BIRDING IN AUSTRALIA

Tasmania

Tasmania

Birding in Tasmania

“Where wild forests and sea birds meet at the edge of the world.”

Tasmania is a jewel of misty forests, rugged coastline, pristine lakes, and wind-whipped peaks. Don your walking boots and binoculars — here you’ll find rare endemics, migratory parrots, forest songbirds, and sea-shore wonders. Bruny Island, Southwest Wilderness, Freycinet, Mt Field, the North-East coast and the Tasman Peninsula are top picks. Watch Scarlet Robins flit, Fairywrens dart, Emu-wren whispers, and Sea-eagles riding Southern Ocean gales.

Tasmania is an island paradise for birders, with 12 endemic species and dramatic coastlines where seabirds thrive. Compact and diverse, it’s perfect for birding road trips.

Fun Facts

Endangered Swift Parrots breed in Tasmania and migrate to mainland Australia, showing remarkable navigation skills.

There are 12 species endemic to Tasmania, making it a hotspot for unique island birdlife.

Flightless but speedy, these birds can dash at up to 40 km/h when threatened.

Tasmania’s largest honeyeater has prominent yellow wattles that twitch during calls.

Top 6 Birding Locations

A birder’s dream with all 12 Tasmanian endemics in one place.

Waterfalls and tall forests filled with thornbills and robins.

A natural sanctuary of Cape Barren Geese and swift parrots.

Mirror waters reflecting currawongs and honeyeaters.

Wilderness alive with pink robins and rainforest wrens.

Boardwalks through reeds where herons stalk and ducks dabble.

Seasonal Birding Highlights

Best time for endemics.

Shearwaters and seabirds along coasts.

Raptors and wetland birds inland.

TASMANIA

Books

Books to inspire your trip to the southern island

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Birdwatching isn’t just a hobby — it’s a passport to Australia’s wildest places. • Australia has 850+ bird species. How many have you met? •Birdwatching isn’t just a hobby — it’s a passport to Australia’s wildest places. • Australia has 850+ bird species. How many have you met? •

Tasmanian Groups

>>Tasmanian Bird Sightings and Photography
Sharing bird photography and sightings from across Tasmania.

>>Tasmania Birds and Birding 2025
A community for Tasmanian birders to share 2025 sightings and photos.

BirdLife TAS

>> BirdLife – Tasmania

Covers the entirety of Tasmania, including its offshore islands.

This branch is committed to conservation through education, ongoing scientific research and monitoring (including long-term summer and winter wader counts), advocacy, and excursions, leveraging over 50 years of activity.

Botanic Gardens TAS

>> Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – Hobart

Established in 1818, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart are Australia’s second-oldest botanic gardens and a haven for native and exotic birds. Wander through the Tasmanian and subantarctic plant collections to spot Crimson Rosellas, Green Rosellas, Eastern Spinebills, and Black Currawongs, while ducks and swans frequent the garden’s ponds. Early morning visits are ideal for enjoying the birdsong amid historic trees and manicured lawns.

>> The Tasmanian Arboretum

This 66-hectare arboretum near Devonport features native woodlands, wetlands, and walking trails that attract over 80 bird species, including Green Rosellas, Dusky Robins, and Black Currawongs — a peaceful haven for birdwatchers year-round.

Explore Australia and its birding destinations

Western Australia

In WA’s vast beauty, spot the striking Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Splendid Fairywren, Red-capped Parrot, Western Spinebill, and Emu — a mix of brilliance, boldness, and outback charm.

South Australia

From coasts to mallee scrub, SA delights with Malleefowl, Purple-gaped Honeyeaters, Elegant Parrots, Red-capped Robins, and White-backed Magpies — each a note in the state’s wild chorus.