Broome Bird Observatory — Attraction in Roebuck

In early August my husband and I visited the Broome Bird Observatory - a long-awaited visit that was worth every moment of the wait. At the planning stage Nyil was very proficient and helpful with every email detailing suggestions about what to do (and of course with friendly understanding for necessary postponement from one year to the next). With all arranged, all we needed to do was look forward to the experience. Without a hire vehicle we relied on transfers that we booked ahead of time - this certainly made things convenient for us. We stayed 3 nights in the 'chalet' - a comfortable and well-equipped 2 bedroom cabin right in the centre of all the action - though quiet and serene too. We participated in 2 tours - shorebirds and Yellow Chat Twitch - both brilliant. In fact, Ben's introduction before setting off for our shorebirds tour was a superb beginning to a fantastic morning. A result of that tour was a rather large 'tax' bill at the end of the day... to better understand this you need to visit! A rather fun component during the bird log session held each night. Olivia knew exactly where to take us to find the Yellow Chats - they were flitting about everywhere and we are super grateful that she allowed us plenty of time to observe and photograph them. As photographers on a limited duration visit, we enjoyed every moment and filled any spare time we had (when not on a tour) exploring the shores of Roebuck Bay - on the sand and from the lookout. At other times gathering with others in the shade house or simply sitting watching the birds flit about our cabin. A big thank you to Ben and Olivia and the volunteers on site at the time (apologies for not remembering their names). They each had a wonderful energy and enthusiasm for what they do and what the observatory stands for. We certainly hope to return sooner...

A pearler! If you love birds, nature, learning, hanging with fellow enviro frothers and want to support a worthy not-for-prof, this is it. Not sure words will suffice but I’ll try.

I just spent 8 nights at BBO and can say with absolute certainty I’ll be back. I initially booked for the minimum of 2 nights and instantly extended for the week. It’s serene and clean and with great facilities. The team of Wardens make it as magic as it is - their safari style bird tours, generosity of spirit, eagerness for you enjoy yourself all with ease and chilled vibes is so calming if you’ve been touristing in the hustle and bustle.

The daily ritual of ‘bird-log’ at 6:30pm closes each day as a community, counting all the species of birds sighted that day. That all happens in the Shadehouse, where you can watch birds at the birdbaths all day, where there’s also a big community kitchen (with everything you could possibly need) where everyone cooks and eats and chats about chats and wrens and shorebirds and all of it all night. It’s special and unique and full of legends.

And the birds! I wasn’t a birder and now I’m on the very slippery slope and couldn’t be happier - we watched migratory shorebirds, birds of prey and all the birds I don’t know the names of (yet) but have come to love. It’s such a beautiful experience to see a species for the first time and relish the magic and majesty - the famous little Yellow Chat and Australian Bustards were two highlights on the Plains tour, not to mention a couple of adolescent wedgetail eagles.

Brava to Jamie and Sebastian who lead the way and head up their beyond-passionate team of Dave, Cait and Cait.

I didn’t want to leave. Go, stay for longer than 2 nights and froth out...

My recent trip to the Broome Bird Observatory was nothing short of incredible, and I can't recommend it highly enough! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning natural beauty and the sheer abundance of birdlife. What truly made our experience exceptional was the fantastic staff. They went above and beyond to ensure everyone, from seasoned twitchers to casual nature lovers, felt engaged and learned something new. Their enthusiasm was infectious! This observatory is an absolute paradise, not just for bird enthusiasts but for anyone who appreciates nature and breathtaking scenery. The landscapes are diverse and spectacular, offering endless opportunities for photography and peaceful contemplation. We loved exploring the different habitats and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Even the practical aspects of our stay were top-notch. The campground was immaculate, easily one of the cleanest and most well-maintained we've ever encountered. The facilities were really good, making our stay comfortable and convenient.

Beyond the incredible wildlife, we were thrilled by the fantastic walking tracks that allowed us to immerse ourselves in different habitats, and the amazing guided tours offered even deeper insights into the wildlife on offer.

Broome Bird Observatory is more than just a place to spot birds; it's an immersive experience that rejuvenates the soul. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and with a much deeper appreciation for Australia's unique wildlife. Do yourself a favour and visit – you...