Eastern Australia

Tour Overview
Australia is a naturalist’s dream come true, with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, birds and other wildlife. Our Eastern Australia birding tour samples some of the best of this remarkable continent, from the tropical rainforests, wetlands and Great Barrier Reef of Far North Queensland to the subtropical forests, coastal heathlands, mountains and eucalyptus woodlands of southeastern Australia. Along the way, we search for iconic species such as Southern Cassowary, bowerbirds, riflebirds, lyrebirds and fairywrens, while also enjoying opportunities for Platypus, kangaroos, wallabies and other uniquely Australian wildlife.

Australia’s extraordinary level of endemism makes every stage of the journey rewarding. We explore the Daintree and Atherton Tablelands, bird the magnificent forests of Lamington National Park, venture offshore from Sydney in search of albatrosses, shearwaters and petrels, and finish among the spectacular scenery and rich birdlife of the Blue Mountains and Capertee Valley. With mostly easy birding, comfortable accommodations and an exceptional variety of habitats and wildlife, this is a superb and rewarding journey through eastern Australia.

Highlights
✓Visit a diversity of habitats from mangroves to savannas to mature rainforest to discover amazing wildlife, extraordinary birds and unique mammals!
✓Great Barrier Reef cruise to a coral cay and bird sanctuary
✓Daintree River cruise and optional pelagic trip to view a plethora of seabirds
✓Spectacular Lamington NP in attempt to find Albert’s Lyrebird
✓Atherton Tablelands for exceptional species including possible Southern Cassowary
✓A superb country of excellent infrastructure and hospitable people

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Food
We generally have breakfast at the hotel before we head out for the day. Sometimes we will have optional pre-breakfast walks. We often take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant or cafe for lunch. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.

Accommodation
We generally stay in 3 to 4-star hotels or lodges in locations close to where we want to go birding.

Walking
The walking on this tour is easy to moderate walking and hiking, with frequent short forays away from the van. The longest walk is around 2 km (1.2 miles) with some steepness.

Driving
Driving distances vary from short to moderate, with long drives of up to 3 hours on a few days. We make frequent stops during each day’s travel.

Climate
Climate of these regions changes from seasonably warm to mild as we head further south. October is normally settled, with temperatures in Cairns averaging 24° C (75° F) with a humidity of 54%, very pleasant for birding. In Cairns a light jacket is recommended for our trip to the reef in case onshore winds are cool. Most days are warm or hot, dry and sunny, but overcast conditions are frequent with possible rain and high humidity in coastal areas. The sun can be intense, so sunscreen and a brimmed hat are advised. Wet weather protection is recommended with light waterproof pants and jacket ideal.

Internal Flights
Our itinerary includes two internal flights, not included in the price of the tour. These will be booked by Eagle-Eye Tours for you, and the cost added to your invoice.

Boat Trips
There are also two pelagic trips and a river cruise on this tour, which are included in the price. Please see details below.

The Great Barrier Reef Cruise will be on board a comfortable, air-conditioned 32m (105ft) sailing and motor catamaran, this is a two-hour long cruise with the opportunity to swim, snorkel or scuba dive. There will be bathrooms on board, as well as a buffet lunch. There is a sunny top deck, and a shaded main deck. Water temperatures range from 22-29° C (75-85 ° F). Please note that drones are not permitted.

The Daintree River Cruise is a 2-hour cruise on calm waters. The boat itself will depend on group size, but it will have a roof for shade, and swivel chairs. There will not be a bathroom on board, but there are public toilets by the jetty.

The Continental Shelf pelagic trip is a full day excursion. The vessel is typically a 45′ fiberglass monohull, and once we are offshore, about 22 nautical miles from the coast, conditions may become choppy. Bottled water is provided onboard, and we will bring our own snacks.

For any of these boat trips, plans could change slightly if reports of vagrant or accidental species, within reasonable driving distance, are received, or if there is any unfavorable weather.

Please note, those who have experienced motion or seasickness in the past should consult their doctor regarding seasickness medications, and take them as prescribed. Participants are responsible for their own medications, as well as bringing suitable sun-protective clothing, hats and sunscreen, for comfort throughout the day.

Starts: Cairns, Australia
Ends: Sydney, Australia