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Innamincka Regional Reserve and the coongie lakes |
Bird Watching in South Australia
Northern South Australia
The northern regions of the state are truly representative of Australia's outback. Jagged peaks, woodlands and tree-lined creek beds make up one of the country's most spectacular national parks in the Flinders Ranges. The Gammon Ranges further north are red and rugged, but full of wildlife. Some of Australia's most elusive and fascinating bird species can be found in the remote desert regions. The vast northern areas of South Australia are stunningly beautiful, enormously peaceful and full of amazing birds.
The Flinders Ranges are about a 6 hour drive north of Adelaide. There are well-maintained camping areas throughout the region, and accommodation can be readily found. The rocky creek beds are lined with stately river red gums, while much of the area is covered in lightly wooded forests. The Gammon Ranges offer a much different experience. The rich colours of these northern peaks are unforgettable. There is such a diversity of habitat, that exploring these two regions for birds is very rewarding. The best time to visit is spring, when wildflowers are in bloom and the temperatures are mild
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Emu |
Collared Sparrowhawk |
Wedge-tailed Eagle |
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Banded Lapwing |
Black-fronted Plover |
Inland Dotterel |
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Peaceful Dove |
Mallee Ringneck |
Mulga Parrot |
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Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo |
Red-backed Kingfisher |
White-backed Swallow |
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White-winged Triller |
Chirruping Wedgebill |
Brown Songlark |
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White-winged Fairy-wren |
Variegated Fairy-wren |
Redthroat |
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Grey-fronted Honeyeater |
White-fronted Honeyeater |
Yellow-throated Miner |
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Red-capped Robin |
Rufous Whistler |
Grey Shrike-thrush |
Innamincka Regional Reserve and the Coongie Lakes
Innamincka Regional Reserve is located in far north east South Australia, around the township of Innamincka and the oasis of the Cooper Creek. The birds flock to this oasis in the desert and you will see some wonderful bird life.
Waterbirds abound in the creek, and the surrounding dry country can provide some surprise sightings. Please visit the feature story on the Coongie Lakes for more information.You will need to obtain a Desert Parks Pass in order to camp anywhere within the reserve.
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Emu |
Hoary-headed Grebe |
Australasian Grebe |
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Pelicans galore |
Darter |
Cormorants... |
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Egrets... |
Herons... |
Ibis... |
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Spoonbills... |
Square-tailed Kite |
Black-breasted Buzzard |
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Brown Goshawk |
Collared Sparrowhawk |
Little Eagle |
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Black-tailed Native-hen |
Brolga |
Australian Pratincole |
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Diamond Dove |
Cockatiel |
Budgerigar |
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Blue Bonnet |
Red-backed Kingfisher |
Rainbow Bee-eater |
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Cinnamon Quail-thrush |
White-winged Fairy-wren |
Southern Whiteface |
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Brown Treecreeper |
Crimson Chat |
Gibberbird |
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Red-browed Pardalote |
Zebra Finch |
Woodswallows... |
Marree to Lake Eyre National Park
The enormous expanse of Lake Eyre is normally a huge salt lake…. the largest in Australia. The dry salty plains and its associated flora are home to some unique bird species. When the lake is in flood, a scenic flight is an unforgettable experience. The waters provide breeding conditions for pelicans, and many other waterbirds. There are two accessible tracks in to Lake Eyre, but both are recommended for 4WD vehicles. One is just north from Marree and the other heads east from William Creek.
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Black-shouldered Kite |
Letter-winged Kite |
Black Kite |
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Whistling Kite |
Brown Falcon |
Black-fronted Plover |
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Inland Dotterel |
Australian Pratincole |
Gull-billed Tern |
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Diamond Dove |
Blue Bonnet |
Budgerigar |
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Bourke’s Parrot |
White-backed Swallow |
Crimson Chat |
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Orange Chat |
White-breasted Woodswallow |
White-winged Fairy-wren |
The Gawler Ranges are situated across a large area north of Eyre Peninsula. Few tourists are aware of the beauty to be found in this area, and the bird watching gives a taste of the wonderful species which can be found further north. Although most roads in the ranges area are gravel, they are good roads and access to the region is easy. The Gawler Ranges National Park is worth a look, as are Pinkawillinie Conservation Park and the Lake Gairdner region.
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Googs Track travels through diverse arid environments and is an extremely rewarding birding experience. There are regions of mallee, spinifex grass, salt lakes and arid scrub. The birds listed below were seen along the track during a trip in July 2003. Please visit the Goog's Track Feature Story for more information. |
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Wedge-tailed Eagle |
Brown Falcon |
Port Lincoln Parrot |
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Red-rumped Parrot |
Blue Bonnet |
Southern Scrub-robin |
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Red-capped Robin |
Jacky Winter |
White-winged Wren |
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Splendid Wren |
Shy Hylacola |
Southern Whiteface |
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Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater |
Yellow-throated Miner |
Brown-headed Honeyeater |
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White-fronted Honeyeater |
Mistletoebird |
Zebra Finch |
We travelled across the Simpson Desert in July 2004. If you wish to find out about where we went and see some photographs please go to: Simpson Desert Feature
If you would just like some information about the birds of this region please go to: Simpson Birds . Here you will find a shortened list of birds sighted and a number of favourite bird watching locations for the trip.
