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Top spots for birdwatching in East Arnhem Land
Birdwatchers looking for a pristine and wild destination to explore, and tick off some of the Top End’s most sought-after species, need to put East Arnhem Land at the top of their list.
According to the authoritative AviList database there have been 293 different bird species observed in East Arnhem Land, and many of these around Nhulunbuy and the Gove Peninsula. This includes rarities such as Rainbow Pitta, Gouldian Finch and Beach Stone-Curlew.
With the development of apps like eBird and Birda, birdwatching’s become much more accessible and is attracting younger generations. So even if you’re not (yet) an avid ‘twitcher’,East Arnhem’s the perfect location to give it a tryso be sure to pack the binoculars and a zoom lens.
While East Arnhem Land birds and wildlife is a relatively unexplored frontier from the perspective of western science, the Yolŋu and Anandilyakwa Traditional Owners are intimately familiar with them and they play key roles in their law, culture and kinship systems.
If you’re planning a trip to East Arnhem Land and keen to do some birdwatching, here are some of the top spots to start your search:
Plumed Egret at Gayŋaru Wetlands. Pic: Simon Penn | SLPproductions
Gayŋaru Wetlands (Town Lagoon)
This expansive wetland system sits in the heart of Nhulunbuy and is a wonderful location for birds and other wildlife. A 3km walking trail takes in woodland and rainforest with a bird hide, a couple of viewing platforms and interpretive signage, before opening onto an expansive wetland alive with birdlife.
Expect to find Brolgas, Magpie Geese, Egrets, Herons, Comb-crested Jacanas, various Ducks, Forest and Sacred Kingfishers, and Orange-footed Scrubfowls and their nest mounds. Keep an eye out as you’re even a chance to spot a crocodile. Find out more here.
Crimson Finch at Gumuniya (Buffalo Creek). Pic: Simon Penn | SLPproductions
Gumuniya (Buffalo Creek)
Just a few minutes south-east of the Nhulunbuy townsite, Buffalo Creek features a rocky beach headland, creek mouth and mangrove system. Take the short, unsealed track from the Gove Surf Club, or walk along the beach.
A wide variety of bird species can be found here with the mix of habitat, but the mangroves can be particularly productive and are home to Redheaded, White-gaped and Rufous-banded Honeyeaters, Mangrove Golden Whistlers, and Mangrove and Large-billed Gerygones.
Grey-tailed Tattler and Whimbrel at Buffalo Creek. Pic: Simon Penn | SLPproductions
Lombuy (Crocodile Creek)
Midway between Nhulunbuy town and the Gove Port, an unsealed track off Melville Bay Road leads to Crocodile Creek which features a creek mouth followed by a long stretch of beach that at low tide reveals an expansive array of sand and mudflats.
This exposed shoreline is a prime location for observing shore and wader birds including migratory species such as critically endangered Far Eastern Curlews, Whimbrels, Pacific Golden Plovers and a variety of Sandpipers, as well as resident Beach Stone-Curlews and various Plovers, Gulls and Terns.
Blue-winged Kookaburra. Pic: Simon Penn | SLPproductions
Coastal Walk and Recreation Areas
If you’re looking to head further afield and immerse yourself in nature for a few days or more, there’s a range of recreation areas on the Gove Peninsula that are available for either day visits or with bookable campgrounds.
There are both saltwater and freshwater locations, with woodland areas hosting a range of Honeyeaters including Bar-breasted, Rufous-banded, White-throated and Dusky varieties, Red-backed Fairywrens, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Golden-headed Cisticolas, Blue-winged Kookaburras, Crimson Finches and several Cuckoos.
Parrot species include Red-tailed Black and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Red-collared and Varied Lorikeets, and Red-winged Parrots.
The denser rainforest areas are home to Rose-crowned Fruit Doves and Pacific Emerald Doves, Green Orioles and Australasian Figbirds. Find out more about recreational areas and camping here.
Red-collared Lorikeets in Nhulunbuy. Pic: Simon Penn | SLPproductions
Homelands and Communities
If you’re looking for access to more remote locations, a number of Yolngu Homelands and Communities welcome visitors and offer accommodation or camping, and cultural tours.
They boast stunning coastal locations and while there are currently no birdwatching tours on offer, the Yolngu people living here have an intimate knowledge of the birds and wildlife on their ancestral homelands. Be sure to talk to your hosts about where you can and can’t access, as there will be areas of cultural significance that are off limits. Find out more about the homelands and communities welcoming visitors here.