New Zealand and Australia are relatively new destinations for Whitehawk. In November 2024 we finished up our first nearly 3-week tour that included stops in both of these amazing countries. While I was there, I wanted to do some scouting of other areas in the region to best offer our clients the best birding and wildlife opportunities possible. So, after our tour concluded and the wonderful clients headed home, I flew from Cairns to Hobart to explore the lovely island of Tasmania.
Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait and roughly 240 km. It is the 26th largest island in the world, and is home to 12 endemic bird species, and a host of fascinating and unique flora and fauna. Over 3 days, led by an amazing local guide, Cat, we saw an incredible amount of wildlife. Though the trip was short, we observed over 70 species of birds, including 11 of the 12 endemics, plus 12 mammals and a beautiful Tiger Snake!
Birds of Tasmania
With approximately 380 species of birds found on Tasmania and nearby islands, it is a top destination for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. From the moment I woke up in my hotel near the airport, I began seeing some great birds. I got my first endemic, the Tasmanian Nativehen, as a few wandered around the grass outside my hotel. And I saw three Eastern Rosellas perched in the trees outside my window, offering me some of the best views I have had of this beautiful bird.
But that was just the start. After meeting Cat, we spent the morning birding around Hobart, visiting the varied and lovely city parks, passing hikers and dog walkers as we observed Yellow Wattlebird, Green Rosellas (two more endemics), and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo feeding in a high tree. We drove to a residential area to find a small flock of the critically endangered Swift Parrots. Then, during lunch, we watched Kelp Gulls walking in the grass of a cricket field. We then made our way to the ferry for our 15 minute ride to Bruny Island.
Over the next three days, we would bird along slow-moving rivers, scattered boulders, beautiful forests, open fields, and coastlines. In total, we observed over 75 bird species – pretty good for such a short trip. Though I would be hard-pressed to pick my most memorable sighting, a few stand out. The incredibly beautiful Superb Fairywrens darted about a field filled with purple flowers.
The Black-tailed Cockatoos hung around in a tree just beside a forest trail. I remember well listening to the “tick, tick” sounds of the lovely Forty-spotted Pardalotes as they clipped off the small leaf stalks of white gums trees. This causes the tree to produce “manna” (a sugary substance) over the following few days, which the birds then return to collect to feed their nestlings. Watching a Brown Falcon swoop in and land on a branch right in front of us, where it perched for several minutes before flying off again, was another incredible moment. Of course, the Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring in wide circles above us was pretty spectacular as well.
It was a thrill to see a Tawny Frogmouth with young perched statue-like on a branch in a city park in Hobart. What struck me most about this was not even seeing the bird (though that was wonderful, too), but the help we received from a local woman walking her dog who was so thrilled to talk about her frogmouth sightings and to direct us to the exact spot where we needed to stand in order to see these lovely birds for ourselves.
Mammals of Tasmania
Apart from abundance of birds that make their home in Tasmania, the region is also well-known for its other wildlife. It is home to a long list of much-sought-after mammals. Honestly, I was amazed at the number of mammals we were able to see. On the first day driving from Hobart, we spotted a Short-beaked Echidna crossing the road right in front of us. Over the next three days, we would get great looks at 2 more echidnas foraging in the fields on Bruny Island. At our lodge, we observed many Bennett’s (Red-necked) Wallaby (including white ones), and Rufous-bellied Pademelon.
Over the next three days, our list of mammals continued to grow. The first night of our stay, we took a night drive in search of nocturnal mammals. We got a quick look at a Long-nosed Potoroo that had been walking along the side of the road. We also saw quite a few Bush-tailed Possums crossing the road. Perhaps the most exciting sightings of the evening were the numerous Eastern Quolls, in the road, on its edge, and crossing back and forth in front of us. Though they are relatively nervous around people approaching them on foot, they were less disturbed by the car so we were able to sit and watch them as they scurried about.
The following day, we took a walk at dusk through the Inala Botanical Gardens. We saw a beautiful, nearly black Tiger Snake curled up on the ground. And we got more great sightings of two new mammals. We watched a Swamp (Velvet-furred) Rat scurrying about in the bushes. We had terrific views of a Dusky Antechinus. It spent several minutes foraging underneath the leaves, running across the grass, and searching for food. Finally, a trip to Maria Island rewarded us with numerous, close-up sightings of Bare-nosed Wombats, including several with young. We also saw many Eastern Gray Kangaroo, and one Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Fabulous Scenery
Australia is known for its many diverse and beautiful landscapes. But, I have to say that, in just a few days, Tasmania took my breath away. One of my favorite landscapes was the coastal heathlands of South Bruny National Park. Low-growing vegetation with a tangle of greens and reds contrasting with the dark blue sea and jutting rocks is a panorama I won’t soon forget.
The boulder-strewn landscape of Wellington Park was quite impressive. Though we didn’t spend much time here, it was clear one could spend days hiking and exploring this park. Located just outside of Hobart, a drive up the mountain affords spectacular views. The park itself encompasses a number of ecosystems including alpine heath, woodlands, moorlands, bogs, shrub lands, and more!
And, the lovely botanical gardens and nature trails of Inala, where we spent 2 nights, held lovely surprises and flashes of colors – ground-growing orchids, mosses in shades of greens and browns, and flowering gum trees!
Join us in Australia
Though it takes quite a long time to get to this region of the world from the Americas, it is definitely worth it. I certainly look forward to doing it all again. I can’t wait for another chance to experience more of what this amazing country has to offer.
We would be happy to arrange a customized, private tour to New Zealand or Australia for you. Contact us for more details.
– Marta