Tasmania features 12 endemic birds found nowhere else. These are Tasmanian Native Hen, Green Rosella, Dusky Robin, Tasmanian Thornbill, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Scrubwren, Yellow Wattlebird, Yellow-Throated Honeyeater, Black-Headed Honeyeater, Strong-Billed Honeyeater, Black Currawong and Forty-Spotted Pardalote.
There are many other bird species found in Tassie, notably water and sea birds like various Albatross, Penguins and Shearwaters, which are seen more easily here and on pelagic trips from Tasmania than elsewhere.
However, don’t expect to see the large species counts you might find in other parts of Australia, such as the huge 282 species count of Townsville Common, for example. The top hotspots in Tasmania generally do not have more than 130 species, and (speaking very broadly), being a cold climate island there are simply less birds around. You might wander through large swathes of forest and wonder where they all are. That said, the hotspots we recommend below are all worth visiting if you do find yourself birding in Tasmania.
Top hotspots include:
- Bruny Island: Adventure Bay, Cloudy Bay, Cape Bruny, Cape Queen Elizabeth Track
- Narawntapu National Park
- Maria Island
- Tamar Island Wetlands
- Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur
- Lake St. Clair
- Wellington Park
More maps and write-ups of some of these areas coming soon!
Some good birding options with scenery on South Bruny Island
Pleasant easy walk with really good birds on Bruny Island
Awesome but touristy spot in Launceston with many non-native birds
Fluted Cape and Bruny Island Cruises
Compact area with varied and worthwhile birding opportunities including cape and forest walking and a worthwhile boat cruise
Small and not very picturesque bird-rich wetland in north Hobart
Inala Reserve – Jurassic Garden
Renowned private conservation reserve with amazing birdlife on South Bruny Island
Lake St Clair (visitor centre tracks)
Good network of trails and amazing visitor centre with reasonable birding
Unexpectedly good birding amongst the garden areas of this historic site
Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
Lovely gardens with terrific bird activity right in the middle of Hobart
Good place for endemic honeyeaters and coastal birds on South Bruny Island
Intriguing bird-filled riverside wetlands with excellent walkway and island
Scenic area with interesting tracks and lookouts and a few birds
Mixture of forest types in a vast track network with some good birding, right on Hobart’s doorstep
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Track
Stunning scenery, with quality over quantity when it comes to birdlife
Bird Spots 