Bilby Birding Trail

Winding through the lush coastal forests and wetlands between Port Macquarie and the Camden Haven River, the Bilby Birding Trail is a self-guided route that rewards patient birdwatchers with sightings of some of Australia’s most sought-after species. The trail is named after the bilby, a native marsupial, but it’s the birdlife that steals the show — from dazzling rainbow bee-eaters to the elusive powerful owl. This is a place to slow down, listen, and let the bush reveal its feathered secrets.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Innes Nature Reserve — A key stop on the trail, this reserve offers a boardwalk over paperbark swamps where you can spot white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and a variety of waterbirds.
• Kattang Nature Reserve — Coastal heath and dry eucalypt forest provide habitat for superb fairy-wrens, eastern yellow robins, and the rarer brush bronzewing pigeon.
• Camden Haven River — Paddle or walk along the riverbanks to see black swans, darters, and the occasional azure kingfisher darting over the water.
• Bilby Birding Trail Markers — The route is signposted with interpretive panels that highlight the best spots for particular species, making it easy to plan your day.
• Seasonal Migrants — Spring and autumn bring migratory waders and honeyeaters, while winter is prime time for spotting the powerful owl.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to cover the main trail sections, especially if you’re an avid birder. Start early at Lake Innes for the dawn chorus, then move to Kattang in the mid-morning light. After a picnic lunch near the Camden Haven River, spend the afternoon exploring the quieter southern reaches. If you’re short on time, focus on Lake Innes and the river — you can still see a good range of species in three to four hours.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie — Just 15 minutes north, this coastal town offers excellent cafes and the Koala Hospital for a change of pace.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre — A short drive away, this boardwalk through subtropical rainforest is home to wompoo fruit-doves and green catbirds.
• Crowdy Bay National Park — Head south for coastal heath and the chance to see ground parrots and eastern bristlebirds.
• Hastings River — A paddle or cruise here adds ospreys, pelicans, and mangrove birdlife to your list.
• Mountain View Rainforest Retreat — A peaceful accommodation option near the trail, with private bird hides.

Please check official sources for current details.