This NEW! adventure for Naturalist Journeys visits some of Eastern Australia’s most scenic and best wildlife destinations in New South Wales, Victoria and Southeast Queensland. This is the classic Eastern Australia route, and we are pleased to add it to our collection of journeys.

Beginning in Sydney, we select some of the best habitats in parks and reserves located within driving range—south to the sandstone-based Illawarra heathlands for a chance at secretive Ground Parrot and Eastern Bristlebird, north and east to tall eucalypt forests of the Blue Mountains for Superb Lyrebird and Gang-gang Cockatoo, and further inland to the scenic sandstone cliffs of Capertee Valley for Turquoise Parrot, Spotted Quail-thrush and the range-restricted Rock Warbler. Mammals include Enchida, Koala, Platypus, possums, wallabies, gliders, kangaroos and more.

From New South Wales, we fly south to Melbourne, to explore the spectacular Great Ocean Road and coastal wetlands, where we look for Rufous Bristlebird, Hooded Plover and a range of resident and migratory waders. We also travel north into central Victoria state in an area of mallee (eucalyptus) woodland that is home to a suite of birds more common in the remote northwest of the state, including Crested Bellbird, Gilbert’s Whistler, Purple-gaped Honeyeater and Shy Heathwren, as well as a number of species of marsupials, including kangaroos and wallabies, Koalas and more.

Returning to Melbourne, we fly to Brisbane to spend a several days in the remnant Gondwanan rainforest of Lamington Plateau, based in a stunning ecolodge located in the middle of Lamington National Park, where we search for the stunning Regent Bowerbird, Satin Bowerbird, Paradise Riflebird and Albert’s Lyrebird among ancient Antarctic Beech. The park is home to 77 different mammals, including Dingo, a number of different flying foxes, classic Australian marsupials, and more.

This tour offers a wide diversity of fauna and we can expect to see a good selection of Australia's unique kangaroos, wallabies and possums. We might also encounter some of Australia’s more engaging and charismatic reptiles including Land Mullet, Eastern Water Dragon, Lace Monitor and Carpet Python.

Tour Highlights

  • Delight in native parrots, including rosellas, King-parrot, and Ground Parrot along with Sulphur-crested, Gang-gang, Yellow-tailed Black, and Glossy Black Cockatoos
  • Wonder at the sandstone formations of the scenic Blue Mountains while searching for Australian Hobby and Rockwarbler
  • See classic Australian mammals, including different species of kangaroo, wallaby, gliders and flying foxes, as well as Koala, Wombat, Echidna and more
  • Visit the stunning Capertee Valley for dry country and coastal forest species—cuckoos, thrush, finches, warblers and babblers
  • Scan for coastal birds along the shore and swamps of Port Phillip Bay, west of Melbourne, featuring Red-necked Stint, Pied Oystercatcher, Curlew Sandpiper, Australasian Grebe, and Crested, Fairy, Little, Whiskered and White-winged Terns
  • Travel the famous Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne in search of stunning vistas, shorebirds and pelagic species
  • Explore several of Australia's 18 eucalypt forest bioregions – vital to the country's landscape and ecology – and the birds adapted to them
  • Amaze at the sight of lyre-birds, bowerbirds and Marble Frogmouth amongst the lush rainforests, ancient trees, spectacular views and overall natural beauty of Lamington National Park, a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area
  • Experience Australia's amazing marsupials, found nowhere else in the world, seeking Koala, iconic Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Common Wallaroo, Wallaby, Sugar Gliders and Bare-nosed Wombat, along with other unique mammals including Platypus

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Thurs, Feb. 4   Arrive Sydney

Welcome to Australia! Arrive in Sydney and check into your accommodation today. We meet for the first time with fellow travelers and our guide for dinner at the hotel to get to know each other and discuss the plans for the upcoming tour. (We can make suggestions if you choose to arrive early to explore the culture, food, architecture and other tourist attractions of this exciting city.)
Accommodations in Sydney (D)

Fri., Feb. 5       Sydney to Lithgow 

After breakfast we make our way east towards the eucalypt forests and steeply dissected sandstone formations of the scenic Blue Mountains. The name of the ranges derives from the blue tinge taken on when viewed from a distance. Birding en route we hope to find Bell Miner, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Grey Butcherbird and Australian Hobby. In the afternoon we concentrate our efforts on finding Rockwarbler, a species restricted to the sandstone outcrops of central New South Wales. Other birds in the montane forests include Red-browed Treecreeper, Eastern Whipbird, Rose Robin, Common Koel and White-browed Scrubwren. If the sun is shining, we may find reptiles like Diamond Python (a colorful local subspecies of Carpet Python) or Jacky Dragon basking on the rocks. In the late afternoon, we make our way to our base on the western edge of the Blue Mountains where we stay for two nights.
Accommodations in Lithgow/Wallerawang (B,L,D)

Sat., Feb. 6        Capertee Valley

We head north to the beautiful Capertee Valley today. We’re up early so we have plenty of time take in this biological hotspot. This canyon, carved by the Capertee River, is the widest in the world, exceeding the Grand Canyon. Surrounded by granitic hills and sedimentary plateau, the region’s avifauna is a melting pot of dry woodland and coastal forest species. We look for Little Eagle, Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Scarlet Robin, Spotted Quail-thrush, Double-barred Finch, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Wonga Pigeon, Turquoise Parrot, Little Lorikeet, Rufous Songlark, Speckled Warbler, White-browed Babbler, Southern Whiteface, and Black-chinned Honeyeater, to name just a few! We have another chance of Rockwarbler here on cliff faces and among the sandstone boulders. Mammals in the valley include Red-necked Wallaby, Common Wallaroo and Yellow-footed Antechinus, and we could find reptiles such as Lace Monitor or Striped Skink.
Accommodations in Lithgow/Wallerawang (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb. 7       Lithgow to Jamberoo 

We drive east back toward Sydney and then turn south to the Illawarra region. This region is named from the Aboriginal word alowrie, meaning “high pleasant place by the sea.” We witness the richness and beauty of the area on our drive to Jamberoo, a lush green farming hamlet and our home for the next two nights. Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Australian King-parrot, Dusky Woodswallow and Red Wattlebird occur here and there is also a chance for Superb Lyrebird near our accommodation.
Accommodations in Jamberoo (B,L,D)

Mon., Feb. 8      Jamberoo

Rising early this morning, we make our way to Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, a protected nature park in the Southern Highlands, where we commence our search for a few of the skulkers of the area, focusing on Eastern Bristlebird and Ground Parrot. Despite its name, Barren Grounds is rich in both flora and fauna. We are on the extensive Illawarra escarpment, the fold-created cliffs and plateau-eroded outcrop range south of Sydney, where tall woodland and adjacent sandstone heathlands are home to Southern Emu-wren, Pilotbird, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, White-naped Honeyeater and Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. Mammals here include Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Swamp Wallaby. After lunch, we head to the coast near Kiama. Along with stunning ocean views, rocky shores and lovely beaches, look for Sooty Oystercatcher, Australian Pelican, Crested Tern, Australasian Figbird and Little Wattlebird. Possible reptiles include Eastern Water Skink, Water Dragon and Red-bellied Black Snake. In the evening and if energy levels allow, we can go out for a bit of nocturnal spotlighting from our lodging, with the chance of Sooty Owl, Southern Boobook and Tawny Frogmouth, as well as mammals like Greater Glider, Sugar Glider and Common Ringtail Possum.
Accommodations in Jamberoo (B,L,D)

Tues., Feb. 9    Jamberoo to Sydney | Fly to Melbourne

Today is a travel day. We make our way back to Sydney to catch a flight to Melbourne for the start of our travels in Victoria. Located on the north and east coastlines of Port Philip Bay, Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Home for over 40,000 years to Aboriginal populations, the city today is culturally diverse, known for its music, theater and arts scenes and a sporting capital; it is the origin of Australian rules football, home to the Australian (tennis) Open, and site of a 100,000-seat cricket ground.
Accommodations in Melbourne (B,L,D)

Wed., Feb. 10  Melbourne to Lorne

This morning we head south-west of Melbourne and meander along the shorelines and through the swamps of western Port Phillip Bay, where we aim to see an array of coastal birds. These Ramsar-listed wetlands encompass shallow marine waters, estuaries, freshwater lakes, seasonal swamps, intertidal mudflats and seagrass beds. They support large numbers of resident and migratory waders and waterbirds, among them Red-necked Stint, Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-capped Plover, Pied Oystercatcher, Sharp-tailed, Curlew and Marsh Sandpipers, Pacific Gull, Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebe, Pied, Little Pied, Great and Little Black Cormorant, Crested, Fairy, Little, Whiskered and White-winged Tern, Cape Barren Goose, Australian Shelduck, Chestnut and Grey Teals, Pink-eared and Blue-billed Ducks, Hardhead, Australasian Shoveler, Buff-banded and Lewin’s Rail, Red-necked Avocet, Banded and Pied Stilt, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, and Brolga. Grassland and shoreline are home to White-fronted Chat, Golden-headed Cisticola, Zebra Finch, Swamp Harrier, Wedge-tailed Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Black, Brown and Peregrine Falcon. We hope to see the unusual Musk Duck, a large species characterized by a leathery lobe dangling from underneath its bill. Then we cut across the Bellarine Peninsula to the coastal heathlands, ocean beaches and narrow inlets along the southern coast.
Accommodations in Lorne (B,L,D)

Thurs., Feb. 11             Lorne to Geelong | Great Ocean Road

We explore the Great Ocean Road today. This stunningly scenic National Heritage road winds along the Bass Strait coast with beautiful surf beaches and sea stacks on one side and rich heathland and wooded hills on the other. The strait separates the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland. Constructed by returned servicemen during the Interwar period, it was built mostly by hand and opened in stages between 1922 and 1932. We make our way along it with plenty of stops for birding and to admire the views. Birds to be found throughout this area include Rufous Bristlebird, Hooded Plover, Southern Emu-wren, Brush Bronzewing, Satin Flycatcher, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot, Forest Raven, Olive Whistler, Grey Goshawk (spectacular white phase), Beautiful Firetail, Red-browed Finch, and a range of honeyeaters including Crescent, Singing and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and Eastern Spinebill. Scanning the sea, we might spot Black-browed and Shy (White-capped) Albatross, Fluttering and Short-tailed Shearwater, Australasian Gannet and Black-faced Cormorant. Mammals here include Koala, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Swamp Wallaby. In late afternoon, we visit the Bellarine Peninsula, a popular coastal area known for  quaint seaside towns, wineries, and mix of bay and surf beaches. Here we look for waterbirds, including Freckled, Blue-billed and Pink-eared Duck.
Accommodations in Geelong  (B,L,D)

Fri., Feb. 12      Geelong to Bendigo

Moving north today, we make our way inland towards the drier woodlands of central Victoria. Along the way there are chances of Spotted Quail-thrush. Our destination for today is the city of Bendigo, approximately halfway between the coast and the Murray River. The flora and fauna of the area is distinctly different from the biota closer to the coast. Founded during the goldrush of the 19th Century, Bendigo’s wealth and importance during the era are reflected in the grand stone buildings in the center of town. We stay in Bendigo for two nights.
Accommodations in Bendigo (B,L,D)

Sat., Feb. 13     Bendigo

The Greater Bendigo region is an excellent area for birding. The mallee (eucalyptus) heath community close to town offers a number of species that are usually found in the mallee regions in the remote north-west of the state, and box-ironbark woodlands here are also of great importance for eucalypt-dependent birds. Species we look for here include Crested Bellbird, Gilbert’s Whistler, Shy Heathwren, Purple-backed Fairywren, Rainbow Bee-eater, Long-billed Corella, Red-rumped Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Purple-crowned, Little and Musk Lorikeets, Black-eared and Pallid Cuckoo, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, White-browed Babbler, and a large variety of honeyeaters including Yellow-plumed, Tawny-crowned, Purple-gaped, Blue-faced, Singing, Yellow-tufted, Fuscous, Black-chinned, White-plumed, White-eared and White-fronted Honeyeater. Wedge-tailed Eagle is also possible, along with White-winged Chough, one of Australia’s two communal mud-nesting species in the endemic family corcoracidae.
Accommodations in Bendigo (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb. 14    Bendigo to Melbourne | Fly to Brisbane

Time to head to Queensland! Today is a travel day. We make our way back to Melbourne for our flight to Brisbane. Australia's most biodiverse and greenest city, Brisbane is a popular tourist destination.
Accommodations in Brisbane (B,L,D)

Mon., Feb. 15        Brisbane to Lamington Plateau

This morning we make our way out of Brisbane and head to Lamington National Park in the ranges south-west of the city. This area contains the largest tract of subtropical rainforest in Australia, including large stands of magnificent Antarctic Beech Nothofagus, remnants of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests. This 82-square mile UNESCO World Heritage site is extremely biologically diverse, with a rich assemblage of birds and mammals, and over 60 reptile and 30 amphibian species. Our home for the next three days is one of the first ecolodges in Australia – an exceptional 100-year-old award-winning retreat taking pride in "green" experiences and surrounded by Lamington National Park. We spend the rest of the day walking around trails close to our accommodation and at the feeders. Specialties include both Regent and Satin Bowerbird, Green Catbird, Australian Logrunner, the amazing Paradise Riflebird, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Bassian Thrush, Large-billed Scrubwren and Wonga Pigeon. We take a break in the late afternoon to watch Red-legged Pademelon, Red-necked Pademelon and Whiptail Wallaby feeding on the lawns before an early dinner. After dark, we head out into the surrounding forest looking for nocturnal mammals, including Short-eared Brushtail Possum (Bobuck), Common Ringtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Central Greater Glider, Brown Antechinus and Fawn-footed Melomys.
Accommodations in O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (B,L,D)

Tues., Feb. 16 &  Wed., Feb. 17          Lamington Plateau

We take two full days to explore areas in the park further from the lodge, with chances of birds like the rare Albert’s Lyrebird (the second of Australia’s two species of lyrebirds), White-eared and Black-faced Monarchs, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Russet-tailed Thrush, Topknot and White-headed Pigeons, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Rose, Pale-yellow and Eastern Yellow Robins and the stunning Noisy Pitta. In ridge-top woodland nearby we hopefully connect with Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Variegated Fairywren, Pacific Baza, Red-browed Treecreeper and Buff-rumped Thornbill as well as hopefully the shorter-furred, northern form of Koala. After an early dinner one night we spotlight for owls like Sooty Owl and Australian Boobook, and have a good chance at finding the vulnerable canopy-roosting, and cryptic Marbled Frogmouth. The population here is isolated from the species’ main distribution on Cape York Peninsula and in New Guinea, more than 2,000 kilometers away.
Accommodations in O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (B,L,D)

Thurs., Feb. 18            Lamington Plateau to Brisbane

We start the day with a last walk around the rainforest. After breakfast, we make our way back to Brisbane at a leisurely pace, exploring some of the birding spots closer to the city.
Accommodations in Brisbane (B,L,D)

 Fri., Feb. 19     Depart Brisbane

We depart Brisbane today after breakfast. For those wishing to stay later, we can make recommendations. (B)

  • Australasian Figbird by Clifford Drowley

  • Wombat by Steve Prorak

  • Sulphur-crested Cockatoo by Clifford Drowley

  • Little Corella by Steve Prorak

  • Swift Parrot by Phil Weinrich

  • Blue Faced Honeyeater by Steve Prorak

  • Galah by Steve Prorak

  • Pademelon by Steve Prorak

  • Pied Oystercatcher by Steve Prorak

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $9590 DBL / $10,980 SGL, from Sydney, departing Brisbane. The cost includes all specialist guiding and transport for day and night tours as outlined above, all meals as outlined in the itinerary, activities outlined in the itinerary, National Park entry fees, and other miscellaneous costs. 

The cost does not include international or domestic Australian airfares, the airport transfer on day 1, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and expenses of a personal nature (snacks, travel insurance, internet, laundry, etc). Please note, unlike our other international tours, this tour price does not include tips, which are not typically part of Australian culture. If you feel like you would like to tip (though not expected), please bring along some local currency.

The cost of the internal flights is estimated to be around $700 - $1,000 USD pp, subject to change. We will book these internal flights for you so that the group stays together; we will add the final flight price to your invoice.

Price is based on exchange rate from March 26, 2026. Subject to change if there is more than a 5% increase, see Terms & Conditions for details.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive February 4, 2027, in time for dinner with the group

Departure Airport: Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart February 19, 2027, at your leisure

Travel Tips: If you plan to arrive early to rest up or avoid potential winter weather delays in the U.S., you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Sydney Airport Travelodge Hotel. It's easy to book online and very close to the airport. There are also many things to see in Sydney if you are up for exploring. The famed Sydney Opera House, stunning Bondi Beach, or the Royal Botanic Gardens are just a few of the sights you can easily visit.

  • Richard White — Australia Expert

    Richard’s passion for birds was fired in the bird-rich environments of South Africa where he worked as a game ranger in the 1990’s. From here he made a move to Ecuador where he worked as a nature and bird guide and enjoyed birding the amazingly diverse habitats of the Amazon, cloud forests and the Andes. With his enthusiasm for birds now incurable, Richard embarked on an international bird-guiding career that saw him travel and bird across Africa and further afield. Richard’s favourite destinations include Namibia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Bhutan, Antarctica, and of course Australia.

    Richard’s tenure with our local operator in Tasmania began in 2013 where he worked as a guide and in operations for three years before he returned to university and obtained on Honours degree in Science. Richard has also worked as an ecologist where he deepened his understanding of the natural world and indulged in his keen interest in botany. Richard is a passionate and knowledgeable guide who loves sharing his enthusiasm for birds and nature.

    Other trips with Richard White — Australia Expert

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. 

  • A visa (ETA) is required for U.S. travelers. See the "Passports, Visas & Documentation" section below for details. If you are from another country, please contact the Embassy of Australia website for guidelines.

  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Australia and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.

  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.

  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay. See "Packing List" tab for details.

Passports, Visas & Documentation

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at the State Department’s webpage for Australia. If you are from another country, please contact the Australia embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, to enter Australia, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We highly suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. You should have at least one blank page per stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. We advise that you bring your eContact list of hotels for use at immigration as well.

Visa: A visa is required for U.S. travelers to Australia. For this tour, a temporary visa (ETA) for travelers with an eligible passport to stay up to 3 months at a time per year is required. It requires minimal paperwork and costs AUD $20. Be sure to apply with sufficient time for your visa to be processed before you leave on your trip.

Backups for documentation: As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa or ETA, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.  

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Australia or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you. At the time of writing there were no required vaccinations to enter Australia. However, the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination.  Consult with your doctor for recommendations at least 6-8 weeks before departing on your trip, as some vaccines may require more than one dose and time to become effective prior to your departure.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Weather & Climate

Australia, a huge country of more than 3 million square miles, crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, has largely an arid climate, classified as desert or semi-desert, except in the extreme north, where it is tropical (with a rainy and a dry season), and on the southern coasts, where it is more temperate, oceanic or Mediterranean. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has, of course, reversed seasons in comparison with Europe or North America. Early February is mid-summer in Australia, and you should expect higher temperatures, humidity, and the possibility of rain. In Sydney & Jamberoo, average temperatures range from highs near 80°F to overnight lows near 66°F. It will be warmer near Melbourne and Bendigo, with highs closer to 86°F. The last portion of the trip, Lamington Plateau, is known for its pleasant weather. A bit more elevated, temperature averages are cooler than coastal areas, especially in the morning. Bring layers! This area is also home to rainforest - don’t forget to pack both sun protection and rain gear!

You may check your favorite weather website, like www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be upon arrival. See “Packing List” for recommendations for clothing and gear that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions.  

Annoyances & Hazards

You will want to protect yourself from the sun. Defend yourself with sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a broad-brimmed hat that covers the back of your neck, ears, and face.

You will also want to prevent mosquitoes and bug bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellent that contains 20% or more DEET. They make wipes now that are very handy for quick application. Please, do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent inside the vehicles.

Please listen to your guide’s cautions about venomous reptiles and insects. Australia has a host of (fascinating) species of concern, though these are rare to encounter, some areas may require more precaution.

Food & Drinks

Breakfast generally consists of a continental style breakfast with cereal, fruit and yoghurt and tea/coffee. Full cooked breakfast is not generally offered at most locations. Lunch generally consists of a packed lunch style meal eaten in the field, with sandwich/filled roll, fruit, and a drink. Dinner is usually two courses and consists of several options for main with the choice of either an appetizer or dessert. Drinks (soft and alcoholic) are generally not included but at lunches and breakfasts juice may be made available. 

One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by intentionally reducing our consumption of single use plastics (such as bottled water), so we appreciate you bringing a reusable water bottle.  Purified drinking water will be made available to refill your bottle, however, bottled water will be available for field trips where refilling your personal bottle is not an option. 

There are some great reusable water filtering bottles on the market today that are great for travels abroad. We encourage you to invest in one (such as Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen). 

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

See “Packing List” tab for more detailed information and checklists, but in summary, we emphasize that you pack light in soft-sided luggage (easier to load in vans and charter planes), plan for dressing comfortably in layers (for managing varying conditions in any given day), and please pack your personal medication, travel documents, optics, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON, not in your checked luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodgings for an additional fee, but be prepared to hand launder if you need to. 

Spending Money

People often ask how much spending money to bring. Part of the answer depends on how much you want to shop. Typical items people purchase include: local souvenirs and T-shirts, opals jewelry, Akubra hats, boomerangs, Aboriginal artworks, maps, and natural history books. There are MANY temptations in Australia.

The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar which comes in plastic notes and coins. Its value differs from the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are not legal currency and will not be an acceptable form of payment. For the current exchange rate, please refer to anonline converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you to carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

You may wish to exchange money before you leave on your trip. You can do so through your bank or an exchange office. Possible locations are your departing airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or a AAA office. It might be helpful to arrive with some local currency just in case you run into an “out of order” ATM or a local bank holiday.

You can also exchange your money in Australia. The easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. ATMs are widely available throughout Australia and will typically offer you the best exchange rate. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into U.S. Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank for departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bill ($50 or $100) in good condition that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

Credit cards are commonly accepted throughout Australia. We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard; American Express is less accepted, and Discover is not used). Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to Australia to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you to use them.

Gratuities

Please note, unlike our other international tours, this tour price does not include tips, which are not typically part of Australian culture. If you feel like you would like to tip (though not expected), please bring along some local currency.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a cell phone, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Options include activating international roaming, purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or eSIM, or simply turning off cellular service and relying on Wi-Fi to make calls and access the internet. If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free.

Your hotels and most local restaurants provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas. Although it is generally a reliable service, more remote locations can be affected by weather conditions.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well. 

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

The standard Australian voltage is 220/240 V and frequency is 50 Hz, using the power plug and socket type I, 3 pin system. The U.S. uses 110 V with plug and socket type A & B.

You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter (or make sure your devices can be used with 220/240 Volts). Adaptors can be purchased ahead of time, and are generally available at major airports. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

Australia covers multiple time zones and, on this tour, you will be in two: Australian Eastern Standard Time (Brisbane & Lamington regions) and Australian Eastern Daylight time (Sydney & Melbourne regions).

 Check www.timeanddate.com before leaving home for your conversion.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone us toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or Read more

Please Pack Light!

Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter aircraft than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft-sided luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 45 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Delayed Luggage:  Imagine NOT getting your checked bags upon arrival! Therefore, DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your carry-on bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on. Another suggested tip is to travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!).

Weather: Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions (See “Weather & Climate” section in Essential Information). You may check your favorite weather website, such as www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be upon arrival. You may also visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for more regional information by month.

Dress: Plan to dress comfortably and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in lightweight layers is the best way to provide options to get you through a day of varying weather and temperatures comfortably. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.  A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. It is important to have a warm jacket when the tour includes cooler temps and/or higher elevations.

Laundry: Several of our lodges and camps provide laundry service. Consider packing laundry soap sheets in case you need to hand launder in a pinch.

Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.

Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

Valuables: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts – 2 or 3
  • Shorts (optional)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (1 per every other day recommended – remember you may buy some there!)
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
  • Lightweight hiking boots. Please note that forest trails will be on uneven terrain and may be muddy - good tread and support are essential!
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days, and for wearing on boats (optional, TEVA style are great)
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Lightweight jacket, fleece fabric is ideal
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty. They even make them with a gel inside for several hours of cooling.)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets or e-ticket verification
  • Photo identification (name should match your passport to avoid issues with confirming your identity)
  • Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Cell Phone and Charger
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
  • Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional). If bringing a laptop or tablet, bring a good dustcover to protect it at all times.
  • Adapters for three prong electronic equipment
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent (something containing DEET)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
  • Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Snorkeling gear if at a beach lodge (available on sight as a rental, additional cost. If a regular snorkeler, you will want to bring your own mask and snorkel, perhaps rent fins)
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Health insurance
  • Vaccination records
  • Personal Rx medications (in their original labeled prescription packaging)
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts (with plenty of wetting and cleaning solution)
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Epi-pen if needed for allergic reactions (include prescription label)
  • Altitude illness meds (such as Diamox) if likely to be needed
  • Common ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.
  • Comfort remedies: Foot powder, lotions, etc.
  • Hand sanitizer and/or hygienic cleansing wipes

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Australia; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Australia; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

The Australian Bird Guide

Merlin App – Australia All Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Australia All.

Field Guides 

Regional Field Guide to Birds – Central East Coast and Ranges 

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of Australia 

The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia - by G.Pizzy & F. Knight

Field Guide to the Birds of Australia - by Simpson, Ken, Day, Nicolas 

The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds 

Field Guide to Australian Birds - Complete Compact Edition

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia 

Wildflowers of Australia and Oceania

History & Culture

Where Song Began

Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the World’s Most Extraordinary Creature

In a Sunburned Country

A Traveller’s History of Australia

Australia – Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to the Customs & Culture

Apps

Pizzey and Knight Birds of Australia: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pizzey-and-knight-birds-of-australia/id714625973?mt=8

The Morcombe & Stewart Guide to Birds of Australia: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-morcombe-stewart-guide-to-birds-of-australia/id397979505?mt=8

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General Destinations

Australia

New South Wales

Sydney

Lithgow

Capertee Valley

Jamberoo

Victoria

Melbourne

Lorne

Geelong

Bendigo

South Queensland

Brisbane

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Superb Lyrebird

Gang Gang Cockatoo

Species of Queensland

Species of New South Wales

Species of Victoria

Mammels of Australia

One Earth Bioregion Navigator (type Melbourne in the search field and then zoom in to the southeast region the program outlines for you.  Very interesting to explore the circled locations!)

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species (FAME)

Birdlife Australia

Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland

“To Save Its Remarkable Nature, Queensland, Australia Commits Millions of Dollars for Conservation” – Article, Pewtrusts.org

Lamington National Park

Gondwana Rainforests (UNESCO)

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

Geology & Geography

Geography of Australia

Geology of Australia

Blue Mountains (New South Wales)

History & Culture

History of Australia

Culture of Australia

Great Ocean Road

Lamington Plateau's Indigenous History

Australian Cuisine

Holidays - Australia

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Visa ATM Locator

Mastercard ATM Locator

U. S. National Passport Information Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Foreign Exchange Rates

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information – Australia

Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) - Australia

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Australia

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Australia

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/australia/Electricity and Plugs - Australia

Time and Date – Australia

 

 


Photo credits: Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Clifford Drowley), Blue Faced Honeyeater by Steve Prorak

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