MONA VALE RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Newcastle Highlights: Great birds only 2 hours north of Mona Vale
A 12-hour, expert-led birdwatching circuit through swamps, coastal tides and marshes that routinely turns up 80–100 species including Bassian Thrush and White-bellied Sea Eagle.
Newcastle Highlights: Great birds only 2 hours north of Mona Vale.
Embark on a full-day, 12-hour birdwatching adventure radiating out of Mona Vale to the Newcastle region, moving through shorelines, swamps, mangroves and bush to sample the area's most productive habitats.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A compact sweep of shore, marsh and bush
The route links coastal tides, mangroves, open marshes and inland swamps within easy driving distance, packing diverse birding habitat into a single day.
From Bassian Thrush to White-bellied Sea Eagle
Expect both secretive bush species such as the Bassian Thrush and larger wetland raptors like the White-bellied Sea Eagle, with a typical tally of 80–100 species over the day.
Shorebirds at Stockton, marshes on Ash Island and wetlands at Hexham
The itinerary moves from a sunrise stop at Ourimbah through Stockton Sandspit for migratory shorebirds, then onto Ash Island and the Hunter Wetlands for mixed habitats and a midday lunch break, finishing at Hexham Swamp for raptors and more wetlands species.
What the day feels like
A long, focussed day of habitat-hopping birding
This is a full, 12-hour field day starting at dawn and running through to early evening, led by a professional bird guide who moves the group between nearby coastal, marsh and swamp sites to maximise species variety.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a full 12-hour day, described as 6am–6pm.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, water, insect repellent, wear a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
The operator supplies a professional bird guide, transport, water, snacks, binoculars, a scope, and bird reference materials and apps; breakfast and lunch are excluded.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for 12 hours, typically 6am to 6pm.
How many species can I expect to see?
The trip typically turns up about 80–100 bird species over the course of the day.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is excluded from the inclusions and should be arranged by participants.
What gear should I bring?
Bring sun protection (hat and sunglasses), plenty of water, insect repellent, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Is there a minimum group size?
Yes — the tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.