Located on a 257 ha Trust for Nature covenanted property near Nagambie, in the heart of Victoria’s Box-Ironbark country, this property is just 2 hours drive north of Melbourne. The property is adjacent to the Heathcote-Graytown National Park and is managed for wildlife conservation purposes. It features:

• Over 130 recorded bird species including resident Crested Bellbirds, Diamond Firetails, Hooded Robins, Peregrine Falcons and Wedge-tailed Eagles, as well as regular visitors such as Swift Parrots and various Cuckoo species
• Wonderful Spring wildflowers and native orchids
• Abundant native wildlife including Sugar Gliders and Yellow-footed Antechinus
• 3 BR solar powered house built from local stone with magnificent views of Mt. Black

Indulge yourself in the wonderful variety of birds in this unique ecosystem. Manfred’s extensive knowledge of the birds and natural history will reward you with an unforgettable experience.

For accommodation and personalized tour enquiries, please contact the owner

Manfred Ruff - Mob. +61 (0) 408 548 840
Email: boxironbarkbirding@bigpond.com

Eagles Rise Retreat

Eagles Rise, in Loch Sport, Gippsland Lakes is a 3 bedroom home high in the tree tops designed to take advantage of superb Ramsar lake views. This contemporary home is fully equipped in every way, with one queen bedroom, one double, 3rd bedroom with 4 singles, a snooker table and a spacious lounge/dining area with wood heater and outstanding water views .

Gippsland Lakes are home to an abundance of birdlife water including pelicans, black swans, egrets, herons, endangered little terns, orange-bellied parrots, spoonbills and migratory. Birds of prey include Wedge-tailed Eagles, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Swamp Harriers, kites, hawks, falcons and kestrels. There is a local bird list in the house; DVD’s, bird books and sighting scope are supplied.

Of particular interest are the 3 eagle nests found in the Lakes National Park ( the house owners are currently writing a book on the sea eagles), the eagles nest at Dowd Morass – a short ½ hour drive away and the summer migratory populations that land right in front of the house in the lake. At night the property is alive is with tawny frogmouths, kangaroos, hog deer and the resident possum. You will not have to travel from the wide house balcony to do excellent bird watching. As you are already in the treetops, the balcony attracts a wide range of Australian birds all day including hard to spot ones. Kookaburras regularly come in for hand feeding and sea eagles are often seen flying overhead along with many other species. The black night skies and dawns over the lake are magical. In September, the houses’5 bird boxes are full, offering the keen photographer some good close shots. All walks into the National Park start at the back of the house.

Loch Sport is in the heart of Gippsland, being only 2 kms from the famous Ninety Mile Beach, and around 40 kms from the mountains. The Loch Sport peninsula is surrounded by water with both National Park and Nature Reserve on its edges – perfect for boating activities. The National Park alone boasts a diversity of bird life – more than 190 species in fact and Lake Reeve is home to the nesting grounds of the black swan. Nearby Rotamah Island was formally leased by Birds Australia - a key bird watching area. Gippsland is a truly magnificent part of Australia and has a wide variety of natural and cultural features for the visitor to enjoy. Jenny and Ken are keen wildlife photographers and are more than happy to assist the birdwatcher with current information and take pride in offering this house for lovers of nature. They believe it is a special haven in a busy world. Great rates for bird lovers.

Eagles Rise
Loch Sport
Victoria
Phone 9700 7222
Mob. 0414 744 328
E-mail : khodge07@bigpond.com

Birdwatching Clubs and Other Interesting Sites

Birds Australia

http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au
Birds Australia (also known as the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union) is one of this nation's oldest conservation organisations. BA is dedicated to the understanding, conservation and enjoyment of Australia's wild, native birds. Our quarterly magazine is 'Wingspan'.
Email: mail@birdsaustralia.com.au

The Bird Observers Club of Australia

http://www.birdobservers.org.au
Membership is open to anyone who cares about Australian birds. Our monthly magazine, 'The Bird Observer', contains information about Australian Birds, reports of birdwatching trips and a selection of the best tour guides and birdwatching spots in Australia.

For overseas birders touring Australia, a three month special membership $AUD 25.00 provides birdwatching contacts within Australia and includes three issues of 'The Bird Observer'.
Contact:
Bird Observers Club of Australia
183 Springvale Road
NUNAWADING, VIC 3131
Ph: 03 9877 5342 Fax: 03 9894 4048
International Ph: + 61 3 9877 5342 Fax: + 61 3 9894 4048

The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria (FNCV)
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~fncv/
Was founded in 1884, and continues as a vigorous and practical advocate of conservation and the study of natural history to this day. The Club has over 600 members and publishes the bimonthly magazine 'The Victorian Naturalist'.

Bayside Branch of Bird Observers Club
http://www.cohsoft.com.au/bayboca/
BAYBOCA is the Bayside Branch of the Bird Observers Club of Australia. Our aim is to promote responsible birdwatching as an enjoyable recreation which leads to increased knowledge about Australian birds and a better understanding of their habitat needs, in the bayside area of Melbourne, Australia.
We have 10 meetings and 10 outings per year. Each meeting features a guest speaker, door prize, and supper. Our outings take us to the varied bird and wildlife habitats in our area.

VORG (Victorian Ornithological Research Group)
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vorg/lecvorg.htm

VORG has approximately 60 members with a wide range of backgrounds including professional ornithologists, students, computer programmers, botanists, statisticians, etc. The objectives of the group are: To promote and encourage the study of all aspects of bird life by any means, including: field studies; participation in the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme; co-operation with the National Parks and Wildlife Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or its equivalent for the time being.

To encourage and assist in the publication of the results of such work. To provide a meeting place for discussion groups, the reading of papers and social activities. To make provision for the retention of field records, diaries and other relevant documents. To co-ordinate the activities of groups engaged in work consistent with the above objects. To co-operate with persons or organisations having interests similar to those of VORG.

Meetings and Journal: Monthly Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month, starting 8pm at Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg. Visitors welcome.

Journal, VORG Notes, published twice a year.

To Join: Membership details are available from the Secretary:
Spencer Unthank 133 Graydens Road MOOROODUC Vic 3933 Phone 03 5978 8340

Other Contact Details: The Editor or e-mail correspondance:
Lynda Chambers L.Chambers@bom.gov.au
Postal Address: GPO 1289k MELBOURNE Vic 3001
Phone : +613 9669 4784 Fax : +613 9669 4660

Birds Australia (Victoria Group)
http://www.babblersnest.com

Birdline Victoria
http://www.birdline.cjb.net/

Birding in the Echuca District

http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~stocky/boca_echuca.html

Local Guides, Day Tours and Charters

Little Desert Nature Lodge
         Whimpey's Tours

Little Desert Nature Lodge is a premium destination for people who have interests in desertscapes, in environment education, in ornithology, or in seeing native Australian fauna in its natural habitat. It is study centre with a 20 year background of research into the lowan bird or Malleefowl, an endangered genus of mound building megapode indigenous to the area. Accommodation and tours are available.

The Little Desert Lodge offers a range of stop over facilities as well as accommodation for the traveller. It has a camping ground, powered caravan and motorhome sites, and sheltered outdoor BBQ facilities. There are 24 ensuite units, and 16 bunk rooms, each sleeping 4 people.
Desert tours in especially constructed Land Rovers with large viewing windows and plenty of headroom are available for half day or full day outings with meals included.

The Little Desert Nature Lodge is located 16km from Nhill, a town which is half way along the interstate highway between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Web page: http://www.littledesertlodge.com.au
Email: info@littledesertlodge.com.au

Richard Nowotny & Diana Bryant

A "young" middle-aged professional couple who regularly bird locally, interstate and overseas and enjoy showing visiting birders around their home town of Melbourne and further afield in Victoria - when their other commitments permit. (No charge - the hospitality we receive on our own travels is more than sufficient.)

Weekends are preferable, although weekdays may also be possible.
Please call or email to explore possibilities or to ask for advice or assistance.
Phone: Home (61) 03 9645 6870 Mobile 0438 224456 (Richard)
Email: richard.nowotny@bigpond.com

Firetail Birdwatching Tours

Firetail tours are focussed on the North of Victoria, particularly the Mallee, the Northern plains, Central Victoria's box-ironbark regions and the Murray river.
We offer tours based on genuine local knowledge of the birdlife and the broader environment.

We cater for the serious birder who wants to see the rarest species, through to the casual or beginner birdwatcher.

We can organise trips to locate specific hard to find birds such as the Mallee Emu-Wren or the Plains Wanderer, full days aimed at finding as many species as possible, or more relaxed tours taking in a selection of the most productive birding sites.

Basic accommodation can often be organised free of charge.

Check out our website at
http://www.firetailbirdwatchingtours.bigpondhosting.com for more info on the birds and habitats of the region plus some potential itineraries.

Contact: Simon Starr,
106 Marfleets Road,
Pyramid Hill,
Victoria 3575.
Ph/Fax: (61) 03 54557116

E-mail: sandastarr@bigpond.com

Box-Ironbark Birding

Located on a 257 ha Trust for Nature covenanted property near Nagambie, in the heart of Victoria’s Box-Ironbark country, this property is just 2 hours drive north of Melbourne. The property is adjacent to the Heathcote-Graytown National Park and is managed for wildlife conservation purposes. It features:

• Over 130 recorded bird species including resident Crested Bellbirds, Diamond Firetails, Hooded Robins, Peregrine Falcons and Wedge-tailed Eagles, as well as regular visitors such as Swift Parrots and various Cuckoo species
• Wonderful Spring wildflowers and native orchids
• Abundant native wildlife including Sugar Gliders and Yellow-footed Antechinus
• 3 BR solar powered house built from local stone with magnificent views of Mt. Black

Indulge yourself in the wonderful variety of birds in this unique ecosystem. Manfred’s extensive knowledge of the birds and natural history will reward you with an unforgettable experience.

For accommodation and personalized tour enquiries, please contact the owner

Manfred Ruff - Mob. +61 (0) 408 548 840
Email: boxironbarkbirding@bigpond.com

  Go Birding Tours 

Experience one of the best birding areas in Victoria on a Go Birding Tour.

Join us to uncover the magical sights of the Geelong Otway Region on an ecotour that focuses on the diverse and remarkable birdlife of the area.

More than 300 different bird species have been recorded in this region, just a one hour's drive south west of Melbourne. Key bird watching areas include the wet forests of the Otways Ranges and Great Ocean Road, the coastal floral heathlands of the Surf Coast, the dry forests of the Brisbane Ranges plus the Ramsar listed wetlands of the Bellarine Peninsula

Go Birding Tours offers a variety of day tours, catering for individuals or small groups of up to six people. Tour guide Barry Lingham has lived on the Bellarine Peninsula for 20 years and has a wide knowledge of the fauna and flora of southern Victoria.

Web page: www.gobirding.com.au

Barry Lingham
Go Birding Tours

Phone: 03 5255 4291 (International +61 3 52554291)
Mobile 0417 115109
Email: mail@gobirding.com.au

Boat & Pelagic Tours

Australian Pelagic Home Page
A page dedicated to those with an interest in pelagic bird watching, photography and whale-watching. Offering some interesting information on what can be seen around oceans of Australia. Pelagic trips have been departing from a number of ports around Australia for many years now. For information on these take a look at the Pelagic Directory. All of these pelagics are operated on a non profit basis and provide much valuable information about our little known seabirds.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/palliser/pelagic/
 

Pelagic trips from Port Fairy, Victoria
run on the first Sunday of every month. All trips for the remainder of 2003 are fully booked.

Contact Mike Carter:
Email: pterodroma@bigpond.com
Ph: 03 9787 7136    International: + 61 3 9787 7136   for further details.

Rohan Clarke (at R.Clarke@zoo.latrobe.edu.au)
may be able to arrange one-off charters for eight or more people (max 12) although several months notice is required to organise the vessel. Trips are weather dependant and cost varies depending on the number of participants.
 

Victorian Based Tour Operators and Tours Firetail Birdwatching Tour
Firetail tours are focussed on the North of Victoria, particularly the Mallee, the Northern plains, Central Victoria's box-ironbark regions and the Murray river.
We offer tours based on genuine local knowledge of the birdlife and the broader environment.

We cater for the serious birder who wants to see the rarest species, through to the casual or beginner birdwatcher.

We can organise trips to locate specific hard to find birds such as the Mallee Emu-Wren or the Plains Wanderer, full days aimed at finding as many species as possible, or more relaxed tours taking in a selection of the most productive birding sites.

We are not happy unless we feel you have received value for money on your tour, so we will make the day as long as you want, and include some spotlighting for night birds at the end of the day. Basic accommodation can often be organised free of charge.

Check out our website at
http://www.firetailbirdwatchingtours.bigpondhosting.com for more info on the birds and habitats of the region plus some potential itineraries.

Contact: Simon Starr,
106 Marfleets Road,
Pyramid Hill,
Victoria 3575.
Ph/Fax: (61) 03 54557116

E-mail: sandastarr@bigpond.com

Interstate Tour Operators visiting Victoria

Australasian Ornithological Services Pty Ltd
Australian Ornithological Services (formerly Inland Bird Tours) started in Deniliquin in the southern Riverina area of N.S.W. 15 years ago.
The main focus of those tours was the Plains-wanderer. While the Plains-wanderer is still our flagship species we have increased our repertoire to include all States of Australia and New Zealand, specialising in difficult skulkers and nocturnal birds.
We are the inland specialists for serious birders. We endeavour to ensure that the whole group see the birds and not just a lucky few.

Tour leader, Philip Maher, is interested in all aspects of natural history.
The Strzelecki Track 2000 trip report and other trip reports can be found at:
http://www.philipmaher.com/main.htm

Patricia Maher Australian Ornithological Services P/L
P.O. Box 385
South Yarra Victoria 3141
phone/fax: +61 3 98204223
mobile 0417310200
Email: enquiries@philipmaher.com
http://www.philipmaher.com/

Birdwatching Aficionados - Jonny Schoenjahn
I specialize in customised birdwatching tours and operate exclusively on request. There are no standard tours or regular schedules. I only take one booking at a time with a maximum of 4 people. This means you will be the only customers on the tour and my attention is focused on your pleasure.

All tours are accommodated in personally selected, quality accommodation. The exception being tours such as through the Great Sandy Desert in search of the rare Princess Parrot, where we will camp. My vehicle is a very comfortable, spacy and well equipped Toyota Landcruiser 4WD. With most tours you have the option to 'fly and drive', the choice is yours.

The areas I visit include:

• the Kimberley in the North of Western Australia,
• the South-West corner of Western Australia, in particular Perth - Albany,
• the Kakadu National Park and the area around Darwin in the Northern Territory,
• far north-east Queensland and the Iron Range National Park / Cape York Peninsula,
• the interior of Australia with Ayer's Rock, Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks, etc.,
• and South East Australia, in particular Melbourne - Sydney, and Tasmania.

I conduct special trips into the remote Outback, particularly the many deserts, or criss-cross through Australia in search of the ten endemic Grasswren species. If there are particular birds you want to see just let me know. I would be pleased to work out a unique tour for you.

For further details please check my listing under Interstate Tour Operators.

1 Elimatta Way
CITY BEACH, 6015   Western Australia

Phone: 08 9385 9939 International Phone: +61 8 9385 9939

Email: jonnybird@bigpond.com
http://www.users.bigpond.com/jonnybird/

Birding Tours Australia

Birding Tours Australia operates many different trips around Newcastle, The Hunter Valley and Sydney. We can also organise tours around New South Wales, anywhere in Australia or in fact anywhere around the world. All our tours can be conducted at a pace to suit your needs from relaxed to extreme, but all will concentrate on locating as many species as possible across various habitats.

If you have specific destinations within Australia or target species we can organise a custom tour to accommodate your needs.

Sicklebill Safaris

Sicklebill Safaris arranges bird and wildlife orientated tours throughout Australia. We specialise in customised private tours for individuals and small groups either with our experienced guides or will help you set up your own self guided tours through our tour arranging service. We regularly visit most of the major birding areas in Australia including the Eastern Seaboard, The Northern Territory, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the desert and mallee regions of the south.

Please visit our website at www.sicklebillsafaris.com for further information and feel free to contact us if you have any queries. We are happy to make suggestions and work with you to set up the best tour possible for your interests and budget.

Phil and Sue Gregory
Cassowary House, PO Box 387, Kuranda, Queensland 4881

Phone Intl: 61 7 4093 7318 Within Australia: 07 4093 7318
Fax Intl: 61 7 4093 9855 Within Australia: 07 4093 9855
Eddress: sicklebill@optusnet.com.au

WILD WATCH AUSTRALIA with experienced professional naturalist, Jonathan Munro.

Personalised bird watching and wildlife excursions for individuals and groups. Excursions can be fully accommodated and are tailored to your interests. Destinations include Cape York, Lakefield and Iron Range, Georgetown and the Western Gulf Savannah, Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield NPs, Lamington NP, Tasmania, Victoria and most other notable birding areas within Australia. Clients include well-known international birding companies, Audubon societies, university and zoo groups and film crews.

Please visit our web site for more details:

Wild Watch Australia
http://www.wildwatch.com.au/

email: info@wildwatch.com.au
or      munro.jonathan@gmail.com.
or      jmunro@wildwatch.com.au
or      jmunro@austarnet.com.au


P.O. Box 707, Ravenshoe,
Queensland 4888
Australia
Phone/fax: (07)  4097 6747 or 4097 7408
International: +(617) 4097 7408
Mobile: 0429 438 064

 

Alan McBride - Birder

Alan has been leading bird groups and individuals around Australia and the region for over 30 years now. His experience in planning and organising trips, finding the birds and other critters is well grounded. Alan has led well over 100 trips all around this land. He founded the now famous deep water pelagics off Wollongong and Sydney and has been on at least 800 pelagic excursions - enough to not bother with medication! From a birding perspective he has found a number of firsts for the region too and has seen over 732 birds in Australia alone.

Alan leads many trips of shorter duration too ranging from half days to 4 weeks plus. Whatever your length he will endeavour to work out a trip so that client wishes are fulfilled.

 

Contact details:

 

Alan McBride
Birding Guide +
http://web.mac.com/amcbride1
 

e-mail: amcbride1@mac.com

Mob: + 61 419 414 860
Fax: + 61 2 9973 2306

Birding Services Brisbane

(Birding Tours)

We offer day or longer tours in mainly in SE Queensland, but often go further afield, particularly to Northern Territory, Northern Queensland, SW Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Our tour itineraries are designed to suit each client. Travel is by modern air-conditioned 4WD vehicle (or hire bus for larger groups).
Our rates are reasonable and are available on application. We also cater for larger overseas groups. Our guide is consultant ornithologist, Roy Sonnenburg [former president of Birds Queensland], who has completed post-graduate studies in ornithology and has been studying and observing our unique Australian birds for over 30 years. Roy is assisted by his wife Helen.
(All necessary licences and permits are held as well as current first aid qualifications.)

Home/wk: 07 3256 6952 International: +61 7 3256 6952
Mobile: 0417 637 560
Fax: 07 3256 7692 International: +61 7 3256 7692
Email: royson@uq.net.au
Web:  http://www.birdingservices.com.au

Outback Track Tours Pty Ltd 

Outback Track Tours has operated tours throughout Australia for over 30 years. We specialise in Australian remote outback tours for special interest groups such as: Birdwatchers, Bushwalkers, Botanists, Photographers, Artists, native plant enthusiasts as well as remote 4WD expeditions. Our guides offer specialist knowledge in flora, fauna and geology on each tour.

We work closely with Birds Australia and Birding NSW Clubs to specialize itineraries for their members. Each year we have different tours, so it is worth checking back to our website to see what is on offer.

We operate small group touring (2-20 pax) to remote and often unknown but spectacular areas of Australia. We change our schedule of tours every year as we have a large repeat rate of passengers. Those that choose to travel with us, choose to travel Australia with us!

We have a range of extended tours and 4WD Tag-a-long tours that have experienced guides and fantastic chefs on board to look after everyone. We often do private groups for those with specific needs. Available for Charter - daily to extended Tours.

For more information www.outbacktracktours.com

Contact details:

PO BOX 358 Balgowlah NSW 2093
Reservations: 1300 88 44 63
Office: 02 9913 1484
Fax:    02 9913 9206

email: outbacktracktours@aapt.net.au

Endemic Bird Tours Australia

Endemic Bird Tours Australia specialises in customised birdwatching tours throughout Australia. Our focus is to provide you with the most rewarding birding experience possible - whether you wish to see numerous species at a faster pace or fewer species at a gentler pace, we are here to arrange a tour that suits you.

We are based in the Hunter Valley (on the east coast of New South Wales, 2 hours from Sydney International Airport) though are able to arrange extended tours that take in the many unique birding areas around Australia, including the Top End, South-west WA, Queensland Wet Tropics, the arid interior and Tasmania. These are just examples of places we can take you – please tell us what you wish to see and we will customise an itinerary to suit you at very competitive prices.

With over 330 endemic species of birds, Australia is a country not be missed for seeing unique birds found nowhere else on Earth. Indeed, Australia is considered a world ‘hotspot’ of endemism, not only in terms of birds, but in biodiversity in general (for example Australia ranks as the country with the most endemic reptiles and mammals and second in terms of birds – only Indonesia ranks higher).

Keep in mind that we are not restricted to just birdwatching tours - we are able to show you many unique facets of the Australian environment. Please take a look around our website and feel free to contact us if you have any queries.

Contact:
Mick Roderick
61 2 4023 0322
61 421 761 237
info@endemicbirdtours.com.au or mickhhb@yahoo.com.au
www.endemicbirdtours.com.au

 

New South Wales * Northern Territory * Queensland * South Australia * Tasmania * Victoria * Western Australia

If you have a site that you think would be appropriate to include in
Australian Birdwatching
please email info@ausbird.com

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Disclaimer: Although all care has been taken in compiling this directory, the publisher does not guarantee the standard of the products or the information supplied by any of the listings.

This site is the property of Klaus Uhlenhut and has been produced for the benefit of all bird lovers.
All photos in this site are copyright Klaus Uhlenhut 1998

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All content, layout & graphics in this site is copyright Graphically Speaking 1998, 1999