Darwin to Broome Via Kakadu
Bush Stone-curlew by David Simpson |
The Top End is one of the most exciting places to bird in Australia with 13 endemics to aim for and 2 weeks travelling from Darwin to Broome covering some spectaular scenery from the red and black earth at the edge of the Tanami Desert, to clouds of birds in Kakadu and the vast mudflats of Broome feeding our migrating waders.
Starting in Darwin the azure waters, butterflies and huge plants welcome you to the tropics. Lorikeets and figbirds shower the pavement with blossom while frangipani and Poinciana blooms drench the air with their perfume. We will be heading to hot birding spots like the Botanic Gardens, Buffalo Creek and Nightcliff mudflats looking for wonderful birds like Red-headed Honeyeater, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher and Mangrove Golden Whistler.
Comb-crested Jacana by David Simpson |
From NT's capital east is Fogg Dam, internationally renowned as a birdwatchers¹ paradise, even in the carpark Broad-billed Flycatcher, and Shining Flycatcher are seen in the paperbarks. Black-necked Stork often present before we head down the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu.
Australia's largest National Park, Kakadu holds many different habitats. Dawn lagoon boating is sure to bring into view vast flocks of birds such as Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks. Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern are regularly seen in the freshwater mangroves and Little Kingfishers perch over the water. A climb on Nourlangie Rock for Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon, Helmeted Friarbird, White-lined Honeyeater and Sandstone Shrike-thrush. And Gumlon Falls will leave you in no doubt of the spiritual awe of this unequalled park.
Black Butcherbird by David Simpson |
Along the way to out of Kakadu to Katherine, Pine Creek holds open woodlands promising Partridge Pigeon, Diamond Dove, Red-winged Parrot, Northern Rosella, Hooded Parrot, Common Koel, Red-backed Kingfisher, Great Bowerbird and a wide variety of honeyeaters and finches possible.
The richly coloured sandstone walls of Katherine Gorge lead to the densely vegetated margins of the Katherine River and open eucalypt woodland; looking for the Great Bowerbird and his bower, Black Kites, Peaceful and Bar-shouldered Doves, Red-winged Parrot and beside river pandanus Azure Kingfishers and Crimson Finches.
Hold tight as we head for Purple-crowned Fairywren territory amongst the long canegrass and on to Timber Creek's mangrove edges with Star Finches and Northern Fantails to delight you evening and morning.
Green Pygmy-goose by David Simpson |
We fly to the Mitchell Plateau airstrip and helicopter almost right to the Black Grasswren spot, which has several permanent populations. We spend most of the day birdwatching at the Mitchell Plateau and fly back to Kununurra
In the afternoon. Highlights apart from the Black Grasswren are the yellow-eyed form of the Partridge Pigeon, White-lined Honeyeaters and White-quilled Rock-Pigeons.
Lake Argyle is the largest body of fresh water in tropical Australia and is several rivers dammed with the main one being Ord River. The eastern and southern margins are shallow providing ideal feeding habitat for Comb-crested Jacanas, Green Pygmy-Geese, Radjah Shelducks, Magpie Geese and Wandering Whistling Ducks. Also an important feeding ground for migratory waders starting in September. Noteworthy are Wood Sandpiper and Long-toed Stint with Flock Bronzewing and Yellow Chat, plus Short-eared Rock Wallabies.
Great Bowerbird by David Simpson |
We reach some real outback country with The Bungle Bungle Range so close that these impressive rounded towers demand a viewing and helicopter is the way to go. The amazing spectacle of the exterior crust of orange iron oxide and blackish-green cyanobacteris banded stripes cannot be driven past. An optional chopper ride is your choice, not included in the tour price, or the Aboriginal Art Galley in Turkey Creek is world renown.
From Hall's Creek we travel across the top of the Great Sandy Desert with a stop at Margaret River for lunch. On through Fitzroy Crossing, and up to the splendid Geikie Gorge steeped in history and boasting Red-browed Pardalotes, perhaps a Purple-crowned Fairy Wren, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and Northern Fantails. Back in town an up market safari tent is the order for the night, set high over lush lawns with views over the flood plains.
Finishing with the fabulous Broome Birds Australia Bird Observatory at Roebuck Bay. It is rated as one of the top four non-breeding grounds for migrant Artic waders. After a mammoth journey from the northern hemisphere species like Oriental Pratincole (2.4 million in 2004), Grey-tailed Tattlers, Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Red and Great Knots all in huge numbers. Among other species making regular use of the bay are Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper and Sanderling, while the much sought-after waders such as Common Redshank and Asian Dowitcher.
This unsurpassed journey will long live on in your memory and is unlike any other birding trips on offer.
Contact us for an itinerary.
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Pricing
$ 6380.00 per person twin share/double
(excludes airfares to Darwin and from Broome)
$ 975.00 single supplement
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For Bookings:
Please phone Follow That Bird to check if seats are available then fill in the booking form and mail with the deposit or full payment to Follow That Bird, 3/59 Central Road, Avalon, NSW 2107. Your place on the tour is not guaranteed until we receive the payment.
Follow That Bird aims to provide a high standard of interpretive guiding on each trip to make your birdwatching holiday a special one. With small groups, attention to personal service and lots of good fun, we're sure you will enjoy your time with us.
If you have any unanswered questions, please phone Follow That Bird on 02 9973 1865
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