The Walpole Wilderness in Western Australia is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its diverse ecosystems—ranging from dense karri and tingle forests to coastal wetlands and rivers—the region offers numerous habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting, Walpole provides plenty of opportunities to spot both common and rare birds. Here's your guide to the top birdwatching spots in Walpole and the species you can expect to encounter.
1. Walpole-Nornalup Inlet
The Walpole-Nornalup Inlet is a vast estuarine system that’s a haven for waterbirds and migratory species. Surrounded by forested hills and marshlands, this spot is ideal for spotting birds along the water’s edge or in the surrounding bushland. The mudflats, shallows, and sandbanks of the inlet provide feeding grounds for a variety of shorebirds and waders.
Birds to Look For:
- Australian Pelican: Large, graceful birds often seen soaring over the inlet or resting on sandbanks.
- Eastern Osprey: Frequently spotted hunting for fish in the waters of the inlet.
- Pied Oystercatcher: Look for their distinctive black-and-white plumage and bright orange bills along the shorelines.
- Great Egret: Often seen wading in the shallows in search of fish.
Tip: Visit the inlet at low tide for the best chance of spotting waders and shorebirds feeding on the exposed mudflats.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Coalmine Beach
Located on the northern shores of Nornalup Inlet, Coalmine Beach offers stunning views and great bird watching opportunities. The tranquil waters of the inlet are a popular habitat for waterbirds, while the nearby coastal bushland attracts a variety of smaller bird species. The beach area is also home to several walking trails, allowing birdwatchers to explore different habitats.
Birds to Look For:
- Black Swan: Often seen gliding gracefully across the inlet’s calm waters.
- Red-winged Fairywren: These small, brightly coloured birds can be found flitting through the low shrubs around the beach.
- Pacific Black Duck: A common sight along the inlet’s edge, foraging in the shallow waters.
- New Holland Honeyeater: These nectar-feeding birds are often spotted in the flowering bushes along the walking trails.
Tip: Bring binoculars for spotting the more elusive species in the surrounding bushland. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for bird watching at Coalmine Beach.
3. Mount Frankland National Park
For those looking to combine birdwatching with a hike, Mount Frankland National Park is an excellent destination. The park is home to the karri and tingle forests, where you can spot birds both in the treetops and along the forest floor. The summit of Mount Frankland offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, and the birdlife is abundant in this pristine environment.
Birds to Look For:
- Western Rosella: These colourful parrots are often seen in the canopy of the tall forests.
- Scarlet Robin: Look for their distinctive red breasts as they perch on low branches in the forest.
- Splendid Fairywren: Bright blue males are a stunning sight among the dense undergrowth.
- White-breasted Robin: Another forest species often found hopping along the ground searching for insects.
Tip: The Fire Lookout Tower at the summit of Mount Frankland offers a great vantage point for spotting birds from above the forest canopy.
4. Giant Tingle Tree
The Giant Tingle Tree, located just outside the town of Walpole, is one of the largest eucalypt trees in the world. This impressive site is not only a great destination for admiring the ancient trees but also for birdwatching. The surrounding tingle and karri forest is rich in birdlife, and the Tingle Tree walk provides a scenic route for spotting forest-dwelling species.
Birds to Look For:
- Red-capped Parrot: These colourful parrots are often seen feeding on seeds in the upper canopy.
- Western Spinebill: A small, nectar-feeding bird that flits around flowering trees.
- Grey Fantail: Look for their energetic movements as they dart through the trees, catching insects in flight.
- Western Thornbill: A small, fast-moving bird often seen foraging in the foliage.
Tip: Walk quietly through the forest and pause regularly to listen for bird calls, which will help you locate hidden species.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Swarbrick Art Loop
The Swarbrick Art Loop is a combination of nature, art, and birdwatching. The short 1-kilometre loop winds through the karri forest and features outdoor sculptures that blend with the natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching, with the opportunity to spot a variety of forest birds.
Birds to Look For:
- Golden Whistler: Listen for their beautiful, melodic calls as they move through the trees.
- Western Gerygone: A small, active bird often found in pairs or small groups in the canopy.
- Rufous Treecreeper: Often seen climbing up the trunks of trees in search of insects.
- Crested Shrike-tit: A striking bird that can be seen tearing bark off trees to find insects.
Tip: Bring a field guide to help identify some of the smaller, more elusive species in the dense forest.
6. Mandalay Beach
For a coastal birdwatching experience, head to Mandalay Beach, located just west of Walpole. This pristine beach offers dramatic views of the Southern Ocean, and the surrounding coastal dunes and heathlands are home to a variety of bird species. The area is also a great place to spot seabirds and shorebirds.
Birds to Look For:
- Crested Tern: Commonly seen flying over the ocean or resting on the beach.
- Pacific Gull: A large, imposing gull often spotted near the shoreline.
- White-bellied Sea Eagle: These majestic birds of prey are sometimes seen soaring over the ocean, hunting for fish.
- Sooty Oystercatcher: Easily identified by their black plumage and bright red bills, often seen on the rocks near the beach.
Tip: Visit during low tide to explore the rock pools and spot shorebirds feeding along the water’s edge.
Image © Greg Snell
7. Circular Pool
Situated on the Frankland River, Circular Pool is a picturesque spot for birdwatching, especially if you enjoy spotting waterbirds. The pool is surrounded by forested hills, and the tranquil setting attracts a variety of birds that thrive in riparian environments. The walking trails around the pool also offer opportunities to see forest birds.
Birds to Look For:
- Purple Swamphen: Often seen near the water’s edge, foraging among the reeds.
- Azure Kingfisher: Look for flashes of bright blue as they fly low over the water in search of fish.
- Laughing Kookaburra: Often heard before they are seen, their distinctive calls echo through the forest.
- Grey Shrike-thrush: Known for their varied, melodious calls, these birds are often spotted in the trees around the pool.
Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best chance of seeing birds near the water, as this is when they are most active.
Final Thoughts
The Walpole Wilderness is home to an incredible diversity of birdlife, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers of all levels. From the towering karri and tingle forests to the serene inlets and coastal landscapes, the region offers a wide variety of habitats that attract both resident and migratory species. Whether you're exploring the forest trails or relaxing by the water, you're sure to encounter some of Western Australia’s most beautiful and unique birds. So grab your binoculars, pack a field guide, and enjoy the vibrant birdlife that the Walpole area has to offer.