Birding in Tasmania

Forests still cover almost half of the island state of Tasmania, and the mix of heathlands, dry and wet eucalypt forests, and buttongrass moorlands provides diverse habitats for a wide range of species – including 12 Tasmanian endemic birds.

The sought-after but elusive Forty-spotted Pardalote is found in the southeast, while species such as Green Rosella, Dusky Robin, Scrubtit, Brown Thornbill, Tasmanian Thornbill, Black Currawong, and the Black-headed, Yellow-throated and Strong-billed Honeyeaters occur throughout the island.

The endangered Orange-bellied Parrot is found in the southwest, though it is difficult to see. Along the coast, Little Penguins are widespread, and visitors such as Rockhopper, King, Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins are occasionally recorded.

Full Day Birding Tour to Bruny Island - from Hobart


This full-day tour offers a broad overview of Bruny Island, visiting a range of habitats and key wildlife sites with an expert birding guide.
The day begins with a guided walk through the Inala Private Reserve — a 500-acre (205 ha) Land for Wildlife property that supports a variety of threatened species and all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic birds. From a purpose-built canopy platform, you'll have the opportunity to view the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote at close range, within one of its largest known colonies. The raptor hide may provide sightings of the Tasmanian subspecies of Wedge-tailed Eagle and the striking white morph of the Grey Goshawk. The reserve is also home to the uncommon white morph of the Red-necked Wallaby. Your guide will share insights into the conservation efforts underway to protect these species and their habitats.
From here, continue to historic and scenic Adventure Bay, where cool temperate rainforest meets white sand beaches. You’ll explore coastal forest and shoreline, searching for species such as Hooded Plover, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Kelp Gull and Pacific Gull. Offshore, there’s a chance of spotting Shy Albatross, dolphins, Humpback Whales, and rafts of thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters (seasonal).
After a relaxed lunch by the beach, visit the site where the first botanical specimens of the genus Eucalyptus were collected. A short walk through wet eucalypt forest and alongside a tree-fern-lined stream may produce sightings of Scrubtit, Tasmanian Thornbill and Tasmanian Scrubwren – three of Tasmania’s less conspicuous endemics – as well as Pink Robin.
Time permitting, your guide may also drive you to Cape Bruny for sweeping views of the Southern Ocean (next stop: Antarctica!) and a chance of encountering Tawny-crowned Honeyeater.

Forty-spotted Pardalote

Important Information

Private tour – departs any day, subject to availability of birding guide.

Tour Code: BH1B1

To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)

Pink Robin
Yellow-throated Honeyeater

2 Day / 1 Night Bruny Island Birding Tour – from Hobart

Day 1: Your time on Bruny begins with the same expertly guided experience offered on our Full Day Tour – visiting Inala Private Reserve, Adventure Bay, and coastal and rainforest habitats in search of Tasmania’s endemic birds. You’ll have the chance to find the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, explore cool temperate rainforest, and end the day with a sunset over the Southern Ocean from Cape Bruny.

Overnight at Inala Cottages

 

Day 2: A generous breakfast hamper of fresh local produce will be provided in your cottage for you to prepare at your leisure.
After breakfast, return to Adventure Bay for an award-winning 3-hour eco-cruise. This voyage explores some of the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and offers excellent opportunities to encounter seabirds such as Shy Albatross, Fluttering and Short-tailed Shearwaters, White-faced and Great-winged Petrels, and Australasian Gannets. Being so far south, this is one of the best locations in Australia to search for pelagic species.

Marine mammals including dolphins, Australian Fur Seals and, seasonally, whales are often seen.

Following the cruise, you’ll transfer back to Hobart, arriving in the late afternoon.

Important Information

Private tour – departs any day, subject to availability of birding guide.

Tour Code: BH2B1

To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)

Birding in other States & Territories of Australia

Comb Crested Jacana

Top End

Birding

Comb Crested Jacana

Buff-Banded Rail

Victoria

Birding

Buff-Banded Rail

Spinifex Pigeon

Central Australia

Birding

Spinifex Pigeon

Red-capped Parrot

Western Australia

Birding

Red-capped Parrot

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

South Australia

Birding

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Scarlet Honeyeater

Queensland

Birding

Scarlet Honeyeater

Hooded Plover

Tasmania

Birding

Hooded Plover

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