Birdwatching 

Palm Cockatoo (M) courtesy of Matt Latimore

The Iron Range National Park is Australia’s largest lowland rainforest and a refuge to some spectacular wildlife species only found here and Papua New Guinea.

The Iron Range area is home to the Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta, Northern Scrub-robin, Black-winged and Frill-necked Monarch, Tropical Scrubwren, Tawny-breasted, Green-backed and White-streaked Honeyeater, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Magnificent Riflebird and the Trumpet Manucode. In addition many northern specialities including Cassowary, Buff-breasted Buttonquail, Rufous Owl, Marbled and Papuan Frogmouth and the Red-headed Honeyeater.

Other interesting wildlife species include the Green Python, Spotted and Common Cuscus, Tree Frogs and Monitor Lizards.

At dusk marvel at the thousands of Metallic Starlings (summer breeding migrant) that swirl through the air before they roost on the rocks just off Chili beach (October – December).

Wake up at dawn to the sound of birdsong. The garden is frequented by Sunbirds, Gerygones, Orioles, Double-eyed Fig Parrots, Paradise Kingfishers, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and in the wet season the Papuan Pitta and Noisy Pitta (to name but a few).

From the verandah look for Egrets, Darters, Torresian Pigeons, Bee-eaters, Monarchs, Frigatebirds and Sea Eagles.

View a partial bird list and local images of Portland Roads, Iron Range National Park, and surrounds.