Flying Colours: Bird Watching Paradise At Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park abounds with wildlife. Amateur and serious birdwatchers alike will be transfixed by the beautiful varieties of feathered friends that live here. With its lake, forest and ocean landscapes, Freycinet provides an excellent home for one hundred and forty-seven bird species. Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Green Rosellas, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Scarlet Robins, Shining Bronze Cuckoos and Golden Whistlers are just some of the colourful species to be found in the area.

The walking trails at Freycinet National Park provide ample opportunities for birding. Even a short stroll of the heathland to the west of the Wineglass Bay carpark will provide plenty of photographic moments for spotters. Make sure to look for the Yellow Wattlebirds which are only found in Tasmania.

A visit to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse offers visitors an excellent perspective to observe seabirds below. The lighthouse also overlooks four granite islets known as The Nuggets which is an important breeding and nesting ground. From Crested Terns to Sooty Oystercatchers, this is a magnificent chance to watch these birds as they glide, soar, swim and dive. Take a cruise or kayaking tour to see them up close.

The beaches around Freycinet have some very special birds which visit seasonally for breeding. Mutton Birds and Little Penguins are high on the list for many enthusiasts. The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service has information about the best rookeries and ways to protect them. Organised tours are also available.

During your stay at Freycinet National Park, you will be surprised to find that more often than not, birds will find you. Ask your reception desk about nearby places for bird watching as there will often be less frequented spots right outside your front door. The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service has an extensive bird list on its website. It also suggests that A Bird in the Hand is a useful app for identifying and recording species.

Whilst visiting Freycinet take the time to look around and listen. You will be entranced and enthralled by the antics of our lovely feathered companions.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett