NT Bird Specialists is northern Australia's leading birdwatching, wildlife and photography tour operation based in Darwin, Northern Territory.
The multi-award-winning specialist guiding services in special-interest nature tourism experiences are second to none.
Guests experience the best bird watching locations in the Northern Territory (NT), Kimberley (WA) and outback Queensland (QLD) to maximise wildlife-viewing encounters and capture jaw-dropping photos. Further afield we lead Sri Lanka and Borneo wildlife safaris.
Expert knowledge of the region's flora and fauna helps award-winning specialist guide, Luke Paterson and team of guides, find guests their target species and experiences. Luke's attention to detail and amazing ability to spot wildlife has earned him a reputation for having 'hawk-eyes'.
The small group tours and private charters offer unique views of wildlife, rock art and brilliant photographic opportunities in iconic national parks and cultural landscapes of remote northern Australia. They visit major habitats represented by the tropical outback and explore them by vehicle, boat and on foot, searching for endemic, rare and migratory birds and other tropical life.
Rest assured with Luke Paterson and Sarah Burgess, who combine over 39 years of local ecotourism experience to package and deliver the best ecotourism experiences in the region, you have more time to spot wildlife and soak in your surroundings.
Tours available
1 Day Darwin Birdwatching Tour "Sticky Beak'
Join Luke Paterson, expert local Australian birding guide who knows where to birdwatch in Darwin's biodiverse habitats for over 200 bird species. “Sticky Beak” around Darwin’s mangroves, coastlines, tidal flats, monsoon vine forests, lagoons, tropical woodlands and floodplains with our local and knowledgeable guide.
Key bird species in Darwin include chestnut rail, rufous owl, rainbow pitta and collard kingfisher.
A quick probe over Darwin’s wildlife on a one day birding/bird photography tour is a good way to wet your appetite for your next excursion with NT Bird Specialists.
Private birdwatching tours and group tours in Darwin, Northern Territory.
** Itineraries amended on request. e.g target bird species, specific interests, limited mobility/hearing/sight.
Book early for availability
Includes picnic lunch, morning and afternoon. Pick up/drop off at your nominated location in Darwin CBD. 1-8 guests (maximum 11 for private groups)
Please bring: Hat, comfortable walking shoes, long-sleeved clothing, binoculars, scope, camera, water bottle
Tours include: Award winning bird guiding and tour operator services, specialist bird guide, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, water, bird list, spotting scope, field guides, binoculars, transport, pick up, drop off
Private birdwatching, photography and landscape tours
NT Bird Specialists' special-interest wildlife tourism experiences are second to none.
They create tour options for you to choose from, and cater to special requests on a privately chartered tour. They run personalised bird watching, wildlife and photography tours with unique cultural insights in the packaged experiences.
To keep the service personalised, groups sizes remain small, usually 2-4 or 5-8 passengers in a comfortable 4WD or modern mini-bus. You may join larger groups when travelling on boat cruises operated by preferred suppliers. Chartered boat cruises are available on request.
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to cope with bush walking and short stairs-like climbs on walking tracks, as well as being outside in warm to hot and humid conditions for extended periods of time.
If larger groups wish to book, please contact us for a quote for up to 14 guests and tour leaders.
1 Day Wild Kakadu Birdwatching tour
Join award-winning professional Australian bird guide Luke Paterson to birdwatch Kakadu's Ramsar-listed wetlands, bird hides, monsoon forest and ancient stone country habitats, home to endemic and regionally significant species of birds and other iconic wildlife. Key bird species in Kakadu include Partridge Pigeon, Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon, Rainbow Pitta, Banded Fruitdove.
Enquire for private birdwatching tours and bird photography tours in Kakadu.
** Itineraries can be amended on request and subject to availability e.g. add boat cruises, rock art sites, target species and waterfalls, or for people with specific interests and or limited mobility, hearing or sight.
Tour starts and finishes in Jabiru or Darwin township (alternative pick up /drop off locations subject to itinerary, availability and prior arrangements).
what to bring: Hat, comfortable walking shoes, long-sleeved clothing, binoculars, scope, camera, water bottle, valid Kakadu Park Pass
Tours include: Transfers, snacks, lunch & rock art tour (full day), water, shared scope/binoculars, bird list, professional guide, accredited award-winning tour operator.
Recommend booking early.
10 Day Ultimate Top End Birdwatching Adventure Tour
Luke Paterson guides NT Bird Specialists’ ‘Ultimate Top End Birding Adventure’ tour to take you to the Northern Territory's best birdwatching sites to find and photograph target bird and wildlife species in Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Timber Creek and Lake Argyle to Kununurra Western Australia.
This one way bird watching tour departs Darwin, Northern Territory. Mouth-watering target birds include: Yellow Chat, Spinifex Pigeon, Gouldian Finch, Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, Rainbow Pitta, Chestnut Rail, Rufous Owl, Red Goshawk, Banded Fruit-dove, White-lined Honeyeater, Chestnut and White-quilled Rock Pigeons, Hooded Parrot and honeyeaters galore.
Approximate number of bird species: 200+
Accreditation
- China Ready and Accredited Program
- Quality Tourism Accreditation
- Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
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