Where the Forest Sings.
A field guide to the birds of Walpole — from honeyeaters in the flowering gums to sea-eagles soaring above the inlets, and the rare endemics found nowhere else but the south-west.
A chorus of the south-west.
Walpole sits at the heart of the Walpole-Nornalup Wilderness, where towering karri and tingle forests, coastal heathlands and pristine inlets meet — and the birdlife reflects every one of those habitats.
Over 140 native bird species have been recorded in the region, including 16 found nowhere else but the south-west corner of Western Australia. From the wailing of Carnaby's black-cockatoos overhead to the secretive Western bristlebird in the heath, this guide gathers the birds you're most likely to encounter on the trails, in the forest, and along the inlets.
Where to look
From forest canopy to tidal mudflats, each habitat has its own community of birds. The Walpole Visitor Centre offers a birdwatching guide pinpointing the best spots.
Walpole-Nornalup Inlet
Waterbirds, waders and migratory shorebirds along the mudflats and shallows.
Mount Frankland
Rosellas, robins, fairywrens and forest canopy birds from the Fire Lookout.
Giant Tingle Tree
Honeyeaters, fantails, pardalotes and whistlers in the ancient forest.
Coalmine Beach & Rest Point
Coastal honeyeaters, ospreys and sea-eagles over the inlet.
Circular Pool & Fernhook Falls
Forest-stream specialists, kingfishers and quiet pool-edge birds.
Conspicuous Cliff & Heathlands
The secretive Western bristlebird and southern coastal heath species.
Watch quietly.
Stay back from nests, keep dogs leashed in the parks, and use playback sparingly — many of these birds are rare or threatened. The best sightings reward patience and stillness.
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