Birding Gluepot Reserve & Flinders Ranges 2012 Accommodated
| Accmdated: | Yes |
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| No.of days: | 10 |
| Ex: | Adelaide - Adelaide |
| Departure: | 4-13th March, 2012 |
| Price: | $3,600pp $3,600pp |
| Deposit: | $300pp |
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A 10 Day fully accommodated tour to visit Gluepot Reserve, Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola, Mt Lyndhurst and Port Augusta.
Trip Overview
Starting in Adelaide, this tour covers some excellent areas for birdwatching. We stay two nights at Waikerie allowing a day to birdwatch in Gluepot Reserve.
Owned by Birds Australia, this 50,000 hectare reserve of virgin mallee scrub is an important refuge for species of this habitat. Over 190 species of bird have been recorded on Gluepot Reserve including six nationally endangered bird species - Black-eared Miner, Malleefowl, Red-lored Whistler, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Regent Parrot and the Striated Grasswren. The huge diversity of vegetation supports other wildlife including 25 reptile species recorded so far.
We spend two nights at Rawnsley Park accessing good birding spots in the Flinders Ranges including Stokes Hill Lookout where we hope to find Short-tailed Grasswren. Other species that are possible in this picturesque countryside are Elegant Parrot, Red-capped and hooded Robins, White-backed Swallow and Chirruping Wedgebill. Painted Firetail are sometimes recorded in the gorges.
Travelling further north through the rugged Flinders Ranges, we pass spectacular scenery on the way to an overnight stop at Arkaroola. With two nights at Lyndhurst, we will have a full day to visit Mt Lyndhurst Station to look for three target species – Chestnut-banded Whiteface, Thick-billed Grasswren and Rufous Fieldwren. The harsh semi-arid conditions support a number of species including Budgerigars, Cinnamon Quail-thrush and White-winged Fairy-wren which are all possible.
The tour will be accompanied by an experienced bird-guide and, if possible, we will stop whenever unusual birds are sighted. As we travel, we need to be on the lookout for raptors as many of Australias species are possible to see including Black-breasted Buzzard, Black Falcon and Spotted Harrier.
The Arid Lands Botanic Gardens at Port Augusta has a vast collection of native outback plants attracting many species of birds including honeyeaters. Red Wattlebirds, Spiny-cheeked, Singing and White-plumed Honeyeaters are regularly recorded but occasionally Pied, Black and White-fronted Honeyeaters are seen. Chirruping Wedgebills, White-browed Babblers, Variegated Fairy-wrens and Mulga Parrots are all residents and White-backed Swallows nest along the cliffs overlooking the river. We will also visit Bird Lake in the south of Port Augusta where Banded Stilts, Red-necked Avocets and other water-birds are often present. As we head back towards Adelaide, we will stop at various locations for birding hoping to find species that we have missed.
Price $3,600pp - Fully Accommodated
Single Supplement: $415pp
Details of Trip
WHAT TO BRING:
- Water bottle (1-2 Litres)
- Binoculars
- Walking Shoes
- Wet Wipes
- Camera
THIS TOUR IS ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH BIRDS AUSTRALIA AND BIRDING NSW.
BOOKINGS can only be confirmed with the payment of $300 deposit. Final payment falls due 45 days before departure. Cheques are to be made payable to 'Outback Track Tours Pty Ltd'.
TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend travel insurance against loss of possessions accident and cancellation through unforeseen circumstances. Insurance is inexpensive and readily available from the office.
CONFIRMED TOUR: Please note if you need to book airfares or make other travel arrangements for this tour, please contact the office to advise if the tour is a confirmed departure. All tours operate with a minimum number.
PLEASE NOTE If weather road conditions or other circumstances make a change in itinerary necessary the decision to change the route is solely that of the Tour Guide.
Included
INCLUDED IN FARE:
Travel by airconditioned OTT vehicle. All meals unless specified. Expert identification and leadership of Birding by specialist Birding Guide. Guided walks. Accommodation in twin share ensuited rooms/cabins with 3 to 3.5 star rating. Note that accommodation at Lyndhurst is with shared facilities as that is all that is available. All linen, pillow and towels are included. All National Park entrance fees. All meals as per itinerary. Meals as identified in itinerary as B - Breakfast L - Lunch and D - Dinner.
Note that there are some activities that are not included in the price. These activities are labelled optional extras in brochures. Passengers will have a choice as to whether they participate or not.
Note that all Tours operate with a minimum number and therefore need to be confirmed as a definite departure - usually 45 days before departure.
Minimum Passengers
12
Itinerary
DAY 1: Adelaide - Waikerie
Meet your crew for an 8 am pickup at Adelaide CBD Hotels. We travel through the Barossa Valley and along the Sturt Highway to Waikerie, our base for the next two nights. Accommodation: Waikerie (BL)
DAY 2: Glue Pot Reserve
A full day birdwatching in Glue Pot Reserve. Accommodation: Waikerie (BL)
DAY 3: Waikerie - Flinders Ranges / Rawnsley Park
Travel along outback roads through the historic mining village of Burra, then through Peterborough and Hawker to Rawnsley Park in the Flinders Ranges. Accommodation: Rawnsley Park (BL)
DAY 4: Flinders Ranges
Birdwatching at Stokes Hill Lookout and in Flinders Ranges National Park. Accommodation: Rawnsley Park. (BL)
DAY 5: Rawnsley Park - Arkaroola
A leisurely drive through the spectacular Flinders Ranges past rugged mountains and gorges to Arkaroola in the north of the ranges. Accommodation: Arkaroola (BL)
DAY 6: Arkaroola - Lyndhurst
We leave the stunning splendour of the Flinders to travel to the village of Lyndhurst, our base for two nights. Accommodation: Mt Lyndhurst (BLD)
DAY 7: Mt Lyndhurst Station
We will have the full day to find the three target birds on the station - Chestnut-banded Whiteface, Thick-billed Grasswren and Rufous Fieldwren. Other areas will be visited if time permits. Accommodation: Mt Lyndhurst (BLD)
DAY 8: Lyndhurst - Port Augusta
We leave to travel south past the mining town of Leigh Creek and the quirky Prairie Pub at Parachilna to Port Augusta at the head of Spencer Gulf. Accommodation: Port Augusta (BL)
DAY 9: Port Augusta
A leisurely day birdwatching around Port Augusta at Arid Lands Botanic Gardens and at Bird Lake. Accommodation: Port Augusta (BL)
DAY 10: Port Augusta - Adelaide
Sadly our last day as we travel back to Adelaide. However there will be opportunities for birdwatching at various locations hoping to find species that we have missed. We will aim to arrive back in Adelaide approximately 5.30PM and can drop off at Hotels or the Airport. (BL)
