Discover Tasmania's premier birding and wildlife destinations with Inala's small group Endemic Birds of Tasmania tour, exploring Maria Island, Bruny Island and Mount Field.
Look for all twelve of Tasmania’s unique endemic birds - including the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, the striking Green Rosella, the shy Scrubtit, the vibrant Yellow Wattlebird, and the Tasmanian Nativehen, known locally as the ‘turbo chook.’ You’ll also have the chance to encounter iconic wildlife like Eastern Quoll, Wombats, and Platypus. We’ll spend time at the conservation-covenanted Inala Conservation Reserve, cruise the wild waters off spectacular Bruny Island, explore the rugged and wildlife-filled Maria Island, and spend time soaking up the natural beauty of Mount Field National Park - home to towering forests, alpine landscapes, and the stunning Russell Falls. With expert guiding, spectacular scenery and diverse habitats, this tour is ideal for nature lovers wanting to experience the best of Tasmania's wild landscapes and wildlife.
The Endemic Birds of Tasmania is a shorter version of our ever-popular Tasmanian Endemic Birds & Mammals tour, giving guests the opportunity to see all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic birds while enjoying a glimpse of everything our incredible island has to offer.
Who is this tour for?
Birders and Nature Lovers seeking a deeper knowledge of Tasmanian ecology, endemic birds and nocturnal mammals in an easy-paced small group tour environment
Tasmania is a cool temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December to March. Autumn has still, sunny days. Winter runs from May through August. Spring is wet and windy. However, the climate can vary greatly – on any given day.
February usually offers pleasant weather — warm during the day (highs around 21–22 °C) with mild nights (11–12 °C),  reasonable rainfall, and lots of sunshine. Many locals and visitors consider it one of the best months to enjoy Tasmania’s beaches, walks and outdoor scenery.
November daytime highs are generally around 17–19 °C, and nighttime lows around 8–10 °C, with light to moderate rainfall. The climate is comfortable for outdoor activities, while still requiring layering and flexibility due to variable weather.
Twelve Tasmanian endemic birds: Tasmanian Native-hen, Green Rosella, Dusky Robin, Tasmanian Thornbill, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Scrubwren, Yellow Wattlebird, Yellow-throated Honeyeater, Black-headed Honeyeater, Strong-billed Honeyeater, Black Currawong, and Forty-spotted Pardalote.
Breeding endemic birds: Swift Parrot and Orange-bellied Parrot and seasonal delights such as Blue-winged Parrot, Satin Flycatcher and Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo.
Beautiful uncommon bush birds such as Pink Robin, Bassian Thrush and Olive Whistler.
Glorious raptors such as Grey Goshawk (white morph) , Wedge-tailed Eagle and Brown Goshawk.
The two wonderful monotremes - Platypus and Echidna.
Iconic mammals like Eastern Quoll, Common Wombat, Tasmanian Pademelon and Bennett's Wallaby.
Today is set aside as an arrival day, so you’re free to land in Hobart whenever best suits your travel plans. Make your own way to our city hotel and settle in before the adventure begins. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 PM for a brief orientation, followed by a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Hobart Hotel (en suite rooms)
Meals included: D
We’ll journey up the East Coast to Triabunna, where we’ll board a short ferry crossing to Maria Island. This island is steeped in history, featuring a World Heritage-listed Probation Station, fossil cliffs, and an impressive variety of wildlife. Maria Island is home to a fascinating mix of bird and mammal species. Among the mammals, we hope to spot Forester (Eastern Grey) Kangaroos, Tasmanian Pademelons, Bennett’s (Red-necked) Wallabies, and the island’s thriving colony of Common Wombats. The island also boasts a rich birdlife, with 11 of Tasmania’s 12 endemic birds found here. We’ll take our time exploring the northern part of the island on foot, soaking in stunning scenery and looking for birds such as Cape Barren Geese, Australasian Pipits, and Flame Robins in the open grasslands. In the wooded areas, there’s a good chance of seeing Swift Parrots, migratory Cuckoos, and several species of Honeyeaters. Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Triabunna on the ferry.
Accommodation: Hobart Hotel (en suite rooms)
Meals included: B L D
We depart Hobart and spend time exploring the reserves in the Hobart area including Kunanyi (Mount Wellington). This mountain, at a height of 1,270m (around 4,150 feet), affords spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscape on a clear day. We will then head down to Bruny Island. Situated 40km south of Hobart, Bruny Island is separated from the Tasmanian mainland by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and accessed by a vehicle ferry.
This afternoon we will visit Bruny’s southern coastline to view the second oldest lighthouse in Australia, and search for species such as Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Olive Whistler and Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo. Here we also have a chance to see the Tasmanian sub-species of Short-beaked Echidna, one of Australia’s two egg-laying mammal (monotreme) species.
While we are on Bruny, we will also visit a variety of habitats on the island. From coastal beaches for Hooded Plover, Pied and Sooty Oystercatcher, Pacific and Kelp Gull, to rainforest areas in search of Pink Robin and the endemic Scrubtit, Tasmanian Scrubwren and Tasmanian Thornbill.
On one of our two nights on Bruny, depending on best weather conditions, we will visit the Short-tailed Shearwater colony to view these species at their burrows and will take an evening drive in search of Tasmania’s nocturnal marsupials. We will hope to see some species which are now restricted to Tasmania including Eastern Quoll (a relative of the Tasmanian Devil) and Tasmanian Pademelon. Bennett’s Wallaby and Brush-tailed Possum are also common here and rare golden/white colour morphs of both these species can sometimes be found.
Accommodation: Cottages South Bruny Island (en suite cabins)
Meals Included: B L D
We will have an early start to make the most of our time at ‘Inala’, a privately owned 1,500-acre wildlife sanctuary which is home to all 12 Tasmanian endemic bird species, including one of the largest known colonies of endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. Strong-billed, Yellow-throated and Black-headed Honeyeaters, Dusky Robin and Green Rosella are also regulars here. Several hides and platforms have also been built around the property which provide close views of some very special species, including a variety of raptors. At this time of year, we can expect to see the endangered white colour morph of Grey Goshawk, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon and if we are lucky, Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Mid-morning we will board a purpose-built boat to cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. We will enter Bruny Island's deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and 'The Monument' and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds.
After we return to shore, we will enjoy a lunch with stunning views of the rugged coastline. The afternoon holds opportunities to explore the many secret gems of Bruny, based on the expert knowledge of your guide. We will also bird around the scenic Adventure Bay, taking in forest, estuarine and coastal landscape.
Accommodation: Cottages South Bruny Island (en suite cabins)
Meals Included: B L D
An early start today to mop up any species we are yet to see and make the most of our time on this scenic island. We will then head back to the ferry and cross the Channel once again to the Tasmanian mainland. As we make our way north, we have plenty of opportunities to stop for some great birding. Further endemic highlights we will look for today include Green Rosella, Tasmanian Native Hen, Black Currawong and Yellow Wattlebird. We will also visit a lagoon for the chance to see a variety of waterbirds like Australasian Shoveler, Australian Shelduck and Black-fronted Dotterel before heading to our accommodation for tonight at a national award-winning farm-stay, overlooking picturesque Lake Meadowbank, close to Mt Field National Park. Tonight, we will enjoy a hearty farm fresh barbeque dinner before settling into our cosy cottages.
Accommodation: Mount Field area (en suite rooms)
Meals included: B, L, D
Today we will spend the entire day exploring Mount Field National Park and surrounding areas. This area is an excellent back up site for our endemic target species, notably Scrubtit and Black Currawong, and is also a great place to experience a range of habitats from fern gullies with waterfalls, to alpine heathland and cool temperate rainforest boasting some of the tallest trees in the world - the mighty Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans). Today we also have our first chance of seeing the bizarre Platypus, the other species of Australian monotreme. In the late afternoon we will return to our farm-stay for a relaxed final night.
Accommodation: Mount Field area (en suite rooms)
Meals Included: B L D
This morning we depart this stunning region and head south towards Hobart. The tour will finish in Hobart where your guide will leave you in the city centre.
Accommodation: None
Meals included: B
Six nights en-suite accommodation, specialist guiding and transport for day and night tours as outlined above, all meals as outlined in the itinerary, activities outlined in the itinerary (including cruise and Maria Island excursion), National Park entry fees, Bruny Island ferry fares, GST.
International or domestic Australian airfares, airport transfers, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and expenses of a personal nature (snacks, travel insurance, internet, laundry, tips etc).
Additional services:Â We can arrange either self-guided or guided extensions to other parts of Tasmania or Australia to compliment this tour. Please enquire at the Inala office and we will happily cater for you through our licensed travel agency.
Arrival in Hobart: There is a regular shuttle bus service between Hobart airport and the main hotels in the city. Details on the costs and timing of the shuttle can be found on the Skybus website. Alternatively, you may wish to take a taxi to the city – there is no need to pre book these, they are readily available outside the terminal building.
Meals and drinks: Breakfast generally consists of a continental style breakfast with cereal, fruit and yoghurt and tea/coffee. Full cooked breakfast is not generally offered at most locations. Lunch will generally consist of a packed lunch style meal eaten in the field, with sandwich/filled roll, fruit, and a drink. Dinner is usually two course and consists of several options for main with the choice of either an appetiser or dessert. Drinks (soft and alcoholic) are generally not included but at lunches and breakfasts juice may be made available.
The itinerary: Whilst we aim to follow the itinerary as planned, please note that the itinerary provided should only be used as a guideline. Depending on individual trip circumstances, weather, and local information, the exact itinerary may not be strictly adhered to. The guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary as they see fit.
There are terms and conditions relating to payments, cancellations, refunds, insurance and responsibility for our 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.
