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Introduction to Sydney Birding
Known for its harbour-side views, sandstone outcrops, famous beaches & coastal walks, vast National parks and reserves; Sydney is home to about 365 native bird species.
From Tawny Frogmouths, Kookaburras and Cockatoos and many more, you are bound to be amazed by the diversity of species Sydney has to offer, even amongst or close to our busy city centre and urban developments. We will walk you through some of the best locations to go bird watching and share which species you can aim to see.
Sydney Olympic Park
Sydney Olympic park is a popular inner suburban bird watching hot spot where you can easily spend a day visiting each of its hotspots including various wetland, woodland, forest and coastal habitats. The park contains an excellent bird hide at waterbird refuge and Birdlife Australia's discovery centre open to the public on Sundays, which provides a library of bird books and education facilities.
Key Locations
Waterbird Refuge
The most recommended hotspot at the Park is waterbird refuge where you can make use of the bird hide and get a great view of this well known waterbird habitat, home to local and migratory species alike.
Notable Species
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (migratory)
Bar-tailed Godwit (migratory)
Grey Teal
Black-winged Stilt
Red-necked Avocet
Other Species
Chestnut Teal
Superb Fairy-wren
Black Swan
Australian Pelican
Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Triangle Pond
The triangle pond between Waterbird refuge and Bennelong Parkway is a smaller pond providing extra viewing opportunities.
Notable Species
Buff-banded Rail
Lewin's Rail
Baillon's Crake
Spotless Crake
Red-necked Stint
Pacific Golden Plover
Curlew Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Bar-tailed Godwit
Other Species
Royal Spoonbill
Nankeen Night Heron
Great Egret
Black-winged Stilt
Narawang Wetlands
These freshwater wetlands are well known for its frog species including the endangered Green and Golden bell frogs as well as various bird species.
Notable Species
Australasian Bittern
White-throated Needletail
Red-rumped Parrot
Brown Quail
Fairy Martin
Buff-banded Rail
Cattle Egret
Other Species
Dollarbird
Dusky Moorhen
Chestnut Teal
Little Wattlebird
Red-browed Finch
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve
Nestled in Sydney's Northern beaches, Long reef aquatic reserve provides stunning headland views and a fantastic rock platform for those keen to explore at low tide. The protected reserve is frequented by many shorebirds and seabirds, particularly migratory species. As well as a variety of marine life including crabs, sea hares, sea stars and more. This scenic location is not one to miss by casual enjoyers and enthusiasts alike.
Key Locations
Main Headland
The rocky headland provides excellent viewing opportunities for seabirds and migrating shorebirds, especially during low tide when the rock platform is exposed.
Notable Species
Ruddy Turnstone
Pacific Golden Plover
Red-necked Stint
Grey-tailed Tattlers
Double-banded Plover
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Other Species
Australian Kestrel
Eastern Osprey
Pied Cormorant
Sooty Oystercatchers
White-faced Heron
Access Information
For those relying on public transport, the B1 bus from Wynyard can be taken directly to Collaroy, though you will need to walk about 40 minutes to the headland, passing Collaroy Rock Pool and Fishermans Beach. Or you can get off at Warringah Mall and get the 199 a few stops to Collaroy, stopping at Pittwater Road opposite Griffith Park, walking 24 minutes past the golf course to the headland.
Royal National Park
The Royal National Park South of Sydney is the world's second oldest National Park featuring a number of heritage sites and immense wildlife and birdlife. The park contains a number of walking tracks in various habitat types including coastal heathlands, rainforests, eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands.
Lady Carrington Drive
Lady Carrington Drive is a key walking track in the Royal National Park. We recommend following a section of both North and South ends, however you can opt to complete the whole 10km track one way. Here you will find a variety of birds and also a chance to see echidnas and lace monitors.
Key Locations
North Lady Carrington Drive
The northern section offers excellent forest birding with numerous trails leading to the Hacking River. This area is known for raptors and woodland species.
Notable Species
Rockwarbler
Sacred Kingfisher
Australian King Parrot
Satin Bowerbird
Wonga Pigeon
Crested Shrike-tit
Eastern Whipbird
Grey Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
South Lady Carrington Drive and Forest Path Walk
The Forest Path is a smaller circular loop and can be completed at the entrance to Lady Carrington Drive from the South end. You can choose to complete the Forest Path walk taking roughly 1hr and then turning onto Lady Carrington Drive or go straight on Lady Carrington Drive.
Notable Species
Topknot Pigeon
Green Catbird
Lewin's Honeyeater
Bell Miner
Rufous Fantail
Black-faced Monarch
Superb Lyrebird
Night Species (Southern Boobook, Australian Owlet Nightjar, Powerful Owl)
Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
The Wattamolla to Eagle Rock trail is a captivating coastal hike in the Royal National Park, offering a blend of dramatic landscapes and serene natural beauty. The 7.4km return journey begins at the Wattamolla picnic area, winding through lush heathlands and along rugged sea cliffs.
Highlights include the Providential Point Lookout, which provides panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, and Curracurrang Cove, a tranquil spot where the gully meets the sea, perfect for a refreshing swim or picnic.
The trail culminates at the iconic Eagle Rock, a striking formation resembling an eagle's beak, and the nearby Curracurrong Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the world that cascades directly into the ocean.
Key Locations
Coastal Heath Section
The coastal heathland sections of the trail are excellent areas to spot heathland specialists like Beautiful Firetail and Southern Emu-wren.
Notable Species
Beautiful Firetail
Pilotbird
White-browed Woodswallow
Eastern Yellow Robin
Brown Quail
Southern Emu-wren
Other Species
New Holland Honeyeater
Black-faced Cuckooshrike
Red Wattlebird
Eastern Spinebill
Mount Bass Firetrail
The Mount Bass Firetrail in Royal National Park leads you through diverse terrain, including fire trails and bush tracks, culminating at the picturesque Winifred Falls. The trail is known for its remote feel and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of the park.
Key Locations
Heathland Sections
The open heathland sections of the trail provide excellent habitat for honeyeaters and fairywrens. These areas are particularly active with birds in the early morning and late afternoon.
Notable Species
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Eastern Whipbird
Pheasant Coucal
Brown Quail
Variegated Fairywren
Other Species
Little Wattlebird
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
White-throated Needletail (summer)
Maianbar Reserve
Maianbar Reserve is a serene coastal spot nestled within the north of Royal National Park, offering a peaceful retreat with sandy beaches, shallow waterholes, and scenic bushwalking trails. This tranquil area is an excellent location for spotting wading birds during low tide, when expansive mudflats are exposed along the shoreline.
Key Locations
Tidal Flats
The extensive tidal flats exposed during low tide provide crucial feeding grounds for a variety of wading birds. Visit during the falling tide for the best opportunity to observe foraging shorebirds.
Notable Species
Eastern Curlew
Bar-tailed Godwit
Striated Heron
Pied Oystercatcher
Greater Crested Tern
Great Egret
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Other Species
Silver Gull
Australian Pelican
Little Pied Cormorant
Black Swan
Sacred Kingfisher
Mangrove Boardwalk
The mangrove areas provide shelter for many bird species, particularly at high tide when wading birds are pushed up from the shoreline. The boardwalk offers excellent viewing opportunities without disturbing these sensitive habitats.
Birding Tips
Royal National Park offers diverse birding opportunities throughout the year. For best results, arrive early in the morning when birds are most active. During summer months, look skyward in open areas to spot migratory White-throated Needletails hunting insects above the forest canopy.
The Bell Miners have a distinctive 'ping' call that dominates some areas of the park. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos are often heard before they're seen with their distinctive 'wee-la' calls as they move through the canopy. The Eastern Whipbird's characteristic whip-crack call is a common sound in the understory of the park's rainforest sections.
For coastal areas like Maianbar Reserve, consult tide charts before your visit. Low tide exposes mudflats where wading birds feed, making it the optimal time for shorebird observation. Bring a spotting scope if you have one, as many birds may be at some distance across the flats.
Access Information
Royal National Park has multiple entry points. Lady Carrington Drive can be accessed from Audley, while the Mount Bass Firetrail can be accessed from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Maianbar Reserve is accessible via Maianbar Road through Maianbar township. Park entrance fees apply for most areas, and it's advisable to check with National Parks regarding any track closures, especially after periods of heavy rain.
Dharug National Park
Dharug National Park Northwest of Sydney near Wisemans Ferry and North of the Hawkesbury river features vast bushland on the Central Coast. The park contains various habitats including heathlands, swamp, woodlands, eucalypt forest and sections of Rainforest.
Key Locations
11km Walking Track/Mill Creek
The 11km walking track is a steep walk through a mountain ridge filled with lush plant life. While it is called the 11km walking track it is closer to 8km. Keep an eye out for lace monitors and enjoy a variety of birdlife on this trail ideal a bit more of a challenging walk for keen hikers.
Notable Species
Spotted Quail-thrush
White-throated Treecreeper
Wonga Pigeon
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Rockwarbler
Satin Bowerbird
Other Species
Lewins Honeyeater
Brown Thornbill
Superb Lyrebird
Rose Robin
Red-browed Finch
Spotted Pardalote
Grass Tree Circuit Walk
This shorter 2km circuit walk offers an accessible alternative for those seeking a less strenuous birding experience. The trail winds through a stunning landscape dominated by ancient grass trees and features sections of both open woodland and dense rainforest patches, creating diverse habitats for a wide range of bird species.
Notable Species
Superb Lyrebird
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Pilotbird
Satin Bowerbird
Green Catbird
Wonga Pigeon
Other Species
Brown Cuckoo-shrike
Brush Cuckoo
Cicadabird
Leaden Flycatcher
White-throated Treecreeper
Birding Tips
Dharug National Park is particularly productive for birding in the early morning hours. The Gang-gang Cockatoo is often heard before it's seen, with its distinctive creaking call that sounds like a cork being pulled from a bottle.
Pilotbirds are secretive and stick to dense undergrowth, so listen for their loud, musical calls and watch for movement in the leaf litter. The Cicadabird and Brush Cuckoo are seasonal visitors during the warmer months and are more easily detected by their calls than by sight.
Cumberland State Forest
Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills is Australia's only metropolitan state forest and a hidden gem for Sydney birders. Despite covering just 40 hectares, this small forest patch supports remarkable bird diversity with over 100 species recorded. The forest contains both native bushland and exotic planted areas, creating a mosaic of habitats from rainforest gullies to dry eucalypt forest.
As an island of mature forest surrounded by suburbia, Cumberland acts as an important refuge for forest birds in Sydney's northwest. The forest is particularly notable for its population of resident Powerful Owls, while the rainforest gullies host birds typically found in more remote wilderness areas.
Key Locations
Palm Gully Circuit
A 500m loop track that takes you through a pocket of warm temperate rainforest with magnificent Sydney blue gums, blackbutts and coachwoods. The sheltered gully with its palms and ferns creates perfect habitat for a variety of forest birds.
Notable Species
Superb Lyrebird
Eastern Whipbird
Green Catbird
Satin Bowerbird
Black-faced Monarch (summer)
White-throated Treecreeper
Other Species
Eastern Yellow Robin
Golden Whistler
Brown Gerygone
White-browed Scrubwren
Brown Thornbill
Lewin's Honeyeater
Sensory Trail
An accessible 350m trail with braille signage that winds through dry sclerophyll forest. The open understory and flowering eucalypts attract many nectar-feeding birds, particularly when trees are in bloom.
Notable Species
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Eastern Spinebill
Scarlet Honeyeater
Variegated Fairy-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Olive-backed Oriole
Other Species
Rainbow Lorikeet
Crimson Rosella
Eastern Rosella
Laughing Kookaburra
White-throated Treecreeper
Grey Fantail
Forestry Trail and Arboretum
The Forestry Trail is a 3.5km loop that leads through diverse native and exotic tree plantings of the arboretum. This mix of vegetation creates varied habitats that support different bird communities from those found in purely native forest.
Notable Species
Powerful Owl (roosting)
Channel-billed Cuckoo (summer)
Cicadabird (summer)
Rufous Fantail (summer)
Crested Shrike-tit
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Other Species
Australian King-Parrot
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Red-browed Finch
Pied Currawong
Noisy Friarbird
Birding Tips
Cumberland State Forest is best visited early in the morning before visitor numbers increase. Spring and early summer provide excellent birding when resident birds are breeding and migratory species are present. The forest is also worth visiting in winter when it hosts altitudinal migrants like the Rose Robin and Gang-gang Cockatoo.
Look for Powerful Owls in large eucalypts with dense foliage, particularly around the Forestry Trail. These impressive birds often roost in the same general area for extended periods. Listen for the distinctive 'woo-hoo' call at dawn and dusk.
For rainforest species, focus your efforts in Palm Gully where the microclimate supports birds like Green Catbird and Superb Lyrebird. The lyrebirds are more frequently heard than seen, with their impressive mimicry most active during the winter breeding season.
Access Information
Cumberland State Forest is located at 95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills. The forest is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily (closed on Christmas Day). Free parking is available on-site, and the forest can also be reached by bus (route M60) from Castle Hill or Parramatta stations.
All trails are well-marked and relatively easy, though some sections can be steep and slippery after rain. The Visitor Centre provides maps and information, and there are picnic facilities and a café on-site. Remember to bring insect repellent, particularly in summer, as leeches can be present in the moister areas of the forest.
Centennial Park
Located just minutes from Sydney's CBD, Centennial Park is a 189-hectare urban oasis that offers surprising diversity for birders. With its mix of formal gardens, open grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, the park provides habitat for over 140 bird species throughout the year.
Established in 1888, the park features interconnected ponds and lakes that attract numerous waterbirds, while the mature trees and gardens support many bush birds. This accessibility makes Centennial Park ideal for beginner birders and those looking for a quick birding fix without leaving the city.
Key Locations
Duck Pond and Main Lake
The largest body of water in the park, providing habitat for numerous waterbirds. The surrounding vegetation supports many passerines and the area is easily accessible via walking paths.
Notable Species
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Dusky Moorhen
Purple Swamphen
Australasian Grebe
Australian White Ibis
Royal Spoonbill
Other Species
Eurasian Coot
Little Pied Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Australian Pelican
White-faced Heron
Grey Butcherbird
Lachlan Swamp
A freshwater wetland area surrounded by paperbarks and other swamp vegetation. This area offers different habitat to the more open ponds and attracts many bush birds and waders.
Notable Species
Superb Fairy-wren
White-browed Scrubwren
Little Egret
Nankeen Night Heron
Sacred Kingfisher
Red-browed Finch
Other Species
Brown Thornbill
New Holland Honeyeater
Little Wattlebird
Silvereye
Tawny Frogmouth
Eastern Plantations
The mature fig trees and pines in the eastern section of the park provide important roosting and nesting sites for many bird species, including raptors and nocturnal birds.
Notable Species
Rainbow Lorikeet
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Powerful Owl (occasional)
Australian Hobby
Laughing Kookaburra
Other Species
Pied Currawong
Australian Magpie
Noisy Miner
Eastern Rosella
Australian Raven
Crested Pigeon
Birding Tips
Centennial Park is highly accessible and can be birded year-round. Early mornings offer the best birding experiences, especially during spring and summer when migratory species arrive and resident birds are breeding. The park can get busy, particularly on weekends, so weekday visits may provide more peaceful birding.
Look for Tawny Frogmouths roosting in the mature pine and fig trees throughout the park – they're well-camouflaged but regularly seen with careful observation. After periods of heavy rain, temporary wetland areas can form, attracting additional wading birds.
The Bird Sanctuary near Lachlan Swamp is sometimes closed to the public but offers excellent viewing from its perimeter. Nankeen Night Herons are often visible in the paperbark trees during the day if you scan carefully.
Access Information
Centennial Park is easily accessible via public transport, with regular buses stopping along the perimeter. Limited parking is available within the park (paid), with entry gates at Oxford Street, Darley Road, and Alison Road. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily.
The Grand Drive circuit (3.8km) provides a good starting point for exploring the park, with well-maintained paths connecting all major birding spots. Bicycle hire is available if you wish to cover more ground quickly, though walking allows for better birding opportunities.
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