Best places to Birdwatch near Bellingen, NSW.

12 Mar

Birdwatcher, bird noticer, twitcher, birder. It seems like there are almost as many names for someone who enjoys birds as there are species to observe. Birdwatching in Australia is a hugely popular past time that also comes with massive mental and physical health benefits like improved mood and mental health, increased opportunities for movement and most importantly (we think), a feeling of awe and wonder.

This handy birdwatching guide will take you to some of the best birdwatching sites in the Bellingen Shire.

Urunga Wetlands

The Urunga Wetlands were once one of the most polluted sites in NSW. The restored wetlands are the result of a huge cleanup project that transformed the site of an old antimony mine back into an accessible birdwatching oasis. The gentle 400m boardwalk is perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike, offering close views of Buff-banded Rails darting between reeds, Azure Kingfishers flashing electric-blue along the water’s edge and Spotted Pardalotes decorating the treetops with their tiny, bell-like calls. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking nature connection in NSW without committing to a long hike.

Visit at dawn or in the soft gold of evening for the richest bird activity. Afterwards, wander over to Liberty Cafe for the best coffee in town and a chance to review your growing lifelist. For those chasing rarities or planning a targeted outing, the full species list is here on eBird and well worth a look before you head out.

Dorrigo National Park

Dorrigo National park is home to 150 or so species of birds. The ebird list includes Superb Lyrebirds, Golden Whistlers, Noisy Pittas and the Paradise Riflebird. The rainforest is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, an ancient remnant rainforest with high biodiversity, waterfalls, accessible pram and wheelchair friendly walking tracks and lots and lots of birds. Despite the visitor centre getting an upgrade, the walking tracks are still open and there are picnic tables and chairs for less adventurous birders where brush turkeys and fairy wrens can be observed. After ticking off a few species on your new birding lifelist, head to the township of Dorrigo for amazing pastries from Peaches Patisserie (Thurs-Sat) or a to die for truffle mustard and ham toastie from the Dorrigo Deli.

Bongil Bongil National Park

If you ask any local birder where to head for easy, abundant birdlife, Bongil Bongil National Park will almost always make the list. This sprawling stretch of coastal forest and paperbark wetland is famous for hosting one of the largest koala populations in NSW, but its birdlife is just as impressive. With over 165 recorded species, Bongil Bongil is a hotspot for both seasoned twitchers and casual bird-noticers who just want to slow down and reconnect with nature near Bellingen.

Walk the Bundageree Rainforest Walk for a soundtrack of whipbirds, green catbirds and the occasional Wompoo Fruit-Dove booming from the canopy. Closer to the creeklines you’ll often spot kingfishers, honeyeaters and (if you’re lucky) a Glossy Black-Cockatoo quietly feeding on casuarina cones.

For shorebirds, head toward the Bongil Bongil Beach Access where migratory species forage along the tideline—best at low tide and in the cooler hours of morning. This whole area feels like a deep exhale. Bring binoculars, insect repellent and a willingness to pause often. Post-birdwatching, Sawtell is just minutes away for a seaside coffee and a gentle return to civilisation.

Jagun and Valla Nature reserves

Small but mighty, Jagun Nature Reserve is one of the Bellingen region’s most underrated birdwatching gems. Tucked between Oyster Creek and North Valla Beach, Jagun protects endangered ecological communities including coastal saltmarsh and swamp oak floodplain forest. Its network of quiet bush management tracks makes it the perfect spot for birders seeking solitude, slow walking and genuine nature connection, however please note there are no formal walking tracks.

Expect to see Eastern Yellow Robins flitting between trunks, Golden Whistlers calling from the understory and the unmistakable chatter of Fairy-wrens along the track edges. Raptors are common overhead, especially Square-tailed Kites and Brahminy Kites cruising above the treeline. The forest here feels peaceful, almost private, making it a wonderful choice for beginners who want an easy and rewarding place to birdwatch near Bellingen.

Jagun’s management trails make for easy walking and this is one of the best places in the shire to feel immersed in wild coastal country without venturing far from the beaten track.

The Bellingen Shire is truly a birdwatchers paradise. Each place invites you to slow down, look up and let the more-than-human world meet you where you are. Out here, birdwatching becomes more than a hobby, it becomes a practice of presence. A way to return to curiosity, to feel part of the landscape rather than just moving through it.

So pack your binoculars, give yourself the gift of time and step gently into these wild pockets of the Mid North Coast. With a little stillness, the birds will find you.