Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day: Discover Australia’s Spectacular Birdwatching Season

Honouring the Epic Journeys of Migratory Birds

This Sunday, 12 October, bird lovers across the globe will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day — a day dedicated to the awe-inspiring journeys of the world’s most remarkable travellers. Among them are the eastern curlew, bar-tailed godwit, and red-necked stint, species that travel thousands of kilometres from the Arctic tundra to Australia’s shores each spring. These incredible birds remind us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and of our responsibility to protect their migratory pathways and habitats.

Birdwatching Tourism on the Rise in Australia

Australia’s fascination with birdlife is growing rapidly. According to Tourism Research Australia, international visitors spent an impressive $2.6 billion on birdwatching-related trips in the year to June 2024. Domestic travellers contributed a further $636 million, marking a 53% increase since 2021. This surge highlights the rise of eco-tourism and the growing number of travellers planning their holidays around seasonal bird movements.

From the tropical wetlands of Kakadu to the tranquil waters of the Gippsland Lakes, birdwatching has become one of Australia’s most rewarding and sustainable travel experiences. Each region offers its own spectacular encounters — from witnessing migratory shorebirds arriving in droves to spotting rare endemic species found nowhere else on earth.

Plan Your Birdwatching Adventure

Spring is the perfect time to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes and witness the arrival of migratory birds. In the Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park’s wetlands come alive with magpie geese, jabirus, and countless waders. Along the Queensland coast, the shores of Moreton Bay provide vital feeding grounds for the eastern curlew and other migratory species.Further south, the Gippsland Lakes and coastal estuaries of Victoria welcome vast flocks of waders each October, while Western Australia’s Broome region remains a world-renowned hotspot for birdwatchers, especially during migration season. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a curious traveller, these destinations offer unforgettable opportunities to connect with nature.

Join the 2025 Aussie Bird Count

From 20 to 26 October, Australians are invited to take part in the 2025 Aussie Bird Count, a nationwide citizen science project that helps monitor and protect bird populations. Participants simply spend 20 minutes observing the birds around them — whether in their backyard, local park, or on a bushwalk — and record their sightings using the official Aussie Bird Count app.

This simple yet impactful activity not only contributes valuable data to conservation efforts but also encourages people to pause and appreciate the diversity of birdlife that surrounds them every day.

Protecting the Future of Our Feathered Travellers

World Migratory Bird Day serves as an important reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and the environment. As climate change and habitat loss threaten migratory routes, birdwatching tourism and citizen science initiatives like the Aussie Bird Count play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting conservation.

So this October, take a moment to look up — and celebrate the beauty of migration season in Australia. Whether it’s the cry of a curlew over a coastal estuary or the flash of wings in your local park, these birds connect continents, ecosystems, and people through their extraordinary journeys.

For more information on birdwatching locations, tourism experiences, and the Aussie Bird Count, visit: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au

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