Twitching
SHOW OF A LIFETIME
Birdwatchers and twitchers in Mallacoota are in for the show of a lifetime! Find the cutest, largest, and most exotic gliding mates chirping above the lakes, forests and waterways of the Croajingolong National Park.
As both the national park and the township of Mallacoota are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, visitors in the area get to trace the steps of nearly 300 native birds -both in and around town.
Simply head to the beach, chill by your campsite’s grassy flats, or take a stroll to the wharf. Plan a birdwatching adventure into the depths on the national park, or hop on a cruise for in-person encounters with seabirds -remember to bring your binocs, checklist, and choice of brimmed hat!
Birds of Mallacoota
Both the main wharf and Coull’s Inlet present the perfect conditions for seabirds. Egrets, Pelicans, Spoonbills and Silver Gulls rub shoulders by the calm waters of Mallacoota.
To the east, Captain Stevenson’s Point provides a top viewing point over the shallow lower section of the Bottom Lake. Eastern Curlews, Pied Oystercatchers, Crested Terns, and Bar-tailed Godwits can be seen dabbling at low tide.
As you approach Bastion Point, keep your eyes open for Whistling Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles. By the rugged shorelines of the sea, you’ll find elegant Gannets, Cormorants, Eastern Reef Egrets and the always busy Sooty Oystercatchers.
More Birds of Mallacoota
Hood Plovers’ nesting area of choice is Betka Beach. Exclusion zones and shelters are put in place during the breeding season to protect this endangered species. For sightings of bush birds such as Golden Whistlers, Grey Fantails and Eastern Yellow Robins, walk the length of the Betka River Loop Track.
To spot some of the cutest birdies to go around, wander the Heathland Walk -near Davis Creek. Find New Holland and Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, Southern Emu-wrens, and Little Wattlebirds.
At The Narrows Walking Track, you’ll observe a diverse array of Honeyeaters, Eastern Yellow Robins, and Scrubwrens. Superb Lyrebirds, Firetails and gorgeous Azure Kingfishers can also be seen and heard on the path by the waterway’s banks.
Double Creek
This rainforest loop walk is a superb sighting field for Brown Gerygones, Crested Shriketits, Superb Lyrebirds, Satin Bowerbirds, Black-faced Monarchs, and many other beloved species in the area.
If heading across the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd, birdwatchers will find a path along Double Creek that hosts Arm Honeyeaters, Kingfishers -and a share of raptors, so always be aware of your surroundings.
Gipsy Point
When reaching the northernmost section of the Mallacoota Inlet, you’ll find Gipsy Point. From there, take the walking trail leading into the Croajingolong National Park and mingle with Parrots, Whistlers, Fantails, Thornbills, Sea-Eagles and a slew of seabird species.
Enjoy a picnic or visit the Gipsy Lodge for a refreshing fix and then head to the Casuarina Forest for yet another walking trail among birdies. This time, you’ll add Treecreepers and Glossy Black-Cockatoos to an already extensive twitching list!
Gabo Island
Staying overnight is the best way to enjoy Gabo Island’s natural treasures and birdlife.
Counting with one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world, visitors in this secluded paradise can enjoy the magic of countless waddling-folk making their way back home after a day in the sea.
With no crowds or developments beyond one of Victoria’s most iconic lighthouses, Gabo Island is the perfect shelter for these adorable mini-titans of the ocean. Best viewed at dusk or dawn, overnight travellers get to sit beside one of the ‘penguin highways’ with a red-lensed torch to welcome their return.
White-bellied Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, Marsh Harriers, Brown Falcons, and Short‐tailed Shearwaters are some of the other neighbours living on the island.
Sea Eagles aboard the M.V Loch-Ard
Mallacoota Cruises aboard the M.V Loch-Ard allow visitors to see the majestic White Bellied Sea Eagles in their natural habitat. Watch these titans stretch their wings in full as they glide the skies like no other!
To arrange a private bird watching tour or transfers into the National Park and Nadgee Nature Reserve, get in touch with Mallacoota Cruises.
Mallacoota Twitching Checklist
Click below for an accurate checklist of the birds inhabiting the Mallacoota Inlet -precisely 234 species.
Happy twitching!
