Broken Hill
Fri 12 - Sun 14 September 2025
Outback birding in NSW
This Meet-up has been organised in collaboration with local guides. Birdwatchers of all experience levels, from beginner to expert, are welcome.
Cost: $540 per person + additional costs (see what’s included below)
Itinerary
A detailed itinerary will be provided. Here’s a quick summary.
Thu 11 Sep - arrive in Broken Hill
We recommend you arrive in Broken Hill by Thursday night so you’re ready for an early Friday morning start.
If you’re arriving after lunch, we’ll do our best to organise a free airport pick-up.
Fri 12 Sep - birding at Rupee Station
We will have exclusive access to birdwatching at Rupee Station, hosted by Anika Molesworth and her family. Nestled on the edge of the Barrier Ranges, this large farm is home to birds like Mulga Parrots, White-winged Fairywrens and Wedge-tailed Eagles. We will BYO snacks and lunch, and be back in Broken Hill by dinner.
Sat 13 Sep - Medindee Lakes
We’re going to walk on Country with a tour guide from Wontella Tours and hear about the importance of birds in Barkindji culture. We’ll be back by early afternoon and the rest of the day is yours to do what you wish. In the evening, there is an optional dinner at the local pub.
Sun 14 Sep - morning birding
The President of Landcare Broken Hill will give us a tour of the Imperial Lakes area, which is near town. If time, we will also visit the Living Desert Reserve before finishing up at lunchtime.
If you’re flying out after lunch, we’ll do our best to organise a free airport drop-off.
What we might see
Broken Hill is home to many unique desert birds, including birds of prey, small colourful birds and waterfowl when there is water in the lakes. Visit the eBird website for the full list of what people have seen there over the years.
What we’ve organised for you
Itinerary that combines birdwatching and leisure time
Time with Kirsty Costa (Weekend Birder), Anika Molesworth (local scientist and farmer), Barkindji Traditional Owners and Landcare staff
Car transport (you are welcome to bring your own as well)
Free airport pick-ups and drop-offs, where possible
‘What to Bring’ list for your packing
A Meet Up tote bag - A Game Called Birds board game, Weekend Birder t-shirt and other goodies
Additional costs
To make this Meet-up affordable for your budget, we have left the following expenses up to you.
Travel - Broken Hill is accessible by plane, train, bus and your private vehicle.
Accommodation - we’ve booked a cabin at Outback View Holiday Park and they still had plenty of availability when we spoke to them on June 5. You are welcome to stay there or find your own accommodation.
Food - we’ll make sure you can buy the food you need. Friday lunch will be BYO at Rupee Station and we will pop by a local supermarket and bakery so people can get their supplies. If we go out for dinner as a group, this is optional and you will buy your meals to suit your taste and budget.
Getting around
Broken Hill has a small airport if you wish to fly there. We’ll do our best to organise free airport pick up and drop offs for you on Thursday and Sunday afternoons.
Once we know who is coming, we will organise transport while in Broken Hill. If we have enough cars, we might be able to car pool if people are happy to share. If not, we will look into hiring vehicles (at no extra charge to you).
Medical cover
This is a Weekend Birder Meet-up, not a tour. We don’t have medical insurance and can’t cover your medical expenses. If you are not eligible for public health care in Australia, you will need to ensure that you have insurance to cover any incidents that may arise. One of our hosts has First Aid training to assist if anything happens. We will complete an assessment to reduce risk wherever possible.
Other things
Group size - this Meet-up has a maximum of 18 guests and 2 hosts (20 people).
Refunds and weather - no refunds will be given except if the 3 day weather forecast is severe storms, bushfires or floods. If you can no longer make it, you are welcome to transfer your booking to another person. We will keep a waiting list if sold out.
Kids - this Meet-up is suitable for children aged 10 years and over. Children under 18 years need to be accompanied by an adult. If you want to discuss this further, you are welcome to contact us for a chat.
Friends and family - you are welcome to pay for friends and family to join you on the Meet-up. Or if they want to visit Broken Hill with you, they could do other things while you’re birdwatching with us. There will be leisure time on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and they are welcome to join us any optional group dinners.
Accessibility - there may be some walking on uneven terrain during this Meet-up. If you have any mobility or accessibility requirements, you are welcome to contact us for a chat.