Ultimate Birdwatching Australia - Tropics to Outback

Mungo Outback Journey - Private Tour

Day 1: Mildura. Upon arrival at Mildura Airport from Melbourne, meet the Echidna Walkabout Wildlife Guide to begin a private outback journey. Mildura, near the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers, surprises with its abundant water in a semi-arid region. Before heading into the outback, explore the Murray River and its billabongs, where parrots, cockatoos, and other birds often gather from the desert for food and water. In the afternoon, travel into the arid lands towards Lake Mungo, entering the vast Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. Here, walk along the ancient, fossilized Willandra Creek and watch the sunset over Lake Mungo, learning about the region's history and spotting desert wildlife like kangaroos and parrots before settling for dinner at Mungo Lodge. 

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 2 - 3: Mungo National Park. Over the next two days, explore Mungo National Park, a region of immense significance to human and wildlife history. Spanning over 1,110 km², the park surrounds the ancient, now dry, Lake Mungo, which has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for at least 50,000 years. The eroded dunes beside the lake reveal the oldest human living site on earth and megafauna skeletal remains, marking the area as a World Heritage Site.

Regional exploration will include walks and drives through diverse habitats, from mallee woodlands to saltbush expanses, with abundant Emus and Pink Cockatoos and occasionally Cockatiels, along with chats and arid-land fairy wrens. The Crested Bellbird is often heard and sometimes seen. Raptors including the Spotted Harrier, Black Falcon, Grey Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle are known to nest in the area. The journey culminates with a drive across the dry lake bed to the lunettes, where 50,000 years of Aboriginal history comes to life through the landscape. 

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 4: Mildura. After an optional early morning bird walk, enjoy a final breakfast at Mungo Lodge before driving out of the desert to Mildura, before afternoon flights to Cairns.

Accommodation: Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: B

5 Day North Queensland Birdwatching - Shared or Private Tour

Please note the 5 Day North Queensland Birdwatching can be booked as a shared itinerary over the following dates or alternatively as a private departure:

• 18-22 May 2026
• 29 June – 3 July 2026 
• 27-31 July 2026
• 24-28 August 2026

Day 5: Daintree & Cape Tribulation. Heading north from Cairns, the tour begins with a private wildlife cruise on the Daintree River, one of the best places to observe rainforest birdlife along a tropical river. Key species include the elusive Great-billed Heron, Little and Azure Kingfishers, Papuan Frogmouth, Shining Flycatcher, Black Bittern, and White-bellied Sea-eagle, along with reptiles such as Saltwater Crocodiles and Water Dragons. The cruise is widely regarded as a highlight for birdwatchers visiting Far North Queensland.

Afterward, a short visit to Daintree Village offers the chance to explore flowering trees before enjoying an exotic rainforest-surrounded lunch at the Daintree Tea House, known for its long-standing service and fruit-tasting presentations.

In the afternoon, the group travels to Julatten to stay at Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge for two nights. This small, family-run sanctuary, operated by guides Carol and Andrew Iles, is located in one of Australia's top birding regions. The lodge hosts many resident species, including Noisy Pitta, Red-browed Finch, Macleay's and Graceful Honeyeaters, Pale-yellow Robin, Little Shrike-thrush, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, and Spotted Catbird.

Accommodation: Kingfisher Park Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Julatten & Mt Lewis. This morning will be spent exploring the farms, swamps and fields of Julatten and Mount Carbine. Highlights can include Noisy Pitta, Red-browed Finch, Macleay's, Yellow-spotted and Graceful Honeyeaters, Pale-yellow Robin, Little Shrike-thrush, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Black-faced & Spectacled Monarch, Cicadabird and Spotted Catbird

The afternoon will be spent exploring the area of Mount Lewis. A 30-minute drive from the lodge is perhaps one of the more secretive birding hotspots in the area. A great place to see Victoria's Rifiebird, Bower's Shrike-thrush, Bridled, Lewin's Honeyeaters, Mountain Thornbill, Fernwren, Topknot Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo and Superb Fruit-Doves.

Optional Spotlighting

Spotlighting can also be very rewarding with Barking, Sooty (Lesser) and Barn Owls, Papuan Frogmouths are usually heard Calling and Boyd's Forest Dragon and Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko are also common. Also keep an eye out for Striped & Green Ring-tailed Possum, White-tailed Tree rat and also Long-nosed and Northern Brown Bandicoot.

Accommodation: Kingfisher Park Lodge | Meals: BLD

5 Day North Queensland Birdwatching - Shared or Private Tour

Day 7: Mareeba & Granite Gorge. Checking out of the lodge, we move on toward the Atherton Tablelands. The transition from Highland Rainforest through Savannah Woodland to eventually Mabi Forest, offers impressive contrast for birdwatching and wildlife experiences. On this morning you will explore all the backroads, farms, and fields around the Mareeba township. There are various swamps, billabongs, and creeks to investigate.

The diverse range of birdlife and wildlife might include Magpie Geese, Black-necked Storks (Jabiru), Cranes including Brolga, Sarus Crane, Bustards, Jacanas which thrive on the water lilies. Both the Laughing Kookaburra and Blue Winged Kookaburra are regularly seen, as well as numerous Honeyeaters, Robins, Thrushes, Monarchs, Fly Catchers and Wagtails are seen throughout the area.

Granite Gorge is a famous sight to witness the endemic Mareeba Rock Wallaby. The granite outcrops abound riparian grasslands encompassing more interesting birding opportunities such as the Red-backed Fairywren, Squatter Pigeon, Crested Pigeon, Rainbow bee-eaters Dollarbirds, Tree Creepers and Pardalotes

Accommodation: Chambers Wildlife Lodge | Meals: BLD

5 Day North Queensland Birdwatching - Shared or Private Tour

Day 8: Atherton Tablelands, Hasties Swamp and Mt Hypipamee. The Atherton Tablelands is the high-altitude counterpart of the coastal Daintree Rainforest. Offering freshwater creek trails and walking tracks into mesophyll vine forest and outstanding remnants of the regions volcanic history. Hasties Swamp is a large seasonal wetland renowned for its diverse range of resident and migratory birds. Over 220 species have been identified and a large bird hide, with informative identification signs, offers excellent waterbird viewing opportunities.

One of the highlights of the Atherton Tablelands is Mount Hypipamee National Park, this is one of the best places to see the magnificent male Golden Bowerbird which have Bowers in the area. It's also a great place for Southern Cassowary. Other birds that can be found in the general area are Eastern Spinebill, Grey-headed and Pale-yellow Robin, Lewin's and Bridled Honeyeater, Chowchilla, Spotted Catbird and Tooth-billed Bowerbirds.

Mount Hypipamee is also great for spotlighting. We have encountered Green Ringtail, Herbert River Ringtail, Lemuroid Ringtail and Brushtail Possums here. Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos too if you're lucky!

Accommodation: Chambers Wildlife Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Crater Lakes. Lake Barrine and Yungaburra are outstanding locations to visit for all nature lovers. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching opportunities. From 30 minutes to two hours, tailored to our target species of the day.

These include Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Spotted Catbird, Victoria's Riflebird, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Australian King Parrot, White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Bridled honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Macleay's Honeyeater, Chowchilla, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. Barred Cuckoo-shrike. Pale-yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Black-faced Monarch, Spectacled Monarch and Grey Fantail.

Peterson Creek Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track is located in the heart of Yungaburra where we may be able to view platypus or the rare Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo. The final afternoon is a chance to review what specialist species we may have missed throughout the trip, before a final endeavor to sight the few remaining. The final birding location might include Etty Bay on the Cassowary Coast or even the Cairns Esplanade. Return to Cairns approximately 4:30/5:00PM

Optional Extension 1: 7 Day Cape York Birdwatching (Shared)

Price for this extension starts at $6,690.00 AUD per person based on twin/share. Please note the 7 Day Cape York Birdwatching can be booked as a shared itinerary over the following dates:

• 10 June 2026
• 18 June 2026
• 27 June 2026
• 3 July 2026

Day 10: Cairns to Rinyirru. Depart Cairns for Cape York Peninsula, stopping frequently for birdwatching and scenic viewpoints. Enjoy lunch in Lakeland before visiting Artemis Station, vital for conserving the endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot, a key species on the target list. Continue through tropical woodland to Musgrave Roadhouse for the evening.

Day 11: Rinyirru National Park. Spend a full day exploring Rinyirru National Park's wetlands, grassy plains, and tropical woodlands. Search for the Golden-shouldered Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Red Goshawk, and other notable bird species, plus Agile and Nail-tailed Wallabies. At dusk, look for Large-tailed Nightjar and the rare Australasian Grass-Owl before returning to Musgrave Roadhouse.

Day 12: Rinyirru to Kutini-Payamu. Begin with morning birding in Lakefield/Musgrave before travelling north via Archer River Roadhouse. Cross Tozer's Gap for panoramic views, unique heathland, and carnivorous pitcher plants. Arrive at the Greenhoose lodge, adjacent to Iron Range NP, and enjoy a short rainforest walk to spot bird specials in lush gardens and forest.

Day 13-15: Kutini-Payamu. Spend three days exploring Iron Range NP's rainforest, woodland, heathland, mangroves, and pristine beaches. Target Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, riflebirds, bowerbirds, and Cape York endemics. Night excursions may reveal owls and frogmouths. Spot mammals, reptiles, and waders at Chili Beach and Portland Roads while scanning fruiting palms for quietly feeding cockatoos.

Day 16: Lockhart River to Cairns (flight). Enjoy some morning birding before visiting the Lockhart River Art Gallery, featuring works by local Indigenous artists. After breakfast and check-out, bid farewell to Cape York and your guides before boarding the flight back to Cairns, carrying memories of unique wildlife and landscapes from this remarkable expedition.

Optional Extension 2: (Pre or Post): Kakadu Birdwatching Safari (Shared)

Price for this extension starts at $4,790.00 AUD per person based on twin/share. Please note the Kakdu Birdwatching Safari can be booked as a shared itinerary at the following starting dates:

• 8 July 2026
• 31 July 2026
• 23  August 2026

Day 10: Darwin. After a flight from Cairns to Darwin, spend the rest of the day leisure.

Day 11: Jabiru. The trip begins with an early Darwin pick-up, travelling east on the sealed road to Jabiru. Stops include Fogg Dam's monsoon forest, the Mary River with possible crocodile sightings, and Kakadu's Mamukala Wetland. The day concludes in Jabiru with accommodation, surrounded by abundant birdlife and wildlife.

Day 12. Ubirr and Guluyambi. Ubirr offers breathtaking views, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and spiritual landscapes. Highlights include the Bardedjilidji Sandstone walk exploring Kakadu's geology, and an Aboriginal-guided boat tour along the East Alligator River, rich with culture and wildlife. The day ends at Injalak Arts before returning to Jabiru to see corellas and flying foxes.

Day 13. Jabiru to Pine Creek. The Nourlangie region showcases the Arnhem Land escarpment, rich wildlife, and powerful Aboriginal rock art, including Namarrgon the Lightning Man. In the afternoon, a visit to Pine Creek's Water Treatment Plant offers unique bird sightings, including Oriental Pratincole, Great Bowerbird, finches, and Hooded Parrots.

Day 14. Pine Creek to Litchfield. The day begins with a search for finches, including the rare Gouldian Finch, at creekside pools. At Leliyn (Edith Falls), waterfalls and pools offer swimming, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching opportunities. Afterward, travel north via Pine Creek and the Adelaide River to Litchfield National Park, ending with sunset at termite mounds.

Day 15. Litchfield to Darwin. The morning explores Litchfield National Park, with visits to termite mounds, Buley's Rock Pools, and trails near Tjaetaba Falls, where rare raptors like the Red Goshawk may appear. Stops at Wongi and Tolmer Falls showcase the park's beauty. In the afternoon, return to Darwin, seeking additional rare bird species.

Day 16. Lee Point to Buffalo Creek. The morning begins at Muirhead Bushland Reserve, home to diverse finches and honeyeaters, before heading to Buffalo Creek. Here, Chestnut Rail may be spotted along the mangroves, while the beach provides excellent wader viewing. Around midday, the tour concludes with drop-off at Darwin Airport or your city hotel.