Mallee wilderness & Murray wetlands

privately guided birding trips on request

Mallee Birdwatching

The unique “mallee” (semi-arid eucalypt woodlands) habitats of South Australia are protected in many large reserves including Gluepot, Bookmark and Murray-Sunset. Many specialised bird species are found here and a unique flora and fauna is adapted to the harsh conditions. Located 3-4 hours from Adelaide, the area’s relative accessibility means it is one of the few areas in Australia where birders can observe otherwise hard-to-find species. Our tours depart from the Riverland region including towns such as Berri, Barmera or Loxton.

The Murray river meanders through this area and is fringed with wetlands and gnarly old gum trees. Apart from being very scenic, these local wetlands harbour rails and crakes, Regent Parrot, and a plethora of waterbirds including the rare Freckled Duck.

Mallee & Murray Birding Tours

It’s a true wilderness in which the unsuspecting visitor can easily get lost, and which we’ll explore in our fully equipped 4WD vehicle. In this semi-arid environment, birds are always on the move, and where they were last year, or even last month, may not be where they are today…Within this large wilderness, we will determine the best destination for your day tour after consulting with you. We can focus on finding rare birds; maximising the species list; bird photography; or a combination of these. We know where the birds are: we can confidently say that we spend more time out there chasing birds than anyone else!

A privately guided birding tour of the region is the best way to find some, if not most, of the area’s sought-after species. Expect to find some, if not all, of the following species: Malleefowl, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Mulga Parrot, Regent Parrot, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Red-lored, Gilberts & Rufous Whistler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Southern Scrubrobin, Black-eared Miner, Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren, Mallee Emu-wren, up to 8 species of Honeyeater, Spotted Nightjar, Owlet Nightjar, Tawny Frogmouth and more. The day will be designed in consultation with you to maximise your birding experience.

Birds in Mallee & Murray Wetlands

  • Malleefowl, Freckled Duck
  • Scarlet-chested & Mulga Parrot
  • Regent Parrot, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
  • Blue Bonnet, Mallee Ringneck
  • Red-lored, Gilberts & Rufous Whistler
  • Chestnut Quail-thrush, Southern Scrubrobin
  • Crested Bellbird, Black-eared Miner
  • Striated Grasswren, Shy Heathwren
  • Mallee Emu-wren, 4 sp of Fairy-wren
  • Spotted & Owlet Nightjar, Tawny Frogmouth

Birding in Mallee & Murray

Your local guides have a long-standing involvement with management and monitoring in this region and we have taken countless birdwatchers out there over more than 20 years.

Still want to go birding here by yourself? Consider the following: (1) most times you need a 4WD vehicle; (2) most car rental companies don’t allow their vehicles off official roads; (3) in this semi-arid environment, birds are always on the move, and where they were last year, or even last month, may not be where they are today; (4) you’ll need a GPS or compass so you don’t get lost; (5) there’s no mobile/cell phone service out there if you do get lost; (6) we know where the birds are: we can confidently say that we spend more time out there chasing birds than anyone else…! Let us arrange customised private guiding starting from your accommodation: our guides have accompanied countless birdwatchers during more than twenty years.

Enquire for an Mallee birding tour