Please note: this information is applied generally to our international small group tours. Any activities that fall outside of this norm will be outlined in the specific tour description and itinerary.
Pace: Inala designs comfortable itineraries for small group tours, balancing a moderate pace with the goal of finding as many wonderful species as possible. Our guides select key birding sites every day to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Activity Level & Walking Terrain: Inala prioritises use of accessible sites, using loop tracks on stable ground whenever possible. Walks are generally limited to a few kilometres at a time. Before each walk, guides describe the track so guests can make informed choices about participation. Those who opt out will have a designated rest spot. Thanks to our moderate pace and terrain, nearly all guests participate in every walk.Â
Structure of a Day on Tour: Seasons, weather, and wildlife behaviour shape our daily schedules. Typically, breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m., and the group departs by 8 a.m. A midday picnic break provides time to recharge before the day wraps up around 5 p.m. After some personal time, guests gather for dinner between 6 and 7 p.m. Some evenings include night tours.
On particularly hot days, the guide may schedule a rest period before resuming activities when it’s cooler and wildlife is more active. Many accommodations are in locations that allow for extra birding and exploration during free time.
Group Size: Our tours typically include 8–10 guests, with a maximum of 12. Smaller groups allow for better bird sightings, more space in vehicles, and greater flexibility. Camaraderie naturally develops, and guests often form lasting friendships.
If you're new to group tours, rest assured—everyone shares a common goal: to enjoy nature, discover new places, and see incredible birds. Our expert guides foster a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a fun and collaborative experience.
Photography: Many birders also enjoy photography. Some prefer binoculars, others rely on cameras, and many do both. While we offer specialist photography tours, our regular group tours focus on spotting birds first. To maintain group harmony, everyone gets a clear view before photographers may adjust position for better shots.
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast is typically continental, featuring cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt, and hot drinks, but may be influenced by the cultural foods of the tour location. Lunch may a picnic in the field. Dinners include two courses—a main plus either an appetiser or dessert. Soft and alcoholic drinks are generally not included, though juice may be available at breakfast and lunch. We request dietary requirements pre-tour and strive to accommodate all needs, including gluten- and dairy-free options. However, in more isolated areas, meal selections may be limited. We send dietary requirements to meal providers in advance, but flexibility is appreciated.Â
Water: We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. While tap water is not always safe to drink in international locations, clean potable water will be provided along the way.
Accommodation: We select clean, comfortable accommodations, generally rated 3–4 stars. In remote regions chosen for their exceptional flora and fauna, options may be limited. We always choose the best available lodging. Many of our long-term partners share our passion for conservation and nature.
Rooming: Double rooms may feature a double, queen, or king bed, depending on the location. Twin rooms typically have two single beds or one single and one double/queen/king. Most rooms include en-suite bathrooms, though some remote stays may have shared facilities.
Guests booking a single supplement always receive a private room, and we do our best to ensure a private bathroom as well, though occasional sharing may be necessary.
The Itinerary: We aim to follow the planned itinerary but remain flexible based on weather, wildlife activity, and local insights. Inala guides may adjust the schedule as needed to enhance the experience.
Are Inala Tours Suitable for All Birding Experience Levels? Absolutely! Our guides cater to everyone, from beginners to lifelong birders. Their expertise extends beyond birds, covering topics like history, botany, insects, and reptiles. Whatever your interest, our guides make the experience both educational and engaging.
More Than Just Birds: While birding is the core focus, our tours also highlight a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, and flora, offering stimulating experiences for guests with varied interests.
Ethics: Inala prioritises respect, conservation, and wildlife protection. We take care not to stress or disturb animals, avoiding excessive proximity and unnecessary handling. Bird call-backs are used sparingly. Our guides, inspired by Dr. Tonia Cochran’s industry-leading ethical standards, practice patience and care, leading to incredible, natural wildlife encounters. Learn more about ethical birding here.
Licenses and Permits: We partner with respected, fully licensed operators for our international tours
Inala Nature
320 Cloudy Bay Road, Lunawanna
South Bruny Island 7150
Tasmania, Australia
Phone:Â +61 3 6293 1217
Inala Nature acknowledge and pay respects to the palawa people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of this land, lutruwita, and acknowledges Elders - past and present. Inala Nature Tours and the Inala Foundation Inc are located on lunawanna- alonnah, also known as Bruny Island, the traditional land of the Nuenonne people.
