The Pelagic Tour

Shy Albatross

Australia is THE best place in the world for observing Seabirds. Over 130 species of seabirds have been recorded in our country which is over one third of the world's total. Your guides are acknowledged as some of the best seabird experts and are a rarity in themselves in these parts.

We believe that seabirding with Albatrosses, Petrels & Shearwaters coming to burley within feet of the boat is the best birding on earth. The Hunter region as a seabird site is beginning to develop. Birding Tours Australia inaugurated private pelagic survey charters in Newcastle . In our first 6 trips, we added 12 new seabirds to the Hunter list. In addition, one of the rarest and most elusive Petrels in the world, the Goulds Petrel, breeds at a nearby site, Cabbage Tree Island . Your guides are the best equipped to show you these highly endangered birds in their natural habitat. We see Gould’s Petrel on most trips between October and April.

Gould's Petrel

In most months we have seen the endemic Solanders (Providence) Petrels beyond the edge of the continental shelf. Lord Howe Island is the only breeding location for this handsome and endangered bird.

Solander's Petrel

Newcastle is ideally placed to attract a wide range of seabirds. It is far enough south to still get good numbers of Southern Ocean Seabirds in winter and is also far enough north to get some good tropical seabirds during the summer months. In winter we can expect such species as Wandering (3 forms), Yellow-nosed, Black-browed (2 forms) and Shy (2 forms) Albatrosses, both Giant Petrels, Cape, White-headed, Solanders and Great-winged Petrels, Prions (3 forms), White-fronted Terns, Southern Skuas and we have seen Wilson's &/or White-faced Storm-Petrels on every trip!! In summer the predominant species are Shearwaters and it is not uncommon to have thousands of individuals of 6 or more species following the boat. These may include the scarce but elegant Bullers' Shearwater.