Southern Victoria Bird Finder - 3 Day Tour
This tour appeals to the enthusiastic birder, keen to see as many bird species and wildlife as possible over three days. We visit a diverse range of habitats, giving the greatest opportunity to see the wide range of bird species found in Southern Victoria. The spectacular scenery that the birds inhabit is an added bonus.
Target bird species
| Birds of the Great Dividing Range |
Dry Forest Birds |
Lyrebird
Pilotbird
Lewin's Honeyeater
Red-browed Treecreeper
Wonga Pigeon
Satin Flycatcher
Crimson Rosella
|
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Weebill
Speckled Warbler
Scarlet Robin
Zebra Finch
Diamond Firetail |
| Heathland Birds |
Otways Wet Forest birds |
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Crimson Rosella
Blue-winged Parrot
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Rufous Bristlebird
Southern Emu-wren
White-eared Honeyeater
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren |
King Parrot
Blue-winged Parrot
Olive Whistler
Forest Raven
Bassian Thrush
Satin Bowerbird
Pink Robin
Crescent Honeyeater |
We can expect to see more than 100 species over the course of the tour. The have been more than 300 bird species recorded in the Geelong area.
Areas we visit
- National park, north-east of Melbourne - a variety of habitats from dry forested hilltops to lush forests of the valleys. Host to Superb Lyrebirds, Red-Browed Treecreeper and other species.
- Rugged Brisbane Ranges - dryland forest habitat amid sandstone gorges. Regenerating forest that was devastated by fire two years ago is home to Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Spotted Quail-thrush and other dry-country birds.
- Superb Anglesea heathland - the open forest habitat with many species of orchids, wattles and banksias are preferred by the Rufous Bristlebird, Southern Emu-wren and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
- Pristine Otway Ranges - King Parrots, Bassian Thrush and Pink Robins inhabit the wet forests dominated by massive eucalypts and lush fern growth, waterfalls and ancient Beech trees.
- Ramsar Wetlands of the Bellarine Peninsula - saline and freshwater lakes are home to abundant water birds, including Freckled Duck and Blue-billed Duck plus wader species such as the Double-banded Plover and Hooded Plover.
Wildlife highlights
- Black Wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Koala, Echidna.
Tour schedule
- Day 1 - Depart from Melbourne.
Visit national park, north-east of Melbourne to find birds of the Great Dividing Range, and then westwards to the Brisbane Ranges. Overnight in the Geelong area.
- Day 2 - Up early to chase Rufous Bristlebirds in the Anglesea heathland before moving on to explore the wet forests of the Greater Otway National Park, including a hidden lake.
Overnight in the Geelong area.
- Day 3 - Visit the Ramsar listed wetlands of the Bellarine Peninsula, then on to the You Yangs for more forest birds before returning to Melbourne.
Tour Costs for 3 day Southern Victoria Bird Finder tour - A$980 pp
(double or twin share). Single supplement will apply.
Tour dates - tours runs throughout the year. Tours commence and return in Melbourne on Friday and conclude on Sunday.
Tour includes:
- Pickup and return from your accommodation or location in Melbourne or Geelong.
- Double or twin-share occupancy accommodation in comfortable motels or guest houses. Single occupancy incurs a surcharge.
- All meals - 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.Not included: drinks, snacks and personal expenses.
- Transport in a spacious, air conditioned Mitsubishi Delica 7 seater 4WD minibus.
- Use of telescopes and Field Guides.
- Tours are limited to a maximum of five and a minimum of 2 persons. Personalised individual three day tours can be arranged.
Tour guide: Barry Lingham
