Western Australia
Highlights
Highlights
- Endemics of southwestern Australia
- Diversity of habitats including open eucalypt forests, tall Karri forest, heathlands and coastal wetlands.
- Australian mammals including Short-beaked Echidna, Western Kangaroo and Quokka
Map
Map
Overview
Tour Overview
Western Australia is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity. Join us on an unforgettable birding tour as we traverse a variety of habitats, seeking both common and rare species, including Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, Red-winged Fairywren, Western Spinebill and many more.
Our journey begins in Perth and then we’ll venture to the Dryandra Woodland National Park, which is home to expansive eucalypt forests and a diverse array of wildlife including the Numbat and Short-beaked Echidna. From there, we’ll travel to the majestic Stirling Ranges and onward to explore the picturesque coastal regions and heathlands around Albany. Next, we’ll head west to the towering karri forests of Pemberton and the charming vineyards and landscapes of Margaret River. The adventure concludes with visits to Penguin Island, known for its seabird colonies, and the idyllic Rottnest Island, home to unique fauna like the Quokka.
With its rugged coastlines, tranquil wetlands, and ancient forests, Western Australia provides the perfect backdrop for an exceptional birdwatching experience. This tour promises not only incredible bird sightings but also an immersive connection to the region’s natural beauty.
Dates & Prices
DATES & PRICES
What's Included
What's Included
Tour Price Includes
- Price includes 10% Australian GST
- All accommodations
- All meals
- Ground transportation
- Boat/ferry trips
- One guide and vehicle with 4 - 8 participants, two guides and vehicles with 9 - 12 participants
Tour Price Does Not Include
- Travel to and from start/end location
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
Gallery
Gallery



















Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Perth
Our Western Australia Birding Tour begins in the evening, when we meet at the hotel and go for dinner. Night in Perth.

Day 2: Perth to Narrogin
We kick off the birding after breakfast with a stop at Lake Monger before leaving the capital city of Western Australia and heading towards the biggest section of native vegetation in the western Wheatbelt, Dryandra Woodland National Park, which was declared a national park recently in 2022 and is located approximately 160 km from the capital city of Perth. Today our target species include Musk Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Western Thornbill, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Western Rosella, Red-capped Parrot, Elegant Parrot. Night in Narrogin.

Day 3: Dryandra Woodland National Park to Stirling Range National Park
We will focus our efforts on the amazing Dryandra Woodland National Park for the morning and some of the afternoon exploring the tall, open eucalypt forest, in particular its large expanse of wandoo trees.
Later in the afternoon we will drive towards the Stirling Range. Overnight Kendenup Cottages and Lodge or similar.
Target Species include Regent Parrot, Western Yellow Robin, Western Gerygone, Rufous Treecreeper, Blue-breasted Fairywren, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, Western Fieldwren.

Day 4: Stirling Range National Park to Albany
Stirling Range National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Western Australia, established in 1913. It encompasses a diverse range of habitats including granite outcrops, heathlands, and woodlands. This area was also designated as an important bird area. Here we will enjoy spectacular views alongside great birding. We will be looking for Southern Scrub-robin, Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Malleefowl, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Little Eagle.
In the afternoon, we will continue onwards to the south coast and the port city of Albany. Night in Albany.

Day 5: Albany and Surrounds
We will explore the coastal regions from Albany to Cheynes Beach to the east today with an emphasis on coastal heathland for three “skulking” species known to this area (the only area to encounter all 3 in one location): Noisy Scrub-bird, Western (Black-throated) Whipbird and Western Bristlebird. Other birds we will look for are Western Wattlebird, Yellow-throated Miner and Brush Bronzewing. Night in Albany.

Day 6: Albany to Pemberton
We will leave Albany and shift to the west via Lake Muir (Ramsar-listed wetland) to the tall Karri forests of Pemberton. The Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) is one of the tallest tree species globally, and Pemberton is home to extensive Karri forests. Standing among these towering trees, which can reach heights of over 80 meters, provides a sense of awe and appreciation for nature's grandeur. Here we will look for Red-eared Firetail, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Southern Emu-wren, Western Rosella and Western Whistler. Overnight in Pemberton.

Day 7: Pemberton to Margaret River
We will start our day with some additional forest birding before proceeding further west to Cape Leeuwin, which is located on the southwestern tip of Australia where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. We will explore the headlands for possible pelagic species soaring nearby and for the range-restricted Rock Parrot.
In the afternoon, we will proceed to the town of Margaret River, an area known for its wineries and natural beauty. An array of habitats will keep us entertained including coastal beaches, wetlands, forests and heathlands. Night in Margaret River.
Target Species: Western Corella, Common Bronzewing, White-breasted Robin, Red-winged Fairy-wren, Hooded Plover, Splendid Fairywren, Red Wattlebird, Gilbert's Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin, Whistling Kite, plus potential pelagic species from the headland (Shy Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Yellow-nosed Albatross and Great-winged Petrel).
Day 8: Dunsborough Whale Watching
We will start the day birding local hotspots depending on what species we haven’t added to our list at this stage. In the afternoon we will go on a whale watching excursion in Dunsborough. There are two main whale species that migrate into Geographe Bay that we will be looking for; Humpback Whales and if we are lucky, the largest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale! We may also encounter Minke Whales, Southern Right Whales and dolphins. Night in Margaret River.

Day 9: Margaret River to Perth
We will make a number of stops on our way back to Perth including Mandurah to check for terns. In addition, we will visit Penguin Island (just a 5 minute ferry from Shoalwater), where Little Penguins and Bridled Terns have a colony. Other target species include Osprey, Fairy Tern, Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher and Great Crested Tern, plus any previously missed ‘common’ species. Overnight Perth.

Day 10: Rottnest Island
Today we will visit Rottnest Island, which is known for its iconic 'smiling' mammal, the Quokka, although many wetland and coastal species visit or call Rottnest Island home. Pelagic species are occasionally spotted on the ferry crossing. Overnight in Perth.
Target Species: Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Osprey, Black-bellied Plover, Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Avocet
Day 11: Departure Day
Our Western Australia Birding tour ends after breakfast. You can leave anytime today.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Overview
The Western Australia tour is a moderately paced birding tour. Our daily travel schedule varies, but most days involve a full day of birding, usually with a picnic lunch in a prime birding spot.
Food
We generally have breakfast at the hotel before we head out for the day. Sometimes we will have optional pre-breakfast walks. We often take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant or cafe for lunch. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.
Accommodation
We generally stay in 3 to 4-star hotels or lodges in locations close to where we want to go birding.
Walking
The walking on this tour is easy to moderate walking and hiking, with frequent short forays away from the van. The longest walk is around 2 km (1.2 miles).
Driving
Driving distances vary from short to moderate, with long drives of up to 3 hours on a few days. We make frequent stops during each day’s travel.
Boat tours
The whale watching tour will be on a 23-metre-long catamaran with washrooms and indoor space. To board the boat, we will beach board using a ramp with handrails onto a smaller boat and then transfer to the larger vessel. Passengers with mobility issues may require assistance – please let us know in advance.
We will also be taking a passenger ferry to Penguin Island and to Rottnest island.
Climate
The average temperature in Perth during the month of October is around 22-25°C (72-77°F). The days are usually sunny with clear skies. The sun can be intense, so sunscreen and a brimmed hat are advised.
Featured Wildlife
Featured Wildlife
While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.
- Western Thornbill
- Red-eared Firetail
- White-breasted Robin
- Western Corella
- Red-capped Parrot
- Baudin's Black-Cockatoo
- Western Rosella
- Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
- Gilbert's Honeyeater
- Red-winged Fairywren
- Noisy Scrub-bird
- Western Bristlebird
- Western (Black-throated) Whipbird
- Western Spinebill
- Western Shriketit
- Western Fieldwren
- Western Wattlebird
- Numbat
- Western Grey Kangaroo
- Short-beaked Echidna
- Quokka