INDEX
INDEX
South Australia contains a variety of landscapes ranging from
the dry red interior deserts to the lush and green Mt Lofty Ranges. Wetlands
and mangroves around Adelaide and estuaries in the Coorong, floodplains along
the Murray River and vast expanses of mallee provide habitat to many
interesting bird species, some of which are only found in this state. Over 430
species have been recorded here, and vagrants turn up regularly. Due to the
small human population (1.5 million), large size (three times the size of
Texas), and distance from the more populated centres in the eastern states,
birding is generally low-key. Over recent years however an increasing number of
Australian and international visitors have discovered the birding secrets South
Australia has to offer.
This document aims to provide visitors to South Australia
with information on where to find the key species of interest in the State. It
lists an exhaustive number of sites for good birding. I have also added some
sites for the Vic-NSW-SA border area (last section).
For those just wanting to focus on South Australia’s
specialties, a small number of quality birding sites have been selected. These
sites, marked with 
, are:
Penrice Saltfields
Murray Mouth
Tolderol Reserve
Deep Creek CP
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve
Flinders Ranges NP
Strzelecki Track
Kangaroo Island
The document is regularly updated. Latest revision was January,
2006.
The international airport is
only 15 mins drive from the Adelaide CBD. The Princes Freeway provides access
to and from the east (Coorong and Victoria), the Sturt Highway to the
north-east (Riverland and NSW), and Pt Wakefield Rd to the north and west (NT
and WA). Visit
http://www.southaustralia.com/transport.asp
The region is geared for tourism, with a full range of accommodation
– luxury hotels, lodges, B&B’s, caravan parks, backpacker hostels,
campgrounds etc. Tourism is spread throughout the year and tends to focus on
regional food, wine and natural attractions.
A first point of call on the web is http://www.southaustralia.com/accommodation.asp
The climate varies significantly
in space and time. Most of the southern coastal strip up to 100 km inland has a
Mediterranean climate with winters that are characterised by high rainfall and
daytime temperatures between 10-18ºC. Even in winter night time temperatures
rarely drop below freezing. In mid-summer, daytime temperatures usually range
between 30-40ºC depending on how far away from the coast you are. The outlying
semi-arid areas (eg Riverland, Mallee) are hotter and dryer, with small, more
frequent amounts of rainfall during and hot summers with occasional summer
storms. In winter, nights often drop to a few degrees below freezing and days
can be gloomy yet dry, or glorious and sunny. In mid-summer, daytime
temperatures usually range between 35-40ºC, and sometimes exceed that range.
Desert conditions prevail in the central and northern outback with freezing
nights and glorious sunny and mild days during the winter, to extreme heat
(over 40ºC for weeks on end, and peaks of over 45ºC are not unusual) in summer.
Weather information can be found on http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa
Click
here for locations of recent sightings of some of the key species
The Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis
is South Australia's only true endemic. It is confined to north-central and
north-east SA and can be found on the arid plains along the lower Strzelecki
track east of Lyndhurst. They feed inconspicuously on the ground and have a
soft trilling call. Unmistakable by its broad, rusty breastband, it hops on the
ground in small flocks and mixes with other Whiteface species. Two sites where
it is regularly found are Mt Lyndhurst, north of the Flinders Ranges, and a
spot along the Stuart Highway south of Coober Pedy. Details can be found
in sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.4
The Short-tailed Grasswren Amytornis merrotsyi is a recent
split from the Striated Grasswren. The best areas to look for them are in the
Flinders Ranges, such as is around Willow Springs, Stokes Hill Lookout, and the
track into the Appealinna ruins. Details can be found in section 5.2.1.
Until recently, the Black-eared Miner Manorina melanotis was
another SA endemic - after it had become extinct in Victoria. However, a
successful recovery program means the species is yet again present in the
Victorian Mallee-Sunset National Park. The best place to find them however remains
Birds Australia Gluepot
Reserve, 64 km N of Waikerie, SA. Details can be found in sections 3.1.6.
Significant subspecies found in South Australia are:
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo – isolated race graptogyne
in the south-east – section 9;
Glossy Black Cockatoo race halmatorinus on Kangaroo
Island – section 7.1.2;
Adelaide Rosella (adelaideae, a race of the Crimson
Rosella), around Adelaide – sections 2.3 and 2.4;
Southern Emu-wren – race intermedius on the Fleurieu
Peninsula – sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.3;
White-browed Scrubwren – races rosina (faintly
spotted), maculatus (spotted) and intergrades – sections 2.1.1, 2.2.3, 2.3.5, 2.4.2, 6.1.3
Slender-billed Thornbill – races iradelei (West of
Spencer Gulf) – section 6.3.2, rosinae
(Gulf of St Vincent) – sections 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, hedleyi (south-east) – section 2.3.2
Grey Currawong – race melanoptera in the mallee,
and intermedia on Yorke and Eyre Pensinsulas
Spotted Quail-thrush – race anachoreta (likely
extinct)
Western Whipbird – race leucogaster (proposed as
split: Mallee Whipbird) – sections 3.3.2,
3.3.3, 4.1.2, 6.1.2,
7.0
Adelaide is a pleasant, reasonably quiet city famous for its festivals, parks, architecture and
restaurants. With a population of just over 1 million it is small enough to not
have that “big-city” feel about it yet it has all the necessary facilities. The
international airport is only 15 mins drive from the CBD. The Princes Freeway
provides access to and from the east (Coorong and Victoria), the Sturt Highway
to the north-east (Riverland and NSW), and Pt Wakefield Rd to the north and
west. Adelaide has cool, wet winters (June-August) and hot, dry summers
(December-March).
Adelaide Tourism: http://adelaide.southaustralia.com/home.asp
Department of Environment & Heritage – Botanic
Gardens: http://www.deh.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/index.html
Key species: White-browed Scrubwren (ssp maculatus, “Spotted
Scrubwren”), Purple-crowned and Musk Lorikeet, Eastern Spinebill, Long-billed Corella
The Adelaide Botanic Garden is an historic garden with
both native and exotic plant collections including palms, cycads, bromeliads
and many spectacular mature trees and shrubs. The adjacent Botanic Park is a
glorious 34 hectare green oasis within easy walking distance of the Adelaide
CBD. It is flanked on the Botanic Garden side by a stately avenue of Plane
trees which were planted in 1874, and on the northern side by the River Torrens
and the Adelaide Zoo. Century old Moreton Bay Fig trees from Queensland with
their huge trunks and gnarled buttress roots add to the special quality of
Botanic Park.
Directions: the main entrance is at the eastern end of
North Terrace in central Adelaide.
Click here for more info and a
map
The parklands surround the Adelaide CBD. Long-billed
Corella has established itself here, and a flock of 100s can sometimes be seen
in the Parklands. Eastern Rosella has been introduced to SA and can also be
seen here.
Key species: Fairy Tern, Little Tern
The Torrens
River Outflow at Henley Beach is worth checking for Fairy Tern and Little Tern.
There are a number of good
wetlands and coastal areas in the direct vicinity of Adelaide. The
entire region is outstanding for birds and some notable rarities have turned up
including Little Curlew, Redshank, Little and Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed
Sandpiper, Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope and Hudsonian Godwit. Obviously such
species are not everyday occurrences, but wader-watchers will find thorough
exploration here rewarding.
Key species: Hoary-headed Grebe,
Australian Pelican, cormorants, Black-faced Shag, herons, Great
and Little Egret, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australian Shelduck, Grey
Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Silver and Pacific Gull, Caspian,
Crested and Fairy Tern, Pied and Sooty Oystercatcher, Red-capped Plover, Black-winged
Stilt, Pacific Golden Plover, Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Common, Marsh,
Sharp-tailed and Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank, Red-necked Stint, Elegant
Parrot, Rock Parrot.
The muddy banks of the river and adjacent area support
fair numbers of waders. Black-faced Shags breed on the Outer Harbour breakwater
and Mutton Cove is worth checking for Rock Parrot in summer-autumn.
Directions: Outer Harbour lies about 18 km north-west of
the city centre via Port Road. From Port Adelaide take Victoria Road, turn off
at Pelican Point and follow the unsealed track alongside Port River. NOTE:
Due to roadworks and new industrial construction this area is currently
inaccessible.
Key species: shorebirds and rarities. White-bellied
Sea-eagle, Banded Stilt, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper,
Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Pacific Golden and Grey Plover, Slender-billed
Thornbill, Red and Great Knot, White-winged Fairy-wren, Rock
Parrot. (Broad-billed Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint,
Red-Necked Phalarope, Hudsonian Godwit have been recorded).
The Penrice Saltfields is excellent for waders and
rarities often turn up here. Access is restricted and is easiest by contacting Birds SA
or joining one of their regular outings. The samphire marshes and associated
low shrubby vegetation are worth checking for Rock Parrot, White-winged
Fairy-wren and Slender-billed Thornbill.
Directions: Leave Adelaide heading north on Pt Wakefield
Road. At the sign to the St Kilda Mangroves (in the median strip) turn left.
Follow the road for a few kilometres. There will be a curve to the left,
followed by a curve to the right. Immediately after this last curve turn right
onto a dirt track. After a few 100 meters at a T-junction turn left. This
leads to the gate.
Click here for the species lists of Penrice and
Greenfields.
Key species: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Banded Stilt, Greenshank, Slender-billed
Thornbill, Golden Whistler, White-browed Scrubwren (ssp maculatus, “Spotted Scrubwren”), Elegant Parrot.
Close to the Penrice Saltfields is the St Kilda Mangrove
area with boardwalk. The 1.7 km boardwalk meanders through the mysterious tidal
world of mangrove forest and offers excellent views of this remnant mangrove
all the way to the seaboard. More than 200 species have been recorded in the
coastal wetlands of the larger Barker Inlet area. Mangrove crabs can be seen at
low tide, and Golden Whistler and White-browed Scrubwren are common here.
The tidal flats at St Kilda are good for waders,
especially the area directly behind the kids adventure playground. A
re-constructed “pirate ship” can act as a convenient birdhide.
Directions: Leave Adelaide heading north on Pt Wakefield
Road. At the sign to the St Kilda Mangroves turn left. Follow the signs to the
mangrove boardwalk and the adventure park.
See above for map.
Key species: Greater and Lesser Sand-plover,
Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Rock Parrot, Elegant Parrot, Slender-billed
Thornbill, Fairy Tern and Blue Bonnet, White-winged
Fairy-wren.
All three areas are coastal reserves where waders roost at
high tide, and low tide reveals vast mudflats. All three are bound by dunes
with low shrubby vegetation, well-protected at Thompson Beach, but fairly
degraded due to rubbish dumping and off-road trail bike and 4WD driving at the
other two sites. All areas are relatively small and worth checking. Port Gawler
also contains mangroves and samphire flats where Slender-billed Thornbill
occurs. Elegant, Blue-winged and Rock Parrots are frequently seen at Port
Gawler and Port Prime (check the dunes). Blue Bonnet occurs in the dunes of
Thompson Beach. Take care to properly identify the Neophema parrots -
check the ID
section . There are often Elegant Parrots around while Rock &
Blue-winged Parrots are a lot rarer. Slender-billed Thornbills are found at
Port Gawler in the samphire on the right of the track to the mangroves past the
dunes. Thompson Beach often has good wader roosts in summer with Lesser
Sand-plover and Fairy Tern. White-winged Fairy-wren can be found perched atop
low bushes mainly in samphire-type habitat.
Directions:
Port Gawler: Head North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield
Road towards Port Wakefield. Port Gawler is a left turn 5 km north of Virginia.
Drive down the road making sure to explore the samphire flats before reaching
the mangroves and coast. Of particular interest is the area in between the two
tracks at the Y -junction (where right goes to a dedicated off-road trailbike
track, and ahead ends up in the mangroves), and the embankments and waterbodies
on the left (partly within off-limits Penrice). The mentioned birds can be
found here although the Parrots are mainly around in summer - autumn.
Port Prime: 34˚ 30’ 43S 138˚ 19’ 02E. Head
North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield Road then turn left between Lower Light
and Dublin. Drive right down to the coast and explore the samphire flats and
coastal dunes. Look for Stubble Quail and Blue Bonnet on the approach road and
you may encounter Fairy Tern.
Thompson Beach: Head North from Adelaide on Port Wakefield
Road. Approach Thompson's Beach along Ruskin Road either from Schutt Road out
of Dublin or via Thompson Road (off Port Wakefield Road approx 3 km south of
Dublin), turn right into Thompson's Beach Road then left into Ruskin Road.
Shorebird viewing is best on an early morning high tide at various locations
along the beach. Suitable spots include the area opposite each car park at
either end of Ruskin Road..
Key species: Australasian Bittern, Baillon's Crake, Long-toed Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, shorebirds etc.
The Greenfields Wetlands often have a surprise waiting for
the persistent birder, in summer for migratory waders, and in winter there is
always the chance to see a Bittern.
Directions: The wetlands are in the corner of Pt Wakefield
Road and the Salisbury Highway. Access is off the Salisbury Highway. The
wetlands are open during daylight hours. There are other wetlands nearby
along the Salisbury Highway and Magazine Road; they are also very worthy of a
thorough scan.
Key species: Shorebirds, Nankeen Night-heron, Baillon's
Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Freckled Duck, Latham’s Snipe, Australian Painted
Snipe
The Onkaparinga River near Old Noarlunga has an
interesting wetland complex. There are walking trails and a boardwalk. From the
carpark follow the walking trail to the left along the river. After a few 100
metres a small wooden bridge allows you to cross the creek. Continue on towards
the wetland, turn left, then right onto the boardwalk. The snipe are often in
the wet grassy areas. At the end if you walk even further another, bigger and
more open wetland appears. Check exposed mud near vegetation for rails
and crakes. The wetlands can often be dry in summer though. In the pines at Old
Market Square in Old Noarlunga is a colony of Nankeen Night-herons.
Directions: Follow Main South Road out of Adelaide heading
south. Access to the wetland is by turning off to Old Noarlunga, then taking
River Road to the north. After <= 2 km there is a carpark on the left on the
bank of the river.
The Fleurieu Peninsula is generally regarded as the area
south of Noarlunga, east towards Strathalbyn-Goolwa. Within a relatively
small area there is a high number of good birding sites including wetlands,
swamps, coastal reserves, native bushland and a sea-watching spot thrown in to
top it off.
Accommodation: There is plenty of accommodation ranging
from backpacker hostels and caravan parks, national park campgrounds to
upmarket resorts, hotels and boutique B&B’s. The websites under Contacts
provide a starting point.
Contacts:
Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism: http://www.fleurieupeninsula.com.au/
South Australian Tourism
Commission – Fleurieu Peninsula pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/entity.asp?entity_id=4321
Department of Environment &
Heritage – Fleurieu Parks: http://www.deh.sa.gov.au/parks/adelaide.html
Key Species: Painted
Button-quail, Elegant Parrot, Rufous Songlark, White-throated
Scrubwren, Mistletoebird, Yellow Thornbill, White-browed
Babbler, Rainbow Bee-eater, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, White-winged Triller,
Weebill, Red-browed Finch
Aldinga Scrub contains sections of coastal scrub and
bushland, which means a good variety of species can be seen here. It is
one of the last remaining areas of mallee near the Adelaide coastline. It
contains Painted Button-quail – look for the circular depressions in the leaf
litter.
Directions:
Take Main South Road, following the signs to Aldinga Beach
Road. Turn left along Dover Street, (a few roads back from the
foreshore), continuing along to the end where you will find a small car-park.
There is a well-marked walking track starting here. At certain times the
park has a large variety of honeyeaters, woodswallows and birds of prey.
See the map below. Aldinga Beach Rd is the white road
going east-west through the centre of the map, and Dover is the 3rd road
heading south.
Key species: Southern Emu-wren, Mt Lofty Ranges
ssp. (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius)
The wetland at Mount Compass is home to the rare Mount
Lofty Ranges (MLR) subspecies of the Southern Emu-wren. The dense swamp / heath
habitat provides plenty of cover for this shy bird. It is estimated that
approximately 500 MLR Southern Emu-wrens remain in about 20 local populations.
The birds are poor fliers and movement is generally by hopping and scrambling
through dense vegetation. Listen for their high-pitched call, which is even
higher than that of the Superb Fairy-wren. There is a boardwalk and small
interpretive centre here.
Cox Scrub is another good area for MLR Southern Emu-wrens,
particularly the patches of dry heath. Follow the walking trail from the car
park and listen out for them in suitable habitat.
Click here for more info about the MLR Southern
Emu-wren
Directions:
Mount Compass wetland: Mount Compass is located along the
Willunga – Victor Harbor Road. Take Main South Road or the Southern Expressway
out of Adelaide heading south, and follow the signs to Victor Harbour. The
wetland is just south of the township on the right-hand side of the road.
Cox Scrub: The park is situated on the Ashbourne to Goolwa
road, about 6km south of Ashbourne. Use the northern end car park.
Key Species: Australasian Gannet, Rufous Whistler, Southern
Boobook, Brown Falcon, Dusky Woodswallow, Tawny Frogmouth, Superb Blue
Wren, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Singing Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, Adelaide Rosella,
White-plumed Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Red-rumped Parrot,
Striated Thornbill, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Weebill, Southern
Emu-wren, Mt Lofty Ranges ssp.
Deep Creek is the largest conservation park on the
Fleurieu Peninsula, and protects a variety of landscapes, from stunted coastal
heathland to Red Stringybark forests. There are many bird species to be found
in this park, along with plenty of other fauna such as kangaroos, echidnas and
large goannas. The population of MLR Southern Emu-wrens in dry heath in Deep
Creek Conservation Park is estimated at 300+.
Directions:
The park is reached via the small town of Delamere on the
southern tip of the Fleurieu. Follow Main South Road all the way down through
Yankalilla and Normanville. Continue towards Rapid Bay and Cape Jervis,
turning left at Delamere, along Cole Road. Follow the signs from here.
Accommodation:
There are good camp sites situated around the park, some
even with hot showers. A number of cottages are available for hire at
different locations within the Park, ranging from rustic to very modern. Phone
(08) 85984169 or Click
here for more information.
Contact: NPWSA, phone (08) 8552 3677, email parkinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au,
or website click here
Key Species: Australasian Gannet, Shy Albatross, Black-browed
Albatross, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Great Skua, Northern Giant Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel, Fluttering
Shearwater,
Red-capped Plover, Hooded Plover, Brush Bronzewing, Elegant
Parrot, Rock
Parrot,
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Red-browed
Finch.
Situated 7 km west of Victor Harbor on the southern coast
of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Newland Head Conservation protects two long beaches,
the rocky headland which the park takes its name from and surrounding coastal
vegetation. Rolling hills and rugged cliffs provide panoramic views of the
Waitpinga Creek, Encounter Bay, The Pages in Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo
Island. It is one of the few good spots in SA for sea watching, particularly after
rough weather. The walk to Newland Head is steep and takes at least
thirty minutes.
Directions:
Take Main South Road or the Southern Expressway out of
Adelaide heading south, and follow the signs to Victor Harbor. In Victor Harbor
cross the Newland Bridge over the Inman River and take the Waitpinga Road to
the left of the roundabout. Veer left at the junction 5.2 km out. A
further 6.6 km on there is a signed turnoff to Waitpinga Beach/Newland
Head Conservation Park. On the left at 2.7 km is the campground. Look here
for Superb Fairy-wren, pardalotes, White-browed Babbler, Golden Whistler,
Beautiful and Red-browed Firetail.
A walk along the Heysen Trail to the cliff top, about
30 minutes, may bring sightings of the White-breasted Sea-eagle and
Australasian Gannet. The road continues to Waitpinga Beach Car Park. Walk along
the beach to the creek estuary. Hooded Plover breeds on this beach.
Key species: Bassian Thrush, Eastern Spinebill, White-throated
Treecreeper (grisescens) and
Yellow-faced Honeyeater (samueli)
The falls viewing area is a 300m
walk from the carpark. This is open forest of Stringybark with closed shrubland
understorey in the upper reaches of the Hindmarsh River. A few species to look
for are Bassian Thrush, White-browed Scrubwren, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced
Honeyeater and White-throated Treecreeper.
Directions:
8 km north of Victor Harbor on the Adelaide Road take the
Myponga turnoff and travel 9 km through the Hindmarsh Valley to the signed
turnoff to the falls. 1 km of gravel road will bring you to a car park and
picnic area.
Key Species: Fairy
Penguin, Hooded Plover, Rock Parrot
Granite Island near Victor Harbour offers fine
whalewatching between June - September. The island contains a
resident colony of Fairy Penguins. At the Bluff, a prominent feature at the
coastline south-west of Victor Harbour, Rock Parrot can sometimes be found in
amongst the grass and the granite rocks. In winter, especially during and
directly after gales, the island is a good place to seawatch from.
Key species: Hooded Plover, Red-browed Finch.
The Hindmarsh River enters the sea 1 km north-east of the Post Office. To explore the western side,
parking is available close to the mouth, on the esplanade (Bridge Terrace). On
the eastern side there is a parking bay on Hindmarsh Road adjacent to a
boardwalk which passes through the backwaters to the beach. Migratory waders,
egret, cormorants and duck species may be seen here. Where the walking track
meets the beach, Hooded Plovers can often be found. On the upstream side of
Hindmarsh Road a walk follows the river passing through tea-tree and melaleuca
to an area of larger eucalypts. The path leads to the Greenhills Adventure
Park. Lorikeets, rosellas, fantails, honeyeaters and Red-browed Finch are among
the many species recorded.
Key species: Hooded Plover
Visit Kent Reserve on the western side of the Inman River.
A stroll along the beach or inland along the river
bank could be rewarding. Hooded Plover breed on the beach here. Black-fronted Dotterel
and Banded Plover may be seen and many bush and water birds frequent the
upstream habitat.
Key species: Lewin’s Rail, Buff-banded Rail,
Baillon’s, Australian Spotted and Spotless Crake
The main ponds are fenced off but can be
seen quite easily, and it is possible to walk around their perimeter. At
times they hold quite a selection of waterfowl. Common Sandpiper is often
present in summer, and to one side of the works there is a swamp that is good
for rails and crakes. Lewin’s Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Baillon’s, Australian
Spotted and Spotless Crake have all been seen here. The extensive reeds at the
rear of the ponds are worth searching for Australian Bittern.
Directions: Drive to the end of Crozier Road, turn left at
Canterbury Road and take the first road on your right: the ponds lie directly
ahead.
Key species: migratory waders, Sanderling, Hooded Plover, Orange-bellied Parrot,
Brush Bronzewing (Rock Parrot has been
recorded)
The Murray Mouth can be accessed via Hindmarsh Island or
via the beach at Goolwa. On the beach between Goolwa and the mouth, where
driving is permitted, Hooded Plover can often be seen particularly in winter.
At the Murray Mouth proper varying numbers of migratory waders, egrets, ducks,
terns etc are often found, depending on the season. In winter keep an eye open
for Orange-bellied Parrot in the dunes.
Directions:
Via Hindmarsh Island: Cross the bridge and after a few km
you will find an old stone hall on the left side of the road, turn right here.
Follow the signs to the Murray Mouth carpark. Check the dunes to the left of
the lookout for Neophema parrots.
Via the beach (4WD only): In Goolwa, turn onto Beach Rd
(heading south) from the Victor Harbor-Goolwa road. Turn left at the carpark
and head down and turn left onto the beach (beach on your right, dunes on the
left). Lately the last bit of the beach has been blocked off due to sand
dredging operations. When you do reach the mouth you can return via the beach,
or a rough track which follows the river. Although this track can be hard to
follow and is overgrown with vegetation at times, you will see plenty of bird
life along the way. In winter keep an eye open for Orange-bellied Parrot in
these dunes.
A string of National and Conservation Parks are found in
the Adelaide hills, each with its own character. Different species of Robin and
Musk, Little and Purple-Crowned Lorikeet are easily located here, as
well as Adelaide Rosella. A rich variety of Honeyeaters including Eastern
Spinebill, New-Holland, Tawny Crowned, Fuscous, Black-chinned etc. together
with Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Crested Shrike-tit inhabits the area. A
clickable map with all parks and reserves can be found here
.
Contacts:
Adelaide Hills Tourism: http://www.visitadelaidehills.com.au/index1.htm
South Australian Tourism Commission – Adelaide Hills
pages: http://www.southaustralia.com/maps_region.asp?page_title=adelaide%20hills
Department of Environment & Heritage – Adelaide Hills
Parks: http://www.deh.sa.gov.au/parks/adelaide.html
Department of Environment & Heritage – Botanic
Gardens: http://www.deh.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/index.html
Accommodation: There is plenty of
accommodation ranging from backpacker hostels, caravan parks and national park
campgrounds to upmarket resorts, hotels and boutique B&B’s. See the
websites under Contacts.
Key species: Yellow-tailed
Black Cockatoo, Eastern Rosella, Adelaide Rosella, Fan-tailed
Cuckoo, Eastern Spinebill, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crested Shrike-tit,
Australian Goshawk, Buff-banded Rail, Varied
Sittella, Tawny Frogmouth, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater, Purple-crowned
Lorikeet.
Just 12 kilometres from the Adelaide city centre, Cleland
Conservation Park conserves a vital area of natural bushland on the Adelaide
Hills face and includes the internationally popular Cleland Wildlife Park, the
viewing platform of Mt Lofty Summit and scenic Waterfall Gully. Within its
1,000 hectares, Cleland Conservation Park offers visitors a variety of walking
trails that provide fascinating insights into the diverse wildlife and cultural
heritage of the area. Vegetation on the higher slopes is predominantly
stringybark forest with a complex understorey of small trees and shrubs. The
lower woodlands on the northern side of the Park contain significant stands of
Blue Gum and Manna Gum which give way to open grasslands.
Directions:
Driving from the city, take Glen Osmond Road to the South
Eastern Freeway. Exit at Crafers and turn left at the roundabout. Follow Summit
Road (Mt Lofty Scenic Route) to the Cleland turn-off. To travel by bus catch
the 164F (Monday-Friday) and either the 165F or 166F (Saturday & Sunday)
'park and ride bus' from the city to Crafers and link with the 823 service
which stops at the Cleland Wildlife Park. The bus trip takes about 40 minutes.
There are 4 services daily. A small entry fee applies. Click here for info and a map
Key Species: Yellow-tailed
Black Cockatoo, Eastern Rosella, Adelaide Rosella, Fan-tailed
Cuckoo, Eastern Spinebill, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crested Shrike-tit,
Australian Goshawk, Buff-banded Rail, Varied Sittella, Tawny
Frogmouth, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater, Purple-crowned Lorikeet
One of Adelaide's most popular parks, Belair is situated
east of Adelaide in the foothills. There are ovals, tennis courts and large
picnic areas. The habitat is mostly open woodland with some majestic gum trees,
while on the higher slopes the dry sclerophyll forest is dominated by messmate
stringybark. There are creeks and lakes to explore as well. Look out for
Koalas and Southern Brown Bandicoots.
A walk along Jubilee Drive, east of the native plant
nursery should produce Common and occasionally Brush Bronzewing, Fan-tailed
Cuckoo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Crested Shrike-tit, Rufous Whistler,
White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Varied Sittella, White-throated
Treecreeper, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent Honeyeater. Generally most
birds are more numerous during spring and summer when the wildflowers and
eucalypts are in flower. Eastern Rosella has been
introduced to SA and can also be seen here.
Directions:
Take Unley Road and follow the signs through Belair to the Park, just off Upper
Sturt Road.
Key species: Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Eastern
Rosella, Adelaide Rosella,
Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Eastern Spinebill, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crested Shrike-tit, Australian Goshawk, Buff-banded Rail, Varied Sittella,
Tawny Frogmouth, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Crescent
Honeyeater, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren (parkeri)
Similar in character and birdlife to Belair, but without
the recreational facilities, Morialta Conservation Park is located 10 km
northeast of the Adelaide GPO. The park covers an area of 533 hectares and is
joined to Black Hill Conservation Park to the north by Fifth Creek and
Montacute Road. The suburb of Rostrevor adjoins the western boundary of
the Park while agricultural and quarrying activity occurs along the eastern
boundary. The southern boundary is partly defined by the ridge which carries
the Norton Summit Road.
Morialta Conservation Park conserves spectacular rugged
ridges and gully including the Morialta Gorge, and 3 waterfalls.
Directions: The main car entrance and parking area is at
Stradbroke Road. Bus - Morialta Route 105 can be caught on Grenfell Street or
Pulteney Street Adelaide. Disembark at bus stop number 26, walk east toward the
main entrance gates and it is about 1.5 kms to the walking trail heads. Park is
open 8:15am to 15 mins before sunset (closed Christmas Day). A small entrance
fee applies for vehicles.
Black Hill Conservation Park: Enter from the top end of
Addison Rd. Athelstone, go straight ahead for about 100 metres and then take
the climbing track which goes up steps to the right. The track follows hill
contours for a km to where there is a small rest area on your right.
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren can often be seen at the rear of the rest area.
Click
here for maps of Morialta and Black Hill CP’s
Key species: White-throated Treecreeper (grisescens), Adelaide Rosella, Bassian Thrush (halmaturina), Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-faced (samueli), White-naped and Crescent
Honeyeater, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, White-browed Scrubwren (rosinae), Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren (parkeri)
The walking tracks around the summit of Mt Lofty are worth
visiting in the early hours of the morning, before the tourists arrive. It is a
very scenic area and provides an easy introduction to some of the better Mt
Lofty ranges bush birds. There is a track from here down to Waterfall Gully
where Chestnut-rumped
Heathwren (parkeri)
has been recorded.
Key species: Red-browed
Finch, White-throated
Treecreeper (grisescens), Scarlet
Robin, Flame Robin
With a higher annual rainfall than its surrounding areas
and cool winter conditions due to its altitude, Mt
George Conservation Park supports a great variety of vegetation and spectacular
spring flowers. Here you will find peaflowers, ground-hugging correas and various
native orchids. Wedge-tailed Eagles may be seen circling the skies above the
park, while Superb Blue Wrens, Red-browed Finches, White-throated Treecreepers
and Scarlet Robins are often observed around the trees and shrubs.
Directions:
The park is located on the northern side of the
South-Eastern Freeway, near the township of Bridgewater. It can be accessed
from Mt George Road on the eastern side or Golflinks Road to the west.
Key species: Emu, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Brush
Bronzewing, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Adelaide Rosella, Scarlet Robin, Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter,
Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Babbler, Southern Whiteface,
Brown Treecreeper, White-naped Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater,
Crescent, Brown-headed and
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Rainbow Bee-eater, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Diamond Firetail, White-winged Chough
Most of this 1,409 hectare park is covered with eucalypts,
predominantly long-leafed box, pink gums, and blue gums together with scattered
native pines. Beneath the trees lies a mosaic of plants such as yaccas and
heaths. Golden wattles mark the arrival of spring when the bush comes alive
with a profusion of colourful wildflowers. The park supports more than 100
species of birds, some of which are not found readily elsewhere in the Adelaide
Hills due to the drier nature of the of the park. These include
Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Rainbow Bee-eater, Hooded
Robin, Jacky Winter, Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Babbler, Southern
Whiteface (South Oval), Brown Treecreeper, Brown-headed and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater,
Diamond Firetail (open woodland), White-winged Chough. The Black-chinned
Honeyeater, once widespread in the Mt Lofty Ranges but now rather rare, is
still fairly common in the park, particularly along the South Para River. Look
for its blue eye-crescent (the White-naped has a red crescent) and listen for
its high-pitched, grating call.
The most visible mammal is the western grey kangaroo,
frequently seen grazing at dawn and dusk. As evening falls, the quiet observer
may occasionally see the short-beaked echidna. Forest litter, rocks and trees
provide homes for the park’s reptiles which include bearded dragons, sleepy
lizards and striped skink lizards.
Directions: Take Main North Road towards Gawler, turning
right along Black Top Road. Follow the signs to the park. A small
entry fee applies.
Acc