Explore one of Australia’s most ecologically significant regions on this immersive journey through the southwest – a global biodiversity hotspot. From the offshore sanctuary of Rottnest Island to the mallee woodlands of Dryandra and the wildflower-strewn slopes of the Stirling Range, this itinerary offers close encounters with rare and iconic wildlife across a wide range of habitats.

Target species include Numbat, Woylie, Quokka, Tammar Wallaby, Red-capped Parrot, Western Bristlebird, and Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo. Reptiles such as Shingleback, Sand Goanna, Carpet Python, and potentially even Thorny Devil may also be encountered. Timed during peak flowering season, the trip features spectacular botanical displays of orchids, banksias, grevilleas and more – all guided by a local naturalist.

Day 1 - Rottnest Island
From Perth, we travel to the port of Fremantle and board the ferry to Rottnest Island, a limestone island just 18 km offshore. Known for its thriving population of Quokkas – the photogenic, cat-sized marsupial now symbolic of the island – Rottnest also supports a wide variety of birdlife, including Banded Lapwing, Red-capped Robin, White-fronted Chat, Osprey, and possibly Rock Parrot.

On the ferry crossing, we may spot Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins and seabirds. A walk through the island’s coastal scrub and salt lakes offers excellent photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overnight Perth

Day 2 - Perth to Narrogin via Bungendore 

This morning we visit one of Perth’s urban wetlands, such as Herdsman Lake or Lake Monger, home to Blue-billed and Musk Ducks, Australian Shelduck, and often Tiger Snakes basking along the grassy edges.

From here, we begin our journey southeast toward Dryandra Woodlands, stopping en route at Wungong Gorge or Bungendore Park to search for southwest endemics like Western Rosella, Red-capped Parrot, White-breasted Robin, and Red-winged Fairywren. Western Brush Wallabies and Western Grey Kangaroos are also regularly seen.

In the evening, we spotlight for Woylie, Tammar Wallaby, possums, Red-tailed Phascogale, Bush Stone-curlew, and Tawny Frogmouth.

Overnight Narrogin

Day 3 - Full Day at Dryandra Woodlands

We spend the day exploring the exceptional habitat diversity of Dryandra Woodlands, including wandoo, mallee, heath, and sheoak thickets. This area is home to over 100 bird species and several threatened mammals.

Key bird targets include Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Blue-breasted Fairywren, Western Thornbill, Western Yellow Robin, Gilbert’s Honeyeater, and Crested (Western) Shrike-tit. Mammals such as Numbat and Short-beaked Echidna are occasionally seen in daylight.

At dusk, we join the nocturnal tour at Barna Mia Sanctuary, where Bilby, Boodie, Western Barred Bandicoot, and other rare marsupials can be observed under red light.

Overnight Narrogin

Day 4 - Narrogin to Stirling Range

We travel south toward the Stirling Range, birding en route in patches of remnant woodland and farmland. Highlights may include Western Corella, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Western Fieldwren, and Australian Ringneck (the distinctive “Twenty-eight Parrot”).

As we enter Stirling Range National Park, we witness a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces and recent recovery efforts following major bushfires in 2019. Already, the region’s unique flora is rebounding – a sign of the remarkable ecological resilience of this globally recognised biodiversity hotspot.

Overnight Stirling Range

Day 5 - Stirling Range 

Spend the full day exploring the Stirling Range’s slopes, valleys and peaks, including Bluff Knoll, the highest mountain in southern WA. The area is famous for its wildflowers, with over 1,500 plant species, many endemic to the region – including orchids, banksias, and grevilleas.

Key bird species include Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Regent Parrot, Western Rosella, Elegant Parrot, Western Wattlebird, Southern Scrub-robin, and Western Bristlebird. We also check a nearby reserve for the elusive Malleefowl. Mammals such as Western Brush Wallaby, Heath Monitor, and Western Grey Kangaroo are often seen.

Day 6 - Stirling Range to Augusta via Lake Muir & Pemberton

A flexible morning to search for any target species before heading west through farmland and into the karri forests around Pemberton. We stop at Lake Muir, a Ramsar-listed wetland, to search for Western Corella, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australian Spotted Crake, Australian Bittern, and Banded Stilt (seasonal water levels permitting).

In the karri forests, we seek out Red-winged Fairywren, White-breasted Robin, Common Bronzewing, and Western Rosella.

Overnight Augusta

Day 7 – Augusta to Dunsborough (Whale Watching)

Explore the southern coastline near Cape Leeuwin, searching for coastal and heathland birds such as Hooded Plover, Brush Bronzewing, and Rock Parrot. Later, we transfer to Dunsborough for an afternoon whale watching cruise in Geographe Bay.

Between August and November, Humpback Whales and their calves rest in the bay before continuing their southern migration. Southern Right Whales are also regular, and Blue Whales are possible with luck. Other wildlife includes Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Long-nosed Fur Seals, and seabirds such as Australasian Gannet, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Flesh-footed Shearwater.

Overnight Dunsborough

Day 8 – Cape Naturaliste to Perth

We spend the morning at Cape Naturaliste, one of WA’s best headlands for sea-watching. We scan for Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Shy Albatross, Great-winged Petrel, and jaegers, while also exploring the surrounding heath for Splendid Fairywren, Red-eared Firetail, New Holland Honeyeater, and Southern Emu-wren.

As we travel north, we may stop at Mandurah Estuary for terns and waders, and – conditions permitting – take a short ferry across to Penguin Island, home to a colony of Little Penguins and nesting Bridled Terns.