Places to Birdwatch in Australia

Here are some places where you can go birdwatching in Australia. You will see a suggestion for each state, one close to a city and one that involves a road trip. You can also explore the Google Map, which lists all the suggestions by Weekend Birder guests.

Guest Recommendations

We regularly update a Google Map that lists birdwatching spots that have been recommended by Weekend Birder guests.

Find your next birding adventure at maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7 or browse through some of the suggestions below.

Screenshot of a Google map of Australia and New Zealand with red pins to show birdwatching spots recommended by Weekend Birder guests

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Close to the city: Jerrabomberra Wetlands
Located in the heart of Canberra, these wetlands provide a tranquil setting for birdwatching. Here, you can observe the Chestnut Teal and the majestic Royal Spoonbill as they forage for food in the shallow waters.

Road trip: Namadgi National Park
Just one hour’s drive from Canberra is a haven for birdwatchers. Don't miss the Gang-gang Cockatoo, a unique parrot with a distinctive call and striking appearance. You may also spot the tiny Weebill, one of Australia's smallest birds, as it flits among the eucalyptus branches.

Weebill is Australia’s smallest honeyeater

New South Wales (NSW)

Close to the city: Royal National Park
This lush coastal park is a fantastic spot to have a birdwatching adventure and it’s only one hour drive from Sydney’s CBD. You'll find a variety of species, the Eastern Rosella with its vibrant plumage and the Nankeen Kestrel patrolling the skies. You may also hear the call of the Superb Lyrebird.

Road trip: Blue Mountains
The rugged terrain and lush forests of this area, west of Sydney, provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species. As you explore the eucalyptus forests, you may encounter the Gang-gang Cockatoo, known for its distinctive call and striking crimson head. Keep an eye out for different types of honeyeaters, who migrate from the coast to the mountains.

Image is of a parrot with a red head and crest, and a grey body

Gang Gang Cockatoos can be seen in the Blue Mountains

Northern Territory (NT)

Close to the city: Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Located just a short drive from Darwin, this reserve is the top ‘hot spot’ on eBird. The Reserve's extensive wetlands are a haven for waterbirds, including Magpie Geese, Whistling Ducks, and a variety of heron species. Keep your binoculars ready as you explore the boardwalks and trails, and you might spot raptors like the White-bellied Sea-Eagle soaring above.

Road trip: Kakadu National Park
Three hour’s drive from Darwin is the Yellow Water Billabong within Kakadu National Park. At this prime birdwatching spot, you might see the Black-necked Stork, a stately bird known for its large size and striking appearance. The Billabong is also home to the colourful Red-collared Lorikeet.

A striking Black-necked Stork standing gracefully in a lush wetland. This large wading bird is characterized by its distinctive black neck, long legs, and large bill

Black-necked Stork are found in Kakadu National Park’s billabongs

Queensland (QLD)

Close to the city: Oxley Creek Common
Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, this urban oasis provides a welcoming habitat for a variety of bird species. You may hear the sounds of Torresian Crows, White-winged Trillers and the iconic Australian Magpie. As you explore the walking trails, you may also see a Brown Goshawk flying overhead.

Road trip: Daintree Rainforest
Three hours drive north of Cairns, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous spots for birdwatching in Australia. You may see unique species like the Southern Cassowary, a large, flightless bird with vivid blue skin. You might also encounter the Victoria's Riflebird with its iridescent plumage.

A stunning Victoria's Riflebird perched on a branch, displaying its iridescent plumage, with deep blues and vibrant greens,

The Victoria’s Riflebird is famous in the Daintree Rainforest

South Australia (SA)

Close to the city: Adelaide Botanic Garden
Nestled near the CBD, this Botanic Garden has many areas to explore. As you walk slowly through the different terrains, watch out for a range of waterbirds (like Hardhead ducks), small birds of prey (like the Australian Hobby), and parrot friends (like the Musk Lorikeet).

Road trip: Flinders Ranges
Five hour’s drive north of Adelaide is an amazing arid landscape. Here, you might spot the stunning Pink Cockatoo with its vibrant pink and white plumage. Additionally, keep an eye out for the elusive Black-eared Cuckoo, a master of camouflage in this habitat.

Pink cockatoo is a large parrot with a pink and white crest, red eye and pink body. It is sitting on a branch eating a nut or fruit

The Pink Cockatoo can be found flying through the Flinders Rangers

Tasmania (TAS)

Close to the city: Wellington Park
Fifteen minutes drive from the centre of Hobart is this vast 18,000 hectare reserve. There is much to explore - lookouts, boulder fields, waterfalls, fern glades and rock formations. It’s a great place to see birds endemic to Tasmania such as the Tasmanian Native Hen, Green Rosella and Forest Raven.

Road trip: Freycinet National Park
Two hour’s drive from Launceston is this national park, overlooking the stunning Wineglass Bay. you can witness the comical antics of Little Penguins as they return to their nests at night. During the day, keep your eyes peeled for the elegant flight of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, a majestic raptor patrolling the skies.

The White-Bellied Sea Eagle is a large bird of prey, with a white head and black back and wings, and a large hooked beak

The White-bellied Sea Eagle likes to soar in the sky at Freycinet

Victoria (VIC)

Close to the city: Western Treatment Plant
The Western Treatment Plant is one of Victoria’s most popular birdwatching spots and an operational site. For your safety, you must be granted access to birdwatch at the Plant, or join a licensed tour operator. More information is on Melbourne Water’s website. At the Treatment Plant, you will see a range of migratory and resident shorebirds as well as birds of prey like Swamp Harriers and Whistling Kites.

Road trip: Great Otway National Park
Three hour’s drive from Melbourne is the picturesque Great Ocean Road. This national park has been identified by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it supports populations of Rufous Bristlebirds, Striated Field Wrens and Pink Robins.

A small round looking bird known as a Pink Robin has a grey head and large pink breast, small eyes and a straight bill

The Pink Robin loves to hang out in the Great Otway National Park

Western Australia (WA)

Close to the city: Yanchep National Park
Just an hour’s drive from Perth, is an excellent place to catch sight of the Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, a large, charismatic parrot found only in the southwest of Western Australia. Additionally, you may spot the Red-capped Robin, a small and striking bird, while strolling through woodland and wetlands.

Road trip: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range)
In the heart of the Kimberley region, Purnululu National Park boasts incredible geological formations and a rich birdlife. As you explore the ancient landscapes, watch for the Spinifex Pigeon, a ground-dwelling bird with quirky habits, and the Rainbow Bee-eater, resplendent in its multi-coloured plumage.

A Spinifex Pigeon, a ground-dwelling bird native to arid regions, captured in a photograph. It exhibits distinctive rust-colored plumage with intricate white and black markings, blending seamlessly with the sandy desert environment

The Spinifex Pigeon can be seen on the ground in Purnululu National Park

Where’s your favourite place?

Describe or take a photo of your favourite place to birdwatch in Australia. Share it on social media and tag @weekend.birder and we will re-post it so that it can be shared with the rest of our bird-loving community.