Day 2 - Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns.

Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or similar)

Day 3 - Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights.

Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.

Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 4 - For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird. We will be concentrating on finding all the local Wet Tropic endemic birds.

Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.

An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 5 - Our second day around the Southern Tablelands

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 6 - Today we spend the morning following up any species we need to follow up, this could lead us to the dry habitat around Mareeba or continue targeting the rainforest birds. Lunch will be had a one of the Tablelands great cafes before making out way back down to Cairns where I can drop you at your accommodation or airport depending on your plans.

Cost -  $13980.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation

Single Supplement $750.00

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

The rainforest of Iron Range holds some of the star birds, these include Black-winged (Wet Season only) & Frill-necked Monarch, Green-backed & Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, White-faced Robin, Magnificent Riflebird, Black-eared Catbird, Yellow-legged Fly-robin, Red-cheeked Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Chestnut--breasted Cuckoo, Tropical Scrubwren, Trumpet Manucode, Northern Scrub-robin and of course the main target Papuan (Red-bellied) Pitta (Wet Season only)

The dry woodlands around Lockhart and Portland hold Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, White-browed Robin, White-streaked Honeyeater and another star of the show the Palm Cockatoo.

The mangroves around Portland can be fantastic for White-browed Robin, Mangrove Robin, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe the Cape York subspecies of Brush Turkey which has a crazy Purple wattle instead of the conventional Yellow.

Dinner each night will be at Portland House where our hosts Sheree & Greg prepare some incredible meals. After dinner each night you will have the option of going out spotlighting for one of Iron Rangers most famous residents, the Green Tree Python. Other reptiles that are possible are Scrub Python, Carpet Python, Spotted Python, Mammals include Giant White-tailed Tree Rat, Cape York Rat, Southern Common Cuscus and Southern Spotted Cuscus. Bird targets are the Northern subspecies of Marbled Frogmouth which is likely to be split and also the more common Papuan Frogmouth.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (L, D).

Day 2 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 3 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 4 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 5  - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 6 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 7 - Depending on flight times and the birds we need to find will depend what what do today. Flights out of Lockhart River are usually late afternoon, giving us most of the day to follow up on birds we need to find and or Photograph.

Meals included: (B, L).

Cost -  $18990.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation

Target Birds:

Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta (Only on Dec - Jan Tours), Black-eared Catbird, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Graceful Honeyeater, Lovely Fairywren, Tropical Scrubwren, Green-backed Honeyeater, White-streaked Honeyeater, Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Black-winged Monarch (Only on Dec - Jan Tours), Frill-necked Monarch, Trumpet Manucode, Magnificent Riflebird, Yellow-legged Flycatcher, White-faced Robin and Northern Scrub-robin

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

DAY 2 : We head out early to one of Darwin’s best and famous birding spots, Fogg Dam. Targets here include Black-necked Stork, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Pied Heron, Comb-crested Jacana, Arafura Fantail, Paperbark Flycatcher, Royal Spoonbill, Crimson Finch and Forest Kingfisher. After our time at Fogg Dam we explore the Adelaide River Flood Plains and maybe Marrakai Tracks before making our way East towards Kakadu and our accommodation for the night.

After checking in at our hotel in Jabiru we will then head South toward Nawurlandja to bird our first Arnhemland Sandstone and watch the sunset. Targets here are Banded Fruit-dove, Partridge Pigeon, Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, White-lined Honeyeater, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and the Sandstone race of Helmeted Friarbird.

Driving Time - 3.0 Hours

Accommodation - The Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 3 : An early morning to head North to Bardedjilidji for an early morning walk, here we will be looking Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and maybe a Rainbow Pitta or Rose-crowned Fruit-dove. After the walk our next spot is Ubirr for the rest of the morning. This spectacular view over the floodplain can also be a great place for Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. This is also a great place to see Short-eared Rock Wallaby.

If the tide is right we will check out Cahill crossing to see its famous crocodiles feeding together then it will be time to head back for lunch.

After a break in the middle of the day we will head to Nourlangie to clean up any of the endemics we have missed, this is also a great spot to see some aboriginal artwork.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Accommodation - The Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 4 : This morning we will be booked on a 2 hour cruise around the famous Yellow-waters Billabong, this is usually one of the highlights of the tour with usually thousands of water birds to point out lens at. Main targets are Little & Azure Kingfishers, Black Bittern, Nankeen Night-heron, Plumbed & Wandering Whistling-ducks, Black-necked Storks, Green Pygmy-goose and Great-billed Heron. After the cruise we will head back to the lodge for a big brunch before making our way South towards Pine Creek and our accommodation for the night.

The afternoon is spent around Pine Creek photographing the beautiful endemic Hooded Parrot and Partridge Pigeon if we haven’t already found one.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

BOAT CRUISE - 2 Hour Yellow Water Boat Cruise in the Morning

Accommodation - Lazy Lizard, Pine Creek 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 5 : A nice early morning to head just south to set up a bird hide at one of my secret water holes for the morning, this is one of the best chance to photograph the spectacular Gouldian Finch, other birds that come into drink include Hooded Parrots, Long-Tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Double-barred Finch, Banded Honeyeater, Great Bowerbird and Brown Quail. After this we have a 4 hour drive west to the Victoria River Region about 300 km west of Katherine, along the way we will stop at a few secret spots to see what we can find.

The afternoon can be spent around Timber Creek searching for the spectacular Purple-crowned Fairy-wren along the river banks we will also be keeping an eye out for Red-backed Kingfishers and maybe even the very elusive Yellow-rumped Mannikin which can sometimes be found in the area.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Accommodation - Timber Creek Hotel 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 6 : This morning we will be setting up at one of the many great dry season watering holes in the area, possibilities here are Double-barred Finch, Crimson Finch, Long-tailed Finch, Masked Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Star Finch, Zebra Finch, Yellow-rumped Mannikin, Pictorella Mannikin and Gouldian Finch. Hopefully have birds coming down to drink in front of us.

The afternoon will be spent looking for and photographing Red-backed Kingfisher, Banded Honeyeaters, Black-faced, Masked, White-browed, White-breasted and Little Woodswallow along with Square-tailed Kites, Little Eagles, Black-tailed Treecreeper and anything else we missed.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Accommodation - Timber Creek Hotel

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 7 : What we do this morning will depend on what we need to improve on, we can go back to photograph the Finches or maybe photograph the Purple-crowned Fairywrens again, it will be totally up to you.

After our last morning in the area we start heading back East and to our accommodation back in Pine Creek for the night, after checking in we will enjoy the birds in the area including the Hooded Parrot, Northern Rosella, Australian Bustard and if your keen maybe a Chestnut-backed Button-quail. 

Accommodation - Lazy Lizard, Pine Creek

Meals: (B, L, D).

DAY 8 - Our last morning we will ether head South and do our watering hole again or spend the morning with the Hooded Parrots before our 3 hour drive back to Darwin.

I plan to have everyone back to Darwin by mid afternoon

Meals included: (B, L).

Accommodation - Not included (Can book for you at an extra cost)

Cost -  $19990.00 AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation

Single Supplement $1200.00

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

DAY 2 : Our second day birding / photographing around Mount Isa, depending on how yesterday we will depend on what we have to look for today, most likely Carpentarian Grasswren as this is one of the toughest around.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Ibis Styles - Mount Isa, QLD

DAY 3 : This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning.

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD

DAY 4 : This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Opalton Grasswren. Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD

DAY 5 : This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Opalton Grasswren, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset.

Driving Time - 7.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel - Boulia

DAY 6 : At sunrise we will be heading South onto the grass plains in search of the rare and spectacular Letter-winged Kite, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. Other target birds in the area are Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Black Falcon, Flock Bronzewing, Australian Pratincole and possibly Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird and Banded Lapwing. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens, Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area.

We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville

Day 7 : A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren. We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. Lunch will be back in Birdsville most likely at the famous Bakery. The afternoon will be spent looking for anything we missed like Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Gibberbird, Orange Chat or Inland Dotterel.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville

DAY 8 : The last day of tour we have a big drive back to Mount Isa so we will be getting up early and heading up to Cuttaburra Crossing for sunrise, we will also be  keeping an eye out for Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird or anything else of interest along the way. I expect us to arrive late afternoon when the tour will conclude.

Driving Time - 6.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L,)

Single Supplement $700.00

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or Similar)

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 2 - Our second day around Cairns, we will be visiting sites in and around Cairns.

Accommodation - The Novotel, Cairns (Or Similar)

Day 3 - Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights.

Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.

Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 4 - For the next three days we will spend time exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypipamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird.

Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.

An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 5 - Our second day around the Southern Tablelands

Accommodation - Blue Summit, Yungaburra

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 6 - This morning we will be heading off early to Mount Carbine to look for some of the local dry habitat birds. Here we have chances of seeing Australian Bustard, Great Bowerbird, Squatter Pigeon, Pale-headed Rosella, Red-winged Parrot, Tawny Frogmouth, Black-throated Finch, White-throated Gerygone and the Northern race of Brown Treecreeper.

After lunch we will be making our way up to Musgrave Roadhouse, the afternoon we will explore around the roadhouse and if active go and visit a possible Red Goshawk nest site.

Accommodation - Musgrave Roadhouse

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 7 - This morning we will visit the famous Artemis Station, here we are hoping to see the critically endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot, other species possible are Pale-headed Rosella, Black-backed Butcherbird and Masked Finch.

This afternoon we will explore the savanna and billabongs East of the Roadhouse.

Accommodation - Musgrave Roadhouse

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 8 - This morning we will be visiting the Northern part of Lakefield National Park, here we will be searching for Black-throated Finch, Star Finch and the highly restricted White-bellied Crimson Finch.

After a hopefully productive morning we will start the trip North to Iron Range, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive so we should arrive late afternoon.

For the next 6 days we will be exploring a range of habitats in and around Iron Range National Park, Lockhart River and Portland. Habitats include the dry woodlands for species like Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo and one of the more difficult birds the Yellow-legged Flycatcher.

The rainforest of Iron Range holds some of the star birds, these include Black-winged & Frilled Monarch, Green-backed & Tawny-breasted Honeyeater, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, White-faced Robin, Magnificent Riflebird, Black-eared Catbird, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Tropical Scrubwren, Trumpet Manucode, Northern Scrub-robin and of course the main target Papuan (Red-bellied) Pitta.

The dry woodlands around Lockhart and Portland hold Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, White-browed Robin, White-streaked Honeyeater and the usual star of the show the Palm Cockatoo.

The mangroves around Portland can be fantastic for White-browed Robin, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Varied Honeyeater, Torresian Kingfisher and maybe the Cape York subspecies of Brush Turkey which has a crazy Purple wattle instead of the conventional Yellow.

Dinner each night will be at Portland House where our hosts Sheree & Greg prepare some incredible meals. After dinner each night you will have the option of going out spotlighting for one of Iron Rangers most famous residents, the Green Tree Python. Other reptiles that are possible are Scrub Python, Carpet Python, Spotted Python, Mammals include Giant White-tailed Tree Rat, Cape York Rat, Southern Common Cuscus, Southern Spotted Cuscus. Bird targets are the Northern subspecies of Marbled Frogmouth which is likely to be split and also the more common Papuan Frogmouth.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York (http://www.portlandhouse.com.au/)

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 9 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 10 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York 

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 11 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 12 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York 

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 13 - Depending on weather and required targets will depend on what we do today.

Accommodation - Portland House, Cape York 

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 14 - Departure day out of Iron Range, depending on flight times will depend on what we do today.

Cost -  $37980.00 AUD - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation 

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

DAY 2 : Today we have a full day birding / photographing around Mt Isa, we have two Grasswren species to find: Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) and Carpentarian Grasswren (Amytornis dorotheae). We have a few sites to explore and depending on how each species behalves will depend on which species we will spend more time looking for, most likely it will be Carpentarian Grasswren as these are usually the toughest Grasswren of all. Other birds around Mount Isa includes the stunning Painted Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird, Grey-headed & Grey-fronted Honeyeater and Black-tailed Treecreeper.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona - Mount Isa, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 3 : This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning.

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 4 : This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi). Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel - Winton, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 5 : This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi), Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset.

Driving Time - 7.0 Hours

Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel - Boulia, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 6 : At sunrise we will head back out onto the grass plains in search of the stunning Flock Bronzewings again, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. After a morning around Boulia it will now be time to head South towards Birdsville. While driving South we will be checking out good looking habitat and any water we find looking for things like Bourke’s Parrot and maybe a Ground Cuckoo-shrike. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi), Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area.

We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus)

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 7 : A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. The whole day will be spent in the area and depending how we are going for views will then look for some of the other local birds like Yellow Chat and maybe a Grey Falcon.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville, QLD 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 8 : Today we have another chance at Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We we'll be heading back to the swamp we were at yesterday morning. If for some reason we did extraordinary well yesterday we can go in search of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus cowarie) a subspecies only found on the nearby Cowarie Station. We might also come across a Grey Falcon, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Red-browed Pardalote, Red-backed Kingfisher, Cinnamon Quail-thrush, Banded Whiteface and if we are lucky a Gibberbird on the surrounding gibber plains. The afternoon we can spend on the sand dunes near our accommodation looking for better views of Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi).

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Accommodation : Mungerannie Pub, SA 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 9 : Depending on what we found yesterday will depend on what we target this morning, we will ether look for better views of Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi) near the accommodation or head back out onto Cowarie Station in search of better views of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus cowarie). We will head back to Mungerannie Pub for lunch before packing up and heading South towards Marree for the night.

Driving Time - 3 Hours

Accommodation : Marree Hotel - Marree,  SA

Meals included: (B, L, D).

DAY 10 : This morning we will be targeting another subspecies of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus raglessi), other species we will be keeping an eye out for are Chirruping Wedgebill, White-backed Swallow and Rufous Fieldwren.

After a hopefully productive morning we head south to Parachilna for a nice lunch before carrying on to our base for the next three days, the Standpipe Inn in Port Augusta.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 11 : This morning we will be heading South towards Whyalla, home to our next Grasswren target the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis myall) this will be our main target this afternoon, we will also be keeping an eye out for Splendid Fairywren, Redthroat, White-fronted Honeyeaters and maybe a Chirruping Wedgebill.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 12 : This morning we will be getting up extremely early to head North-west towards Mount Ives, home to our next target the Short-tailed Grasswren (Amytornis merrotsyi pedleri) other birds in the area are Slender-billed Thornbill, Western Grasswren and possibly a Splendid Fairywren.

The afternoon will be spent exploring Arid Lands Botanic Gardens near Port Augusta, targets here are White-fronted Chat, Pied Honeyeater and hopefully Churruping Wedgebill

Driving Time - 3.0 Hours

Accommodation : The Standpipe, Port Augusta SA 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 13 : This morning we will be heading West to Lake Gilles Conservation Reserve, here we have a chance for a whole new set of birds. These include Gilbert's Whistler, Rufous Treecreeper, Western Yellow-robin, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren and our main target the Copper-backed Quail-thrush.

We will enjoy some lunch before heading North towards Coober Pedy, our next stop. Hopefully arriving at a reasonable hour we will explore the surrounding gibber plains for our next target the Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus indulkanna) and maybe a Chestnut-breasted Whiteface.

Driving Time - 7.0 Hours

Accommodation : BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort - Coober Pedy, SA 

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 14 - The morning we will be spending time looking for the local race of Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus indulkanna) and if we missed it, Chestnut-breasted Whiteface. Once were done in Coober Pedy we will head North to our final destination, Alice Springs. Home to our last Grasswren.

The afternoon (time permitting) we will go out in search of our last Grasswren species, the Dusky Grasswren (Amytornis purnelli) other birds in the area include Bourke's Parrot, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren and maybe Ground Cuckoo-shrike.

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Accommodation: Hilton - Alice Springs, NT

Meals included: (B, L, D).

Day 15 : This morning I leave free to follow up on other birds in the area or revisit Dusky Grasswren if we missed it yesterday.

The tour wraps up after lunch when I am happy to drop you off to your accommodation or flight if booked that afternoon.

Meals included: (B, L).

Cost -  $39980.00 - All inclusive for one or two people | Twin or Double Accommodation

Exclusions : Airfare arriving into Mount Isa before the tour & Airfare departing Alice Springs on the last day of tour.

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Cost -  Please Contact AUD - All inclusive for two people | Twin or Double Accommodation 

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions 

Accommodation - The Bailey, Cairns 

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (L, D).

Day 2 | Today we set off on a boat trip to visit the famous Great Barrier Reef, the morning will be spent exploring Michaelmas Cay which is home to thousands of seabirds these include Bridled Tern, Sooty Tern, Brown Noddy’s, Brown Boobies, Great & Lesser Frigatebird, Black-naped Tern, Lesser & Great Crested Terns and maybe a rarity like Roseate Tern or Red-footed Booby.

The afternoon will be spent at Hasting Reef where you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling at one of the best snorkelling spots out of Cairns. After a day out on the water we should arrive back in Cairns around 4.30pm, if the tides are good we will spend some more time looking for some of the rarer shorebirds which can sometimes be found on the mud flats along the esplanade.

To finish off the day we will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurant in the city.

TOUR - Seastar Reef Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef and Michaelmas Cay.

http://www.seastarcruises.com.au/where-we-go/michaelmas-cay

Accommodation - The Bailey, Cairns 

Driving Time - 1.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 3 | Today our main target will be Southern Cassowary, we will be getting up early and heading South to Etty Bay where they are sometimes found walking around in the open and maybe even on the beach making for great photo opportunities. After a morning at Etty Bay we will then make our way up the mountain onto the Atherton Tablelands and our accommodation for the next three nights, Eden House.

Our afternoon will be spent around Lake Eacham which is an incredible birding spot, here we have chances of seeing Spotted Catbird, Bridled Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Emerald Dove, Victoria’s Riflebird, Red-necked Crake, Chowchilla, Golden Whistler, Grey-headed Robin, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and maybe a Boyd's Forest Dragon.

Mammals in the area include Red-legged pademelon and Musky Rat-kangaroo.

Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 4 | For the next two days we will spend exploring the Southern Tablelands, sites include the two stunning Crater Lakes of Barrine and Eacham which are great for the local rainforest birds, Mount Hypippamee National Park holding some of the local high elevation rainforest birds, Hasties Swamp famous for its ducks and water birds and the huge Curtain Fig Tree which is great for birds like Grey-headed Robin, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird.

Mammals we will be looking for include some of Australia’s most iconic mammals like Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo and Platypus.

An optional night out spotlighting could find us a huge list of possible mammals, these include Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, Ring-tailed Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Giant White-tailed Rat, Musky Rat-kangaroo, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, Feather-tailed Glider and the northern race of Yellow-bellied Glider.

Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 5 | Our second day around the Southern Tablelands following up anything we have missed or want to re-visit.

Accommodation - Eden House Retreat, Yungaburra

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 6 | A final morning birding around the Crater Lakes before heading West towards Georgetown our next destination.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the area looking for some of the dryer habitat species, these include Australian Bustard, Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Black-throated Finch, Double-barred Finch and possibly Plum-headed Finch, which is rare this far North.

Accommodation - Latara Motel, Georgetown

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 7 | Our morning will be spent around Georgetown chasing any species we missed or want to revisit before our next drive West to the beautiful Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

Arriving in Karumba we will check in and if we have time go and scan the mud flats and mangrove areas for some of the local specialities including Mangrove Golden Whistler, White-breasted Whistler, Mangrove Grey Fantail, Yellow White-eye, Red-headed Honeyeater, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Mangrove Gerygone, Broad-billed Flycatcher and if were lucky possibly a Zitting Cisticola.

Accommodation - End of the Road Motel

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Day 8 | This morning we will be following up any species we need around Karumba before heading South towards our base for the next few days and the jumping point into the Outback Channel Country.

We have a big drive today so what time we get into Mount Isa will depend on what we do for the afternoon.

Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona 

Driving Time - 6.0 Hours

DAY 9 | For the next two days we will be birding / photographing around Mt Isa, we have two Grasswren species to find: Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) and Carpentarian Grasswren (Amytornis dorotheae). We have a few sites to explore and depending on how each species behalves will depend on which species we will spend more time looking for, most likely it will be Carpentarian Grasswren as these are usually the toughest Grasswren of all. Other birds around Mount Isa includes the stunning Painted Finch, Spinifex Pigeon, Little Woodswallow, Spinifexbird, Grey-headed & Grey-fronted Honeyeater and Black-tailed Treecreeper.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona 

DAY 10 | Our second day around Mount Isa following up on anything we missed or want to re-photograph.

Driving Time - 2.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Ibis Styles Verona 

DAY 11 | This morning we will be concentrating on the species of Grasswren who didn't perform yesterday. After a delicious lunch at a local cafe we will then start the drive south-east towards Winton. During the drive to Winton we will be keeping an eye out for some of the harder to see outback species including Ground Cuckoo-shrike and Grey Falcon. We will arrive in Winton in time for dinner and ready for an early start in the morning.

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel

DAY 12 | This morning we have a nice early start to arrive at Lark Quarry or Opalton on sunrise, these are the sites for our 3rd Grasswren, the Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi). Other species in the area include Grey Falcon, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Hall’s Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and Spinifexbird. The afternoon will be spent exploring Bladensburg National Park where we will be looking for Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Spinifex Pigeons, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush and possibly Grey Falcon.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Winton Outback Motel 

DAY 13 | This morning we have another chance to look for the local specialties including Opalton Grasswren (Amytornis striatus rowleyi), Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler and Spinifexbird. After a productive morning we then start our drive towards the remote and outback township of Boulia. The drive there might find up Australian Pratincole, Banded Lapwing and maybe even an Inland Dotterel. We will spend the afternoon birding around the grassy plains around Boulia, hopefully connecting with a Flock Bronzewings around sunset.

Driving Time - 7.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Desert Sands Motel 

DAY 14 | At sunrise we will head back out onto the grass plains in search of the stunning Flock Bronzewings again, hopefully we can connect with this great bird. After a morning around Boulia it will now be time to head South towards Birdsville. While driving South we will be checking out good looking habitat and any water we find looking for things like Bourke’s Parrot and maybe a Ground Cuckoo-shrike. The afternoon around Birdsville we will be looking for our next Grasswren, Eyrean Grasswrens (Amytornis goyderi), Eyreans live on the red sand dunes in the area.

We will enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Pub before getting a nice rest before an early morning looking for our next target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus)

Driving Time - 5.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville

Day 15 | A nice early morning will get us in place to look for our next main target, Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus). We will be searching the lignum around the Bulloo Overflow for suitable habitat and hopefully connect with this very unique Grasswren. The whole day will be spent in the area and depending how we are going for views will then look for some of the other local birds like Yellow Chat and maybe a Grey Falcon.

Driving Time - 4.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L, D).

Accommodation : Birdsville Hotel - Birdsville

DAY 16 | The last day of tour we will have a chance to follow up on anything we have missed, like Grey Grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus), Inland Dotterel, Gibberbird or anything else of interest but we do the big drive back to Mount Isa. I expect us to arrive late afternoon when the tour will conclude. 

Driving Time - 6.0 Hours

Meals: (B, L,).

Cost -  Enquire (Booked out until 2026)

Exclusions : Airfare arriving into Cairns before the tour & Airfare departing Mount Isa on the last day of tour.

For larger groups please contact me for pricing and numbers etc.

Contact me about this tour | Terms and Conditions