Photograph a lifer!

Put your knowledge into practice on our bird photography tours.

We have created a varied list of activities to do on the days before and after the conference.  This list was compiled by bird photographers and bird watches from the Gold Coast so you can benefit from their local knowledge and experience.

Whether you want to stay close to the venue or be a bit more adventurous, there is something for everyone.  All outings will depart from Mantra at Sharks at the time indicated below.  Carpooling from this location is encouraged.  Please arrive at Mantra about 15 minutes early to allow sufficient time for sign-on and to arrange carpooling.

The volunteer led land-based tours are free of charge for conference attendees.  See itinerary below.  Specific details of the excursions, including locations description, map, facilities, access and walking conditions, and recent species sightings will be emailed  to  you upon registration.

Be Adventurous!  Bird Photography Tours around the Gold Coast

Thursday 19 May 2022 Tour:

Afternoon outing – 15:00 to 17:00 – Federation Walk Coastal Reserve (20 minutes drive from Mantra at Sharks)

Species:  Australian Brushturkey, Brahminy Kite, Bush Stone-curlew, Rainbow Bee-eater, Little Wattlebird, Olive-backed Oriole, Australasian Figbird, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Spangled Drongo, Leaden Flycatcher, Silvereye, Tawny Grassbird, Brown Quail. Osprey, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Pheasant Coucal.

Nikon will be attending this walk to demonstrate equipment

Friday 20 May 2022 Tours:

Morning outing 1 – 06:30 to 09:30 – Oxenford Weir (Old Tamborine Road Weir) (20 minutes drive)

Species:  Australasian Grebe, Hardhead, Striated Heron, Australasian Darter, Brahminy Kite, Black-frontedDotterel, Golden Whistler, Olive-backed Oriole, Little Pied Cormorant, Eastern Osprey, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, White-breasted Woodswallow, Azure Kingfisher, Striated Pardalote.

Sony and Tamron will be attending this walk to demonstrate equipment

Morning outing 2 – 08:30 to 10:30 – Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area (20 minutes drive)

Raintree Glen 

Species:  White-faced Heron, Varied Triller, Eastern Whipbird, Striated Pardalote, Spangled Drongo, Olive-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Scarlet Honeyeater, Mistletoebird.

Nikon, Camera House and Olympus will be attending this walk to demonstrate equipment

Afternoon outing 15:00 to 17:00  – Tee Trees Catchment (10 minutes drive).

Species:  Magpie Goose, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Pale-headed Rosella, Black-winged Stilt, Black Swan, Tawny Grassbird, Red-backed Fairywren, Variegated Fairywren, Rufous Whistler, Rainbow Bee-eater, Intermediate Egret, Striped Honeyeater, White-throated Gerygone, Olive-baked Oriole, Black-necked Stork, Comb-crested Jacana, Swamp Harrier, Rufous Fantail, Mangrove Gerygone.

Fujifilm, Leofoto and Nikon will be attending this walk to demonstrate equipment

Monday 23 May 2022 Tours:

Morning outing 1  07:00- 09:30 – Country Paradise Parklands (20 minutes drive)

Species:  Eastern Rosella, Pale-headed Rosella, Eastern Spinebill, White-naped Honeyeater, White-throated Gerygone, Australian King Parrot.

Canon and Nikon will be attending this walk to demonstrate equipment

Outing 2  08:00 – 12:00  – Bakers Road and Natural Bridge Carpark Area (approx. 1 hour drive)

We’ll also show you where to do bird photography around Mantra at Sharks, and a great place to photograph pelicans close-up.

When you purchase your ticket to the conference you will be emailed a Bird Outings Brochure with all the details for each location so you can plan your trip.