haven’t already found one. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours BOAT CRUISE - 2 Hour Yellow Water Boat Cruise in the Morning Accommodation - Lazy Lizard, Pine Creek Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 5 : A nice early morning to head just south to set up a bird hide at one of my secret water holes for the morning, this is one of the best chance to photograph the spectacular Gouldian Finch, other birds that come into drink include Hooded Parrots, Long-Tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Double-barred Finch, Banded Honeyeater, Great Bowerbird and Brown Quail. After this we have a 4 hour drive west to the Victoria River Region about 300 km west of Katherine, along the way we will stop at a few secret spots to see what we can find. The afternoon can be spent around Timber Creek searching for the spectacular Purple-crowned Fairy-wren along the river banks we will also be keeping an eye out for Red-backed Kingfishers and maybe even the very elusive Yellow-rumped Mannikin which can sometimes be found in the area. Driving Time - 4.0 Hours Accommodation - Timber Creek Hotel Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 6 : This morning we will be setting up at one of the many great dry season watering holes in the area, possibilities here are Double-barred Finch, Crimson Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Star Finch, Zebra Finch, Yellow-rumped Mannikin, Pictorella Mannikin and Gouldian Finch. Hopefully have birds coming down to drink in front of us. The afternoon will be spent looking for and photographing Red-backed Kingfisher, Banded Honeyeaters, Black-faced, Masked, White-browed, White-breasted and Little Woodswallow along with Square-tailed Kites, Little Eagles, Black-tailed Treecreeper and anything else we missed. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation - Timber Creek Hotel Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 7 | This morning we will have a final session at one of the watering holes in the area or head to Victoria River early to hike up in search of White-quilled Rock-pigeon but this depends of the fitness of the group and what we missed in Timber Creek the day before. After our last morning in the area we will start heading back towards Darwin, we will plan to stop in Katherine for our final lunch before arriving back in Darwin mid to late afternoon. Meals included: (B, L). Accommodation - Not included (Can book for you at an extra cost) Cost - $20990.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Single Supplement $1200.00 For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
TASMANIAN ENDEMICS TOUR | 7 Days / 6 Nights
TASMANIA 7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 - Arrival day into Hobart. Depending on what time you arrive will depend on how much Birding will be done.
For the next three days we will be visiting many of the reserves around Hobart looking for our first Tasmanian specialities. Sites will include Mount Wellington which is 1270m (around 4,150 feet) above sea-level and provides some spectacular views over Hobart and the surrounding coast. At the base of Mount Wellington we will be searching for birds like Pink Robin, Tasmanian Scrub-wren (E) and the shy Scrubtit. South of Hobart we will visit Peter Murrell reserve in search of Crescent Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Honeyeater (E), Black-headed Honeyeater (E), Fantail Cuckoo, Spotted Pardalote and maybe a Striated Fieldwren. Truganini Reserve South of Hobart which is great for Strong-billed Honeyeater (E), Yellow Wattlebird (E), Brush Bronzewing, Musk Lorikeet, Grey Currawong and Green Rosella (E). We will also explore Goulds Lagoon which is great for water birding including Freckled Duck and the Tasmanian Native-hen (E).
Accommodation: Ibis Styles, Hobart
Meals included: B, L, D.
Day 2 - Today or tomorrow (weather dependent) we take an early morning flight down to the famous Melaleuca, this is the only sight the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrots breed, other birds in the area are Beautiful Firetail, Eastern Ground Parrot and Southern Emu-wren.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles, Hobart
Meals included: B, L, D.
Day 3 - Same as above.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles, Hobart
Meals Included: B, L, D.
Day 4 - Our final morning around Hobart we can revisit or re-photograph anything we need to improve on.
After lunch in Hobart we will be making our way South towards the famous Bruny Island, home for the next three days. Bruny Island is an amazing place to see and photograph all of Tasmania endemics. This includes one of Tasmania’s smallest, and rarest endemics, the Forty-spotted Pardalote (E). Other birds we will be looking for over the next three days will be Swift Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot, Beautiful Firetail, Black-faced Cormorant, White-fronted Chat, Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo, Yellow-throated Honeyeater (E), Olive Whistler, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Dusky Robin (E), Hooded Plover and Pacific Gull.
We will also be keeping an eye out from one of Bruny Islands most wanted mammals the albino Bennent’s Wallaby.
Accommodation: Bruny Island Hotel, Bruny Island
Meals Included: B, L, D.
Day 5 - Same as above.
Accommodation: Bruny Island Hotel, Bruny Island
Meals Included: B, L, D.
Day 6 - Same as above.
Accommodation: Bruny Island Hotel, Bruny Island
Meals Included: B, L, D.
Day 7 - Our last morning on Bruny Island, birding will depend on what time you need to catch your flight.
Cost - Please get in contact for pricing - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
OUTBACK CHANNEL COUNTRY | 8 Day / 7 Night
Tour Begins - Mount Isa, QLD
Tour Finishes - Mount Isa, QLD
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Make your own way to Mt Isa in Queensland where the tour begins. Mount Isa is by direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane by Qantas, Virgin and Rex. Depending on what time you get into Mount Isa will depend on how much birding / photography will be done but hopefully we will be able to get out and look for our first Grasswren, the Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae).
Other birds around Mount Isa includes the stunning Painted Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird, Grey-headed & Grey-fronted Honeyeater and Black-tailed Treecreeper.
Driving Time - 1.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L,)
Accommodation : Ibis Styles - Mount Isa, QLD
DAY 2 : Our second day birding / photographing around Mount Isa, depending on how yesterday we will depend on what we have to look for today, most likely Carpentarian Grasswren as this is one of the toughest around.
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Ibis Styles - Mount Isa, QLD
DAY 3 : This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning.
Driving Time - 5.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD
DAY 4 : This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Opalton Grasswren. Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon.
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD
DAY 5 : This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Opalton Grasswren, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset.
Driving Time - 7.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel - Boulia
DAY 6 : At sunrise we will be heading South onto the grass plains in search of the rare and spectacular Letter-winged Kite, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. Other target birds in the area are Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Black Falcon, Flock Bronzewing, Australian Pratincole and possibly Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird and Banded Lapwing. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens, Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area.
We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren
Driving Time - 5.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville
Day 7 : A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren. We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. Lunch will be back in Birdsville most likely at the famous Bakery. The afternoon will be spent looking for anything we missed like Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Gibberbird, Orange Chat or Inland Dotterel.
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville
DAY 8 : The last day of tour we have a big drive back to Mount Isa so we will be getting up early and heading up to Cuttaburra Crossing for sunrise, we will also be keeping an eye out for Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird or anything else of interest along the way. I expect us to arrive late afternoon when the tour will conclude.
Driving Time - 6.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L,)
Cost - $19990.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation
Single Supplement $800.00
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
SOUTH WEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA TOUR | 8 Days / 7 Nights
ITINERARY:
Tour Begins - Perth, Western Australia
Tour Finishes - Perth, Western Australia
ITINERARY:
DAY 0 - Arrival day into Perth, Western Australia
DAY 1 - This morning we will be exploring the Perth Hills, here we can hopefully photograph Red-capped Parrot, Red-eared Firetails, White-breasted Robin, Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Red-winged Fairy-wren, Western Spinebill and maybe Splendid Fairy-wren.
Our afternoon is it’s be spent photographing Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and maybe a Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo.
Driving Time - 4 Hours
Accommodation : Novotel Perth Murray Street, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 2 - Last morning around Perth Hills before our three - four hour drive South to Margaret River and our base for the next two nights. The next two days we will be exploring the beautiful Margaret River, sites will include Cape Leeuwin to look for Rock Parrot, Southern Emu-wren, Bauden’s and Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos, Australia Ringneck Parrot, Red-capped Parrot and maybe Western Rosella. Driving Time - 2 Hours Accommodation : Margaret’s in town appartments, WA Day 3 - Our second day around Margaret River Meals included: (B, L, D). Accommodation : Margaret’s in town appartments, WA Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 4 - Our last morning around Margaret River to follow up anything we missed before heading East towards our next destination, the famous Cheynes Beach. For the next two days we are enjoying the famous Cheynes Beach, here our main targets are Noisy Scrub-bird on of Australia’s hardest and rarest birds also Western Whipbird and Western Bristlebird. Other great birds in the area included Red-eared Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, White-breasted Robin, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, Western Rosella, Red-capped Parrot, Western Spinebill, Western Wattlebird and Western Thornbill. Driving Time - 5 Hours Meals included: (B, L, D). Accommodation : Cheynes Beach Caravan Day 5 - A full day around Cheynes Beach. Driving Time - 0 Hours Accommodation : Cheynes Beach Caravan Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 6 - Our last morning around Cheynes Beach to follow up anything we missed before heading North East towards our next destination, Sterling Rangers Retreat and our base for the next two days. Our afternoon will be spent relaxing at the famous Sterling Range Retreat our base for the next couple of days. Driving Time - 1 Hours Accommodation : Sterling Range Retreat, WA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 7 - Today we have a full day around the retreat and Sterling Range National Park, here our targets are Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Western Whipbird, Western Fieldwren, Western Thornbill, Western Rosella, Western Wattlebird, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, Western Shrike-tit, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, Western Gerygone, Scarlet Robin, Elegant Parrot, Regent Parrot, Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow Robin, Red-capped Parrot and Western Spinebill Driving Time - 1 Hours Accommodation : Sterling Range Retreat, WA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 8 - Our last morning around Sterling Rangers before heading back towards Perth where the tour will conclude. Cost - Please get in contact for pricing - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Exclusions : Airfare arriving into Perth before the tour & Airfare departing Perth on the last day of tour. For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Cost - Please Contact AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
SYDNEY TO OUTBACK NSW | 9 Day / 8 Night
SYDNEY TO OUTBACK NSW | 9 Day / 8 Night
Tour Begins - Sydney, NSW
Tour Finishes - Sydney, NSW
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - I will pick you up from the airport in Sydney and we will be heading straight out of the city towards our first destination, Lithgow. Depending on what time we get in will depend on how much birding will happen but we may get a chance to go look for Rockwarbler or go and have a look around Lake Wallace for some waterbirds.
Driving Time - 2.5 Hours
Accommodation : Zig Zag Motel, Lithgow NSW
Meals included: (L, D).
Day 2 - This morning we will be exploring the area including one of my favourite places to bird in New South Wales, Capertee Valley. Possible species here are Gang-gang cockatoo, Turquoise Parrot, Crested Shrike-tit, Pallid Cuckoo, Red-rumped Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Little & Musk Lorikeets, Superb Fairywren, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, White-browed Babbler, Dusky Woodswallow, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail and Zebra Finch. Other sites we will visit include Lake Wallace which has some great waterbirds, included Great Crested Grebe, Dusky Moorhen, Musk Duck and if they have arrived Swinhoe’s Snipe. This area is also great for Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo. After a hopefully productive morning we will start head West towards our next destination, Cowra. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation : Breakout Motor Inn, Cowra Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 3 For the next two days we will be exploring Cowra, its a fantastic area for Turquoise Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Peregrine Falcon, and Mallee Ringnecks, and perhaps our first gorgeous Red-capped Robins Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation : Breakout Motor Inn, Cowra Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 4 Our last morning around Cowra. We will leave Cowra after lunch to continue west for Lake Cargelligo. The afternoon will be spent around the town and at the local sewage works. Here we should find our first White-winged Fairy-wrens and it is often a good location to find some of the secretive small crakes like Baillon’s, Australian and Spotless Crakes. Around the town itself is a great spot for the spectacular Pink Cockatoo which we will be keeping an eye out for. Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation : Pelican View Holiday House, Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 5 - Another early morning departure will get us into the spectacular Mallee of Nombinnie Nature Reserve. Here we will spend the morning in search of the mallee specialises. These include Mulga Parrot, White-fronted Honeyeaters, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Shy Heathwren’s, Crested Bellbird, Southern Scrub-robin, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert’s Whistler and Red-capped Robins The afternoon we will spend around Lake Cargelligo itself following up anything we may have missed. Accommodation : Pelican View Holiday House, Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 6 - Another day exploring the Mallee of Nombinnie Nature Reserve following up anything we missed. Accommodation : Pelican View Holiday House, Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 7 -Depending on what we need better photos of will depend on what we do this morning but most likely we will be heading back up to Nombinnie Nature Reserve. After our final lunch in Lake Cargelligo we will head off to our next destination, Griffith. The afternoon will be spent around Griffith and Darlington Point, this is a great area for Greater Blue-bonnet, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Long-billed Corella, Superb Parrot and maybe the yellow subspecies of Crimson Rosella. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation : Quest Griffith, Griffith NSW Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 8 - This morning we will be visiting State Forest, a wooded area near Griffith that holds some great birds. Main targets will be Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and maybe a Turquoise Parrot along with White-winged Chough and Apostlebird. In the afternoon we have a big drive eastwards towards the town of Roberston, NSW. Depending on what time we get in will depend on what we do this afternoon. Driving Time - 5.0 Hours Accommodation : The Robertson Hotel, Robertson NSW. Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 9 -The final day of the tour we will be spending the morning at the stunning Barren Grounds. This reserve of low heathland holds some great elusive species like Gang-gang cockatoo, Southern Emuwren, Pilotbird, Eastern Ground-parrot and hopefully Eastern Bristlebird. After a hopefully productive morning we will be heading back into Sydney where I can ether drop you at your hotel or the airport where the tour will conclude. Cost - Contact for pricing - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Cost - Please Contact AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
ADELAIDE & EYRE PENINSULA TOUR | 10 Day / 9 Nights
ADELAIDE & EYRE PENINSULA TOUR
Tour Begins - Adelaide, SA
Tour Finishes - Adelaide, SA
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Pick you up from the airport in Adelaide or your accommodation and carry on North to our base for the next two days, the Standpipe Inn in Port Augusta.
If we have time we will go check out the Arid Lands in the afternoon, here we have a chance for Redthroat, White-fronted Chat, Rufous Fieldwren and maybe a Chirruping Wedgebill. Its also great for Honeyeaters like Pied, Black, Spiny-cheeked and White-fronted Honeyeaters if the eremophila’s are in flower.
Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 2 : Today we have a full day around Port Augusta chasing our above targets, it’s also a good area to maybe pick up a Purple-crowned Lorikeet.
Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 3 : This morning we will be heading South towards Whyalla, home to our next target the Western Grasswren. Other birds we will also be keeping an eye out for Splendid Fairywren, Redthroat, White-fronted Honeyeaters and maybe a Chirruping Wedgebill. After a hopefully productive morning we will head South towards our next area the Southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, here our targets will be Rock Parrot, Southern Emu-wren, Shy Heathwren, Southern Scrub-Robin, Purple-gaped Honeyeater and one of the most difficult birds around the White-bellied Whipbird. Accommodation : Port Lincoln Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 4 : Today we will be spending the whole day exploring the reserves around Port Lincoln. Accommodation : Port Lincoln Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 5 : This morning we will be heading West to go check out the reserves around Coffin Bay before heading North to Ceduna, here our targets are Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Brush Bronzewing, White-browed Babbler, Gilberts Whistler, Grey Currawong, Western Yellow Robin, Copper-backed Quail-thrush and maybe a Thornbill or two. The afternoon will be spent around Ceduna exploring the local reserves. Accommodation : Ceduna, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 6 : This morning we will be heading North to go check out Yumbarra Conservation Park, this is our best chance for Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo but also great for other mallee birds. The middle of the day we will be making our way out to the Nullarbor Roadhouse, our afternoon will be spent looking for the two local specialties, Nullarbor Quail-thrush and Naretha Bluebonnet, other locals include Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Fieldwren, Southern Whiteface and possibly a Blue-breasted Fairy-wren. Accommodation : Nullarbor Roadhouse, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 7 : Today we have a full day around the roadhouse looking for the two specialties or anything else we can turn up. Accommodation : Nullarbor Roadhouse, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 8 : After our final morning around the roadhouse we will head back East towards Kimba our base for exploring Lake Gillies Conservation Reserve, here our targets are Splendid Fairy-wren, Copper-back Quail-thrush, Rufous Treecreeper, Gilbert’s Whistler and other mallee birds. Accommodation : Kimba, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 9 : This morning we will be heading East to Lake Gillies Conservation Reserve, here we have a chance for a whole new set of birds. These include Gilberts Whistler, Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow-robin, Blue-breasted Fairywren and our main target the Copper-back Quail-thrush. The afternoon will be a traveling day getting up back to Adelaide for our last night, hopefully we get in at a reasonable hour and we can head out and go look for some last birds. Accommodation : Adelaide, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 10 : The last day of the tour, depending on if you have a flight to catch or you’re staying in Adelaide will depend on what we do today. Cost - Contact for pricing - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Cost - Please Contact AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
QUEENSLAND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR | 11 Day / 10 Nights
ITINERARY:
QUEENSLAND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR | 11 Day / 10 Nights
Tour Begins - Brisbane, Queensland
Tour Finishes - Cairns, Queensland
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Arrival day into Brisbane, I will pick you up from your hotel or airport and head straight up to Lamington National Park and the comfortable lodgings of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The drive up the steep windy road might find us a Spotted Pardalote, Variegated Fariy-wren and maybe a rare Glossy Black-cockatoo. When we arrive at the top we will be greeted by extremely tame Crimson Rosellas, Australian King-Parrots and maybe get out first glimpse of the incredible Regent Bowerbird flashing his yellow wings. After checking in we will spend the afternoon exploring the rainforest edges, trails and feeders.
Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Meals: (B, L, D).
DAY 2 : We will have two full days to explore the areas around O’Reillys which include the Rainforest around the lodge and the open eucalyptus forest just down the hill. Target birds in the area include the spectacular Regent Bowerbird, Grey Goshawk, Top-knot Pigeon, White-headed Pigeon, Satin Bowerbiird, Wonga Pigeons, Paradise Riflebird, Australian Logrunner, Rose Robin, Noisy Pitta, Red-browed Treecreeper, Rose Robin, Green Catbird and if we are really lucky the extremely secretive Albert’s Lyrebird.
A night out spotlights could produce Sooty Owl, Marbled Frogmouth, Owlet Night-jar and Southern Boobook.
Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Meals: (B, L, D).
DAY 3 : Day around the O’Reilly’s Plateau.
Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Meals: (B, L, D).
DAY 4 : Departure day out of Brisbane, depending on our flight time to Cairns will depend on what we do today.
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns QLD
Meals: (B, L, D).
DAY 5 : For the next two days we will be spending time exploring Cairns city itself. Sites we will visit include the famous Cairns Esplanade which is a fantastic place for shorebirds including Terek Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pelican, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater & Lesser Sandplover, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Caspian Tern and if we’re lucky a Beach-stone Curlew. The mangroves at the Northern end of the Esplanade are great for Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe a Satin Flycatcher.
Just North of town is Centenary Lakes where we find fresh and saltwater lakes, here we might see Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Australian Brush-Turkey, Cicadabird, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeaters, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Butcherbird, Magpie Goose, Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-heron, Radjah Shelduck, Metallic Starling, Double-eyed Fig-parrot, Green Oriole maybe a day roosting Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 6 : Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns
DAY 7 : Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next four nights.
Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.
Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.
Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 8 : For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird. We will be concentrating on finding all the local Wet Tropic endemic birds.
Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.
An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.
Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 9 : Our second day around the Southern Tablelands
Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 10 : Our third day around the Southern Tablelands
Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham
Day 11 : Today we spend the morning following up any species we need to follow up, this could lead us to the dry habitat around Mareeba or continue targeting the rainforest birds. Lunch will be had a one of the Tablelands great cafes before making our way back down to Cairns where I can drop you at your accommodation or airport depending on your plans.
Accommodation - Not included (Can book for you at an extra cost)
Cost - Please Contact for Pricing - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
CAIRNS, TABLELANDS & CAPE YORK | 14 Days / 13 Night
CAIRNS, TABLELANDS & CAPE YORK | 14 Days / 13 Nights
Tour Begins - Cairns, QLD
Departure - Cairns, QLD (Flight from Lockhart to Cairns included)
Day 1 - Today is arrival day in Cairns, for the next two days we will be spending time exploring Cairns city itself. Sites we will visit include the famous Cairns Esplanade which is a fantastic place for shorebirds including Terek Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pelican, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater & Lesser Sandplover, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Caspian Tern and if we’re lucky a Beach-stone Curlew. The mangroves at the Northern end of the Esplanade are great for Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe a Satin Flycatcher.
Just North of town is Centenary Lakes where we find fresh and saltwater lakes, here we might see Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Australian Brush-Turkey, Cicadabird, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeaters, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Butcherbird, Magpie Goose, Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-heron, Radjah Shelduck, Metallic Starling, Double-eyed Fig-parrot, Green Oriole maybe a day roosting Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or Similar)
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 2 - Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or Similar)
Day 3 - Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights.
Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.
Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 4 - For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird.
Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.
An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 5 - Our second day around the Southern Tablelands
Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 6 - This morning we will be heading off early to Mount Carbine to look for some of the local dry habitat birds. Here we have chances of seeing Australian Bustard, Great Bowerbird, Squatter Pigeon, Pale-headed Rosella, Red-winged Parrot, Tawny Frogmouth, Black-throated Finch, White-throated Gerygone and the Northern race of Brown Treecreeper.
After lunch we will be making our way up to Musgrave Roadhouse, the afternoon we will explore around the roadhouse and if active go and visit a possible Red Goshawk nest site.
Accommodation - Musgrave Roadhouse
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 7 - This morning we will visit the famous Artemis Station, here we are hoping to see the critically endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot, other species possible are Pale-headed Rosella, Black-backed Butcherbird and Masked Finch.
This afternoon we will explore the savanna and billabongs East of the Roadhouse.
Accommodation - Musgrave Roadhouse
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 8 - This morning we will be visiting the Northern part of Lakefield National Park, here we will be searching for Black-throated Finch, Star Finch and the highly restricted White-bellied Crimson Finch.
After a hopefully productive morning we will start the trip North to Iron Range, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive so we should arrive late afternoon.
For the next 6 days we will be exploring a range of habitats in and around Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River and Portland. Habitats include the dry woodlands for species like Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo and one of the more difficult birds the Yellow-legged Flycatcher.
The rainforest of Iron Range holds some of the star birds, these include Black-winged & Frilled Monarch, Green-backed & Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, White-faced Robin, Magnificent Riflebird, Black-eared Catbird, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Tropical Scrubwren, Trumpet Manucode, Northern Scrub-robin and of course the main target Papuan (Red-bellied) Pitta.
The dry woodlands around Lockhart and Portland hold Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, White-browed Robin, White-streaked Honeyeater and the usual star of the show the Palm Cockatoo.
The mangroves around Portland can be fantastic for White-browed Robin, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe the Cape York subspecies of Brush Turkey which has a crazy Purple wattle instead of the conventional Yellow.
Dinner each night will be at Portland House where our hosts Sheree & Greg prepare some incredible meals. After dinner each night you will have the option of going out spotlighting for one of Iron Rangers most famous residents, the Green Tree Python. Other reptiles that are possible are Scrub Python, Carpet Python, Spotted Python, Mammals include Giant White-tailed Tree Rat, Cape York Rat, Southern Common Cuscus, Southern Spotted Cuscus. Bird targets are the Northern subspecies of Marbled Frogmouth which is likely to be split and also the more common Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 9 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 10 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 11 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 12 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 13 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.
Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 14 - Departure day out of Iron Range, depending on flight times will depend on what we do today.
Cost - $38980.00 AUD - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
OUTBACK GRASSWREN TRIP | 14 Day / 13 Nights
OUTBACK GRASSWREN TRIP| 14 Day / 13 Night
Tour Begins - Mount Isa, QLD
Tour Finishes - Adelaide, SA
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Make your own way to Mt Isa in Queensland where the tour begins. Mount Isa is by direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane by Qantas, Virgin and Rex. Depending on what time you get into Mount Isa will depend on how much birding / photography will be done but hopefully we will be able to get out and look for our first Grasswren, the Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae).
Driving Time - 1.0 Hours
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona - Mount Isa, QLD
Meals included: (L, D).
DAY 2 : Today we have a full day birding / photographing around Mt Isa, we have two Grasswren species to find: Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) and Carpentarian Grasswren (Amytornis dorotheae). We have a few sites to explore and depending on how each species behalves will depend on which species we will spend more time looking for, most likely it will be Carpentarian Grasswren as these are usually the toughest Grasswren of all. Other birds around Mount Isa includes the stunning Painted Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird, Grey-headed & Grey-fronted Honeyeater and Black-tailed Treecreeper. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona - Mount Isa, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 3 : This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning. Driving Time - 5.0 Hours Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 4 : This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Rusty Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi). Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon. Driving Time - 4.0 Hours Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 5 : This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Rusty Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi), Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset. Driving Time - 7.0 Hours Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel - Boulia, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 6 : At sunrise we will head back out onto the grass plains in search of the stunning Flock Bronzewings again, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. After a morning around Boulia it will now be time to head South towards Birdsville. While driving South we will be checking out good looking habitat and any water we find looking for things like Bourke’s Parrot and maybe a Ground Cuckoo-shrike. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi), Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area. We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus) Driving Time - 5.0 Hours Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 7 : A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. The whole day will be spent in the area and depending how we are going for views will then look for some of the other local birds like Yellow Chat and maybe a Grey Falcon. Driving Time - 4.0 Hours Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville, QLD Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 8 : Today we have another chance at Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We will be heading back to the swamp we were at yesterday morning. If for some reason we did extraordinary well yesterday we can go in search of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus cowarie) a subspecies only found on the nearby Cowarie Station. We might also come across a Grey Falcon, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Red-browed Pardalote, Red-backed Kingfisher, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Banded Whiteface and if we are lucky a Gibberbird on the surrounding gibber plains. The afternoon we can spend on the sand dunes near our accommodation looking for better views of Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi). Driving Time - 5.0 Hours Accommodation : Mungerannie Pub, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 9 : Our second day around Mungerannie, we will most likely head out West to Cowarie Station, here we have a chance for Eastern Bluebonnet, Budgerigars, Grey Falcon and maybe Chestnut-crowned Babbler. Accommodation : Mungerannie Pub, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 10 : Depending on what we found yesterday will depend on what we target this morning, we will ether look for better views of Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi) near the accommodation or head back out onto Cowarie Station in search of better views of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus cowarie). We will head back to Mungerannie Pub for lunch before packing up and heading South towards Marree for the night. Driving Time - 3 Hours Accommodation : Marree Hotel - Marree, SA Meals included: (B, L, D). DAY 11 : This morning we will be targeting another subspecies of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus raglessi), other species we will be keeping an eye out for are Chirruping Wedgebill, White-backed Swallow and Rufous Fieldwren. After a hopefully productive morning we head south to Parachilna for a nice lunch before carrying on to our base for the next three days, the Standpipe Inn in Port Augusta. Driving Time - 4.0 Hours Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 12 : This morning we will be heading South towards Whyalla, home to our next Grasswren target the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis myall) this will be our main target this afternoon, we will also be keeping an eye out for Splendid Fairywren, Redthroat, White-fronted Honeyeaters and maybe a Chirruping Wedgebill. Driving Time - 4.0 Hours Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 13 : This morning we will be getting up extremely early to head North-west towards Mount Ives, home to our next target the Short-tailed Grasswren (Amytornis merrotsyi pedleri) other birds in the area are Slender-billed Thornbill, Western Grasswren and possibly a Splendid Fairywren. The afternoon will be spent exploring Arid Lands Botanic Gardens near Port Augusta, targets here are White-fronted Chat, Pied Honeyeater and hopefully Churruping Wedgebill Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 14 : This morning we will be heading West to Lake Gillies Conservation Reserve, here we have a chance for a whole new set of birds. These include Gilberts Whistler, Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow-robin, Blue-breasted Fairywren and our main target the Copper-backed Quail-thrush. We will enjoy some lunch back in Port Augusta before heading down to Adelaide where we will enjoy our final dinner before the tour concludes. Accommodation : Pullman, Adelaide SA Meals included: (B, L, D). For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Cost - Please Contact AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
PERTH to ADELAIDE & ACROSS the NULLARBOR TOUR | 15 Days / 14 Nights
PERTH TO ADELAIDE & ACROSS THE NULLARBOR TOUR | 15 Days / 14 Nights
Tour Begins - Perth, Western Australia
Tour Finishes - Adelaide, South Australia
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - Arrival day into Perth, Western Australia. We have abut a three - four hour drive South to Margaret River and our base for the next two nights.
Driving Time - 4 Hours
Accommodation : Margaret’s in town appartments, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 2 - Today we will be exploring the beautiful Margaret River, sites will include Cape Leeuwin to look for Rock Parrot, Southern Emu-wren, Bauden’s and Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos, Australia Ringneck Parrot, Red-capped Parrot and maybe Western Rosella.
Driving Time - 2 Hours
Accommodation : Margaret’s in town appartments, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 3 - Our last morning around Margaret River to follow up anything we missed before heading East towards our next destination, the famous Cheynes Beach.
For the next two days we are enjoying the famous Cheynes Beach, here our main targets areNoisy Scrub-bird on of Australia’s hardest and rarest birds also Western Whipbird and Western Bristlebird. Other great birds in the area included Red-eared Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, White-breasted Robin, White-cheeked Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, Western Rosella, Red-capped Parrot, Western Spinebill, Western Wattlebird and Western Thornbill.
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Cheynes Beach Caravan Park.
Day 4 - A full day around Cheynes Beach.
Accommodation : Cheynes Beach Caravan Park
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 5 - Our last morning around Cheynes Beach to follow up anything we missed before heading North East towards our next destination, Sterling Rangers Retreat and our base for the next two days.
Our afternoon will be spent relaxing at the famous Sterling Range Retreat our base for the next couple of days.
Driving Time - 1 Hours
Accommodation : Sterling Range Retreat, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 6 - Today we have a full day around the retreat and Sterling Range National Park, here our targets are Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Gilbert’s Whistler, Western Rosella, Western Wattlebird, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Brush Bronzewing, Western Shrike-tit, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, Western Gerygone, Scarlet Robin, Elegant Parrot, Regent Parrot, Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow Robin, Red-capped Parrot and Western Spinebill
Driving Time - 1 Hours
Accommodation : Sterling Range Retreat, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 7 - We will be getting up early and heading North west and a reserve where Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Shy Heathwren and if we are really lucky Malleefowl
After a morning in the reserve we will start heading towards Norseman and our stop before heading across the Nullarbor plains.
Our afternoon will be spent at Brooms Dam just South of Norseman, here we have chances forWhite-eared Honeyeater, Copperback Quail-thrush, Vaired Sittella, Redthroat, Purple-crowned Lorikeet and Blue-breasted Fairy-wren.
Driving Time - 6 Hours
Accommodation : Norseman, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 8 - Our morning will be spent just East of Norseman, here we will be looking for Copper-backed Quail-thrush, Rufous Treecreeper, Redthroat and if we are extremely lucky, Scarlet-chested Parrot have been seen in the area.
After a productive morning we will head East towards our stopover for the night, Madura Roadhouse. Here we have our first chance at Pink Cockatoo.
Driving Time - 6 Hours
Accommodation : Madura Roadhouse, WA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 9 - A morning around Madura Roadhouse looking for Pink Cockatoos before heading East towards the Nullarbor Roadhouse, our afternoon will be spent looking for the heavily restricted Naretha Bluebonnet, these birds can be tough so cross your fingers. Other birds in the area areMulga Parrots and Rufous Fieldwren.
Driving Time - 4 Hours
Accommodation : Nullarbor Roadhouse, SA.
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 10 - This morning our main target will be the heavily restricted Nullarbor Quail-thrush. Other locals include Rufous Fieldwren and possibly a Southern Whiteface.
After a hopefully productive morning we will start heading East across the Nullarbor to our seaside destination Ceduna. Our afternoon we will spent exploring Yumbarra Conservation Park, here we have another chance for Pink Cockatoo but also great for other mallee birds.
Driving Time - 4 Hours
Accommodation : Ceduna Foreshore Hotel, SA
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 11 - This morning we will head off early South, following up any recent sightings of Rock Parrot our main target around here.
After a hopefully productive morning we will head South towards our next area the Southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, here our targets will be Rock Parrot, Southern Emu-wren, Shy Heathwren, Southern Scrub-Robin, Purple-gaped Honeyeater and one of the most difficult birds around theWhite-bellied Whipbird.
Driving Time - 4.5 Hours
Accommodation : Port Lincoln Hotel, Port Lincoln
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 12 - Today we will be spending the whole day exploring the reserves around Port Lincoln.
Driving Time - 1 Hours
Accommodation : Port Lincoln Hotel, Port Lincoln
Meals included: (B, L, D).
DAY 13 - Today we will be spending the whole day exploring the reserves around Port Lincoln.
Driving Time - 1 Hours
Accommodation : Port Lincoln Hotel, Port Lincoln
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 14 - Our final morning around Port Lincoln, we can follow up on anything we missed before heading North towards Port Augusta for our last night.
If we have time we will go check out the Arid Lands in the afternoon, here we have a chance forRedthroat, Elegant Parrot, White-fronted Chat, Rufous Fieldwren and maybe a Chirruping Wedgebill. Its also great for Honeyeaters like Pied, Black, Spiny-cheeked and White-fronted Honeyeaters if the eremophila’s are in flower.
Driving Time - 4 Hours
Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta
Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 15 - Departure day out of Adelaide. Depending on our flight time out of Adelaide will depend on how much birding will be done. Just be aware its a 3 and a half hour drive.
Cost - Enquire about pricing
Exclusions : Airfare arriving into Cairns before the tour & Airfare departing Mount Isa on the last day of tour.
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
CAIRNS to MOUNT ISA and CHANNEL COUNTRY | 16 Days / 15 Nights
CAIRNS to MOUNT ISA and Channel Country | 16 Days / 15 Nights
Tour Begins - Cairns, QLD
Departure - Mount Isa, QLD
Day 1 | Arrival into Cairns. For the next two days we will be spending exploring Cairns city itself. Sites we will visit include the famous Cairns Esplanade which is a fantastic place for shorebirds including Terek Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pelican, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater & Lesser Sandplover, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Caspian Tern and if we’re lucky a Beach-stone Curlew. The mangroves at the Northern end of the Esplanade are great for Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe a Satin Flycatcher.
Just North of town is Centenary Lakes where we find fresh and saltwater lakes, here we might see Orange-footed Scrub-fowl, Australian Brush-Turkey, Cicadabird, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeaters, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Butcherbird, Magpie Goose, Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-heron, Radjah Shelduck, Metallic Starling, Double-eyed Fig-parrot, Green Oriole maybe a day roosting Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - The Bailey, Cairns
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (L, D).
Day 2 | Today we set off on a boat trip to visit the famous Great Barrier Reef, the morning will be spent exploring Michaelmas Cay which is home to thousands of seabirds these include Bridled Tern, Sooty Tern, Brown Noddy’s, Brown Boobies, Great & Lesser Frigatebird, Black-naped Tern, Lesser & Great Crested Terns and maybe a rarity like Roseate Tern or Red-footed Booby.
The afternoon will be spent at Hasting Reef where you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling at one of the best snorkelling spots out of Cairns. After a day out on the water we should arrive back in Cairns around 4.30pm, if the tides are good we will spend some more time looking for some of the rarer shorebirds which can sometimes be found on the mud flats along the esplanade.
To finish off the day we will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurant in the city.
TOUR - Seastar Reef Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef and Michaelmas Cay.
http://www.seastarcruises.com.au/where-we-go/michaelmas-cay
Accommodation - The Bailey, Cairns
Driving Time - 1.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 3 | Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights, Eden House.
Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.
Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.
Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 4 | For the next two days we will spend exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypippamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird.
Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.
An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.
Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 5 | Our second day around the Southern Tablelands following up anything we have missed or want to re-visit.
Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 6 | A final morning birding around the Crater Lakes before heading West towards Georgetown our next destination.
The afternoon will be spent exploring the area looking for some of the dryer habitat species, these include Australian Bustard, Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Black-throated Finch, Double-barred Finch and possibly Plum-headed Finch, which is rare this far North.
Accommodation - Latara Motel, Georgetown
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 7 | Our morning will be spent around Georgetown chasing any species we missed or want to revisit before our next drive West to the beautiful Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Arriving in Karumba we will check in and if we have time go and scan the mud flats and mangrove areas for some of the local specialities including Mangrove Golden Whistler, White-breasted Whistler, Mangrove Grey Fantail, Yellow White-eye, Red-headed Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Mangrove Gerygone, Broad-billed Flycatcher and if were lucky possibly a Zitting Cisticola.
Accommodation - End of the Road Motel
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 8 | This morning we will be following up any species we need around Karumba before heading South towards our base for the next few days and the jumping point into the Outback Channel Country.
We have a big drive today so what time we get into Mount Isa will depend on what we do for the afternoon.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona
Driving Time - 6.0 Hours
DAY 9 | For the next two days we will be birding / photographing around Mt Isa, we have two Grasswren species to find: Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) and Carpentarian Grasswren (Amytornis dorotheae). We have a few sites to explore and depending on how each species behalves will depend on which species we will spend more time looking for, most likely it will be Carpentarian Grasswren as these are usually the toughest Grasswren of all. Other birds around Mount Isa includes the stunning Painted Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird, Grey-headed & Grey-fronted Honeyeater and Black-tailed Treecreeper.
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona
DAY 10 | Our second day around Mount Isa following up on anything we missed or want to re-photograph.
Driving Time - 2.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona
DAY 11 | This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning.
Driving Time - 5.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel
DAY 12 | This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi). Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon.
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel
DAY 13 | This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi), Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset.
Driving Time - 7.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel
DAY 14 | At sunrise we will head back out onto the grass plains in search of the stunning Flock Bronzewings again, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. After a morning around Boulia it will now be time to head South towards Birdsville. While driving South we will be checking out good looking habitat and any water we find looking for things like Bourke’s Parrot and maybe a Ground Cuckoo-shrike. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi), Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area.
We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus)
Driving Time - 5.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville
Day 15 | A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. The whole day will be spent in the area and depending how we are going for views will then look for some of the other local birds like Yellow Chat and maybe a Grey Falcon.
Driving Time - 4.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L, D).
Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville
DAY 16 | The last day of tour we will have a chance to follow up on anything we have missed, like Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus), Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird or anything else of interest but we do the big drive back to Mount Isa. I expect us to arrive late afternoon when the tour will conclude.
Driving Time - 6.0 Hours
Meals: (B, L,).
Cost - Enquire about pricing
Exclusions : Airfare arriving into Cairns before the tour & Airfare departing Mount Isa on the last day of tour.
For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.
EAST COAST PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR | 18 Days / 17 Nights
EAST COAST PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR | 18 Days / 17 Nights
Tour Begins - Cairns, Queensland
Tour Finishes - Sydney, NSW
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 : Today is arrival day in Cairns, for the next two days we will be spending time exploring Cairns city itself. Sites we will visit include the famous Cairns Esplanade which is a fantastic place for shorebirds including Terek Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover, Australian Pelican, Grey-tailed Tattler, Greater & Lesser Sandplover, Red-necked Stint, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Caspian Tern and if we’re lucky a Beach-stone Curlew. The mangroves at the Northern end of the Esplanade are great for Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Mangrove Robin, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe a Satin Flycatcher.
Just North of town is Centenary Lakes where we find fresh and saltwater lakes, here we might see Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Australian Brush-Turkey, Cicadabird, Dusky Myzomela, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow Honeyeaters, Large-billed Gerygone, Black Butcherbird, Magpie Goose, Little Kingfisher, Nankeen Night-heron, Radjah Shelduck, Metallic Starling, Double-eyed Fig-parrot, Green Oriole maybe a day roosting Papuan Frogmouth.
Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns
Meals: (B, L, D).
DAY 2 : Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns. Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns DAY 3 : Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next four nights. Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon. Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo. Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham Meals: (B, L, D). Day 4 : For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird. We will be concentrating on finding all the local Wet Tropic endemic birds. Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus. An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider. Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham Meals: (B, L, D). Day 5 : Our second day around the Southern Tablelands Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham Meals: (B, L, D). Day 6 : Our third day around the Southern Tablelands Accommodation - Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham Day 7 : Today is departure day out of Cairns so depending on our flight time will depend on what we do today. From the airport we head straight up to Lamington National Park and the comfortable lodgings of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The drive up the steep windy road might find us a Spotted Pardalote, Variegated Fariy-wren and maybe a rare Glossy Black-cockatoo. When we arrive at the top we will be greeted by extremely tame Crimson Rosellas, Australian King-Parrots and maybe get out first glimpse of the incredible Regent Bowerbird flashing his yellow wings. After checking in we will spend the afternoon exploring the rainforest edges, trails and feeders. Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Meals: (B, L, D). DAY 8 : We will have two full days to explore the areas around O’Reillys which include the Rainforest around the lodge and the open eucalyptus forest just down the hill. Target birds in the area include the spectacular Regent Bowerbird, Grey Goshawk, Top-knot Pigeon, White-headed Pigeon, Satin Bowerbiird, Wonga Pigeons, Paradise Riflebird, Australian Logrunner, Rose Robin, Noisy Pitta, Red-browed Treecreeper, Rose Robin, Green Catbird and if we are really lucky the extremely secretive Albert’s Lyrebird.
A night out spotlights could produce Sooty Owl, Marbled Frogmouth, Owlet Night-jar and Southern Boobook. Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Meals: (B, L, D). DAY 9 : Day around the O’Reilly’s Plateau. Accommodation - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Meals: (B, L, D). DAY 10 : Departure day out of Brisbane, depending on our flight time to Sydney will depend on what we do today. From the airport in Sydney we will be heading straight out of the city towards our first destination, Lithgow. Depending on what time we get in will depend on how much birding will happen but we may get a chance to go look for Rockwarbler or go and have a look around Lake Wallace for some waterbirds. Driving Time - 2.5 Hours Accommodation : Zig Zag Motel, Lithgow NSW Meals included: (L, D). Day 11 : This morning we will be exploring the area including one of my favourite places to bird in New South Wales, Capertee Valley. Possible species here are Gang-gang cockatoo, Turquoise Parrot, Crested Shrike-tit, Pallid Cuckoo, Red-rumped Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Little & Musk Lorikeets, Superb Fairywren, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, White-browed Babbler, Dusky Woodswallow, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail and Zebra Finch. Other sites we will visit include Lake Wallace which has some great waterbirds, included Great Crested Grebe, Dusky Moorhen, Musk Duck and if they have arrived Swinhoe’s Snipe. This area is also great for Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo. After a hopefully productive morning we will start head West towards our next destination, Cowra. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation : Breakout Motor Inn, Cowra Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 12 : For the next two days we will be exploring Cowra, its a fantastic area for Turquoise Parrot, Blue Bonnet, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Peregrine Falcon, and Mallee Ringnecks, and perhaps our first gorgeous Red-capped Robins Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation : Breakout Motor Inn, Cowra Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 13 : Our last morning around Cowra. We will leave Cowra after lunch to continue west for Lake Cargelligo. The afternoon will be spent around the town and at the local sewage works. Here we should find our first White-winged Fairywrens and it is often a good location to find some of the secretive small crakes like Baillon’s, Australian and Spotless Crakes. Around the town itself is a great spot for the spectacular Pink Cockatoo which we will be keeping an eye out for. Driving Time - 3.0 Hours Accommodation : Lake Cargelligo NSW Meals included: (B, L, D).
Day 14 : Another early morning departure will get us into the spectacular Mallee of Nombinnie Nature Reserve. Here we will spend the morning in search of the mallee specialises. These include Mulga Parrot, White-fronted Honeyeaters, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Shy Heathwren’s, Crested Bellbird, Southern Scrub-robin, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Red-lored Whistler, Gilbert’s Whistler and Red-capped Robins The afternoon we will spend around Lake Cargelligo itself following up anything we may have missed. Accommodation : Lake Cargelligo NSW Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 15 : Another day exploring the Mallee of Nombinnie Nature Reserve following up anything we missed. Accommodation : Lake Cargelligo NSW Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 16 : Depending on what we need better photos of will depend on what we do this morning but most likely we will be heading back up to Nombinnie Nature Reserve. After our final lunch in Lake Cargelligo we will head off to our next destination, Griffith. The afternoon will be spent around Griffith and Darlington Point, this is a great area for Greater Blue-bonnet, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Long-billed Corella, Superb Parrot and maybe the yellow subspecies of Crimson Rosella. Driving Time - 2.0 Hours Accommodation : Quest Griffith, Griffith NSW Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 17 : This morning we will be visiting State Forest, a wooded area near Griffith that holds some great birds. Main targets will be Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and maybe a Turquoise Parrot along with White-winged Chough and Apostlebird. In the afternoon we have a big drive eastwards towards the town of Roberston, NSW. Depending on what time we get in will depend on what we do this afternoon. Driving Time - 5.0 Hours Accommodation : The Robertson Hotel, Robertson NSW. Meals included: (B, L, D). Day 18 : The final day of the tour we will be spending the morning at the stunning Barren Grounds. This reserve of low heathland holds some great elusive species like Gang-gang cockatoo, Southern Emuwren, Pilotbird, Eastern Ground-parrot and hopefully Eastern Bristlebird. After a hopefully productive morning we will be heading back into Sydney where I can ether drop you at your hotel or the airport where the tour will conclude. For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc. Cost - Please Contact for pricing AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions
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