We offer birdwatching and nature tours that showcase Broome’s diverse habitats. Marvel at mangroves and 10-metre tides, watch thousands of shorebirds on red sandy beaches, explore the ephemeral wonder of freshwater wetlands, and enjoy a Western Australian sunset over vast empty plains.
With over 330 bird species recorded around Broome, we’re sure to add something new to your list. If you’re new to birdwatching, our tours are a great way just to get out and appreciate nature.
The availability and timing of our tours depends on the tides, and accessibility during and after the wet season.
Bookings are essential. A minimum of two participants are required for our tours to go ahead (with the exception of custom-designed tours).
Shorebirds Tour
This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species.
Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds.
Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent. Bookings essential.
$70 per person. Morning tours include a morning tea.
Mangrove Tour
Explore the fantastic diversity unique to mangrove ecosystems. We begin at the end of Crab Creek Road, where the pindan meets the plain and the extensive mangrove system of eastern Roebuck Bay begins. On this 2.5-hour tour you will spend time deep among the mangroves, searching for special birds restricted to this habitat like White-breasted Whistler, Dusky Gerygone and Mangrove Fantail. Emerging on the far side of the mangroves provides good views of the abundant birdlife feeding on the mudflats. A variety of other fascinating creatures are likely to be encountered.
This tour involves roughly 1 km of walking on sand and mud. Participants must be stable on their feet. Tour timing is tide dependent. Booking essential
$70 per person. Morning tours include a morning tea. Mud boots provided.
Bush and Plains Tour
Experience the magic of Roebuck Plains at sunset as we seek out Yellow Chat, Brolga, birds of prey and Northern Nail-tail Wallaby. The grasslands of Roebuck Plains Station are home to a variety of birds, and as the year progresses this tour showcases an ever-changing set of species. Soon after the wet season, freshwater wetlands attract a range of waterbirds. As the plains dry, waterbirds leave, but the grasslands and salt flats become more accessible, revealing other species. Always excellent for raptors, wide open space and stunning sunsets, the Bush and Plains Tour is an excellent choice for nature lovers who want to see this enchanting landscape.
We almost always look for Yellow Chats during this tour. If you are keen to see this species and cannot make this afternoon tour, please see our Yellow Chat Twitch below.
No walking required. Bush and Plains tours are conducted on scheduled afternoons at 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM depending on the time of year, and return after sundown. Bookings essential.
$70 per person.
Lakes Tour
This tour is a full-day discovery of the various birds and habitats of Roebuck Plains Station. Our focus is several freshwater wetlands, but travelling between the lakes you will also explore the open plains and bush of the area. Birds observed on and around the lakes include a variety of ducks, ibis, grebes, and freshwater shorebirds. The lakes and plains also support an excellent diversity of birds of prey, and it is not unusual to see a dozen raptor species in the day. In addition, large numbers of Brolgas and Australian Pratincoles are often seen. If you are looking for a very full and productive birding day, this is the tour for you.
The Lakes Tour leaves early and returns in the mid-afternoon. Subject to accessibility. Amount of walking varies with seasonal conditions. Bookings essential.
$150 per person including morning tea. Bring your own lunch.
Yellow Chat Twitch
Roebuck Plains is the most accessible and reliable place in the world to find Yellow Chat, one of Australia’s least-known endemic birds. Therefore, one of the best ways to see this species is on a BBO Yellow Chat Twitch! Many Australian birdwatchers have never had the pleasure of watching flocks of this highly specialised and beautiful species bounce through desolate samphire flats. Yellow Chat is one of the “must see” birds of the Broome region, and you should not miss what is likely your best opportunity to see this hard-to-find species.
By request only. A minimum of two guests required.
Little walking required (Unless it's the wet season! Then we'll be wading through the fields!)
From $70 per person. Morning tours include a morning tea.
Custom Tours
Are there any particular birds or animals that you are hoping to see? Any particular habitats you would like to visit? We can always design a tour to suit special requests, so give us a call or an email with your requirements and we’ll see what we can do.
Our guides know the best places to find the wildlife of our area and are happy to suggest an itinerary.
Prices vary subject to tour content and duration.
