Please note: this information is applied generally to our 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. Each day, our guides select key birding sites, ensuring an enjoyable experience. Depending on weather, wildlife behaviour, and available time, the group may visit additional locations.
Activity Level & Walking Terrain: Inala prioritises 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. Those who opt out will have a designated rest spot. Thanks to our moderate pace and terrain, nearly all guests participate in every walk.
Structure of a Day on Tour: Seasons, weather, and wildlife behaviour shape our daily schedules. Typically, breakfast starts at 6-6:30 a.m., and the group departs by 7.30 a.m at the latest. 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 start earlier and/or schedule a mid-day 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 adjust positions for better shots.
Night photography - For all night tours, please be aware that Inala Nature Tours operate with ethical birdwatching guidelines and your guide will illuminate the wildlife with a red torch allowing for great views with the least disturbance to the wildlife, many of whom are endangered and vulnerable. Guests are welcome to take 'non-flash' nocturnal images and with suitable cameras you can achieve fantastic images under red light conditions. On driving night tours, the cars headlights also assist with great views of wildlife, and the additional light source can assist with images and videos.
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast is typically continental, featuring cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt, and hot drinks. Lunch is a field picnic, usually with a savoury sandwich, roll, or wrap, along with a dessert such as a slice, cake, or muffin. 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. Guides provide mid-morning snacks to keep energy levels up. We request dietary requirements pre-tour and strive to accommodate all needs, including gluten- and dairy-free options.
Meals in Remote Locations: In more isolated areas, meal selections may be limited due to the distance from major cities. We send dietary requirements to meal providers in advance, but flexibility is appreciated.
Water: We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles. Clean, potable water is always available for refills. Australia’s tap water meets strict health standards and is safe to drink nationwide.
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, such as cottages with common areas and shared bathrooms.
Guests booking a single supplement always receive a private room, and we do our best to ensure a private bathroom as well, though very occasional sharing may be necessary.
Vehicles: On Bruny Island, Tasmania, we use Inala-owned vehicles. Elsewhere, we hire vehicles suited to the group size and terrain, including 4WDs where needed. We prioritise vehicles with ample legroom and comfortable seating, with extra cushions available when possible.
Reaching remote wildlife may require long travel on rough terrain. This can be both exhilarating and tiring. The rugged landscape adds to the tour’s beauty. Guides break up a day on rough roads with lots of stops and chances to stretch.
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.
Private Tours: With over 30 years of experience designing personalised tours, we can tailor an itinerary to match your interests and budget. We never push a tour that suits only us—our goal is to create the perfect experience for you. Contact us to book your private tour today.
Ethics: Inala prioritises respect, conservation, and wildlife protection. We take care not to stress or disturb animals, avoiding excessive proximity and unnecessary handling. Bird play-back is 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: Inala holds full licenses and accreditation for all areas we operate within Australia. For international tours, we partner with respected, fully licensed operators.
Inala Nature
320 Cloudy Bay Road, Lunawanna
South Bruny Island 7150
Tasmania, Australia
Phone: +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.
