This exciting new tour takes us through three states - a large wedge of arid inland eastern South Australia, south-west NSW, and the north-western Victorian wilderness - to look for mallee specialties such as Mallee Emu-wren, Red-lored Whistler, Cinnamon Quail-thrush and three species of grasswren (Short-tailed, Thick-billed and Striated). Starting in South Australia, we’ll head to the Flinders Ranges and the remote Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges.

Then we enter New South Wales to visit the Outback town of Broken Hill, Darling (Barka) River, Menindee Lakes and ancient Lake Mungo, before crossing the mighty Murray River. In Victoria, we’ll spend time in Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray – Sunset National Parks. Then it’s back over the Murray and a visit to the world-renowned Gluepot Sanctuary, before returning to Adelaide. As well as the mallee specialties, we’ll be searching for dry-country birds like White-winged Fairywren, Crimson Chat, Bluebonnet, Black-breasted Buzzard and the fabled Grey Falcon and Hall’s Babbler. This is sure to be a great tour, enjoying the beauty and majesty of this stark, scenic and often under-explored part of the country.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Target rare and range-restricted species including Mallee Emu-wren, Red-lored Whistler and Cinammon Quail-thrush, as well as the iconic Malleefowl
• Take in the cultural heritage of the Flinders Ranges such as indigenous cave paintings at Arkaroo Rock
• Explore Hattah-Kulkyne National Park with its increasingly rare population of Mallee Emu-wren
• Explore Mungo National Park, one of Australia's first UNESCO World Heritage listed locations
• Visit the spectacular Gluepot Reserve the ultimate haven for mallee bird species
• Search for Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby in the hills of the South Australian outback
• Witness flocks of Australia's colourful parrot species, from Cockatiel to Pink Cockatoo
• Return to Adelaide via the mighty Murray River

THE INALA ADVANTAGE

This small group tour includes expert specialist guides from Inala Nature Tours, experienced in locating cryptic mallee species and interpreting the unique ecology of southern Australia's arid zones. All accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), entrance fees, and 4WD transport are included, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free wilderness experience focused entirely on wildlife observation and natural history.

We are offering several suggestions for excellent day birding & nature tours around the Melbourne area, if none of these suit you then do get in touch for us to craft a day specific to your wishes.

The tours can be combined as a longer tour package of several days and do get in touch if you are interested in longer tours around the state of Victoria

OPTION 1. Mallee and Box-Ironbark Woodlands.
OPTION 2. Coastal Heathlands, Woodlands and Forests.
OPTION 3. Wet Forests.

Experience Victoria wildlife diversity on this 11-day small group tour through south-eastern Australia's remarkable habitats. From the Great Ocean Road's coastal heathlands to central Victoria's mallee woodlands and mountain ash forests near Melbourne, this tour showcases exceptional ecosystem variety. The star attraction is Plains-wanderer, one of Australia's rarest birds, tracked at night near Deniliquin. Encounter Superb Lyrebird displaying in fern gullies, iconic Koala in eucalyptus trees, and three glider species during nocturnal spotlighting. The Great Ocean Road provides Rufous Bristlebird and coastal albatrosses, while mallee country supports Gilbert's Whistler and Shy Heathwren. Mountain forests harbour Eastern Whipbird and Pink Robin.

MAIN SPECIES & HABITAT

Plains-wanderer, critically endangered and enigmatic, inhabits native grasslands. Great Ocean Road heathlands host Rufous Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren, and Hooded Plover, with Koala, Wombat, and kangaroos in forests. Central Victoria's mallee supports Gilbert's Whistler, Shy Heathwren, and Purple-gaped Honeyeater. Riverina red gum forests offer Square-tailed Kite and Superb Parrot. Mountain forests around Healesville showcase Superb Lyrebird's elaborate mimicry, alongside Pilotbird and Olive Whistler. Nocturnal spotlighting reveals Greater Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, and Sugar Glider, plus Powerful Owl and Flying Fox colonies.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Nocturnal search for Plains-wanderer
• Superb Lyrebird in mountain fern gullies
• Three glider species nocturnal spotlighting
• Koala and Wombat on Great Ocean Road
• Rufous Bristlebird in coastal heathlands
• Gilbert's Whistler in mallee woodlands
• Powerful Owl and Flying Fox colonies

THE INALA ADVANTAGE

Small groups (6-8 participants) ensure personalised attention across diverse Victorian habitats. Accommodation features en-suite rooms, with expert Inala guides providing comprehensive transport and knowledge. All meals are included. Inala's Victorian expertise covers Superb Lyrebird sites, mallee honeyeaters, and glider locations, ensuring exceptional wildlife encounters from coast to mallee to mountains.

This tour has been designed to join our New South Wales Parks Tour.