Around 307 bird species have been recorded in the immediate Mallacoota region. The inlet has white-bellied sea eagles, pelicans, black swans, cormorants and azure kingfishers, and if you want someone to take you out to them, Dale runs guided birdwatching cruises on the inlet, booked through Mallacoota Cruise & Eco Tours.
This guide covers where to look, who takes you out on the water, and what turns up in winter.
At a glance
Around 307 bird species
Around 307 bird species have been recorded in the immediate Mallacoota region.
Guided cruises
Dale runs guided birdwatching cruises on the inlet, booked through Mallacoota Cruise & Eco Tours.
On the inlet
White-bellied sea eagles, pelicans, black swans, cormorants and azure kingfishers.
Lyrebirds at Double Creek
Lyrebirds are common on the easy 1 km Double Creek loop, about 8 km from Mallacoota.
On this page8 sections
Where to go birdwatching around Mallacoota
The table lists the spots and the birds to look for at each.
| Where | What to look for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mallacoota Inlet | White-bellied sea eagles, pelicans, black swans, cormorants, azure kingfishers | Dale's guided cruises go out on the inlet |
| Double Creek Arm | Birdlife among overhanging trees | A sheltered arm of the inlet, good for a sunrise paddle |
| Double Creek Nature Walk | Lyrebirds | An easy 1 km loop, about 8 km from Mallacoota |
| Croajingolong National Park | Lyrebirds, sea eagles | 250 bird species, by Visit Gippsland's count |
| Gabo Island | Little penguins, sometimes | By boat or light plane, weather permitting; you have to book |
Guided birdwatching cruises on the inlet
Yes, you can go out with a guide. Dale runs guided birdwatching cruises on the inlet, booked through Mallacoota Cruise & Eco Tours. Mallacoota Cruises runs birdwatching tours, so that's who to contact to book.
The inlet has white-bellied sea eagles, pelicans, black swans, cormorants and azure kingfishers. Pack binoculars if you have them.
Eco tours on the Loch-Ard
Mallacoota Cruises also runs lake cruises, scenic cruises and eco tours aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard, which dates from about 1910. If your group isn't all keen birders, an eco tour on the Loch-Ard is a way to get everyone onto the water together. Our boating guide covers the other ways onto the water.
Birdwatching from a kayak
Double Creek Arm is a sheltered arm of the inlet, good for a sunrise paddle among overhanging trees and birdlife. A kayak is quiet, which suits birdwatching. Our kayaking guide has more on paddling the inlet.
Lyrebirds at Double Creek
For lyrebirds, go to the Double Creek Nature Walk. It's an easy 1 km loop through warm temperate rainforest, about 8 km from Mallacoota, with a picnic ground. Lyrebirds are common there, and koalas are possible. In Croajingolong National Park you might see sea eagles, as well as goannas, swamp wallabies and wombats. Our Croajingolong National Park guide has more on the park.
Swift parrots in winter
Critically endangered swift parrots cross from Tasmania in winter to feed in flowering gums. That makes winter the season for birders chasing them.
Little penguins on Gabo Island
On Gabo you see the lighthouse, sometimes little penguins, and fur seals on nearby Little Gabo. You reach Gabo by boat or light plane, weather permitting, and you have to book. Treat the penguins as a bonus rather than a promise. The boat and flight operators are in our Gabo Island guide, and our Mallacoota wildlife guide covers the rest of the area's wildlife.
Staying near the water
Guests can access launch points for a kayak or paddleboard from 7 Allan Drive, Gabo Views and Four on Stingray Point. Booking direct means lower fees than Airbnb or Stayz, and Amelia will help match you to the house that suits you. Book by phone on 0401 825 547 or through the enquiry form.
Good to know
Where to look
- Mallacoota Inletsea eagles, pelicans, black swans, cormorants, azure kingfishers
- Double Creek Arma sheltered arm of the inlet, good for a sunrise paddle
- Double Creek Nature Walklyrebirds, an easy 1 km loop about 8 km from Mallacoota
- Swift parrotsin winter, in flowering gums
On the water
- Dale's birdwatching cruisesbook through Mallacoota Cruise & Eco Tours
- Eco tours aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard with Mallacoota Cruises