Dubbo District has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Approximately 250 species of birds have been recorded in the Dubbo region. These include the Mallee Fowl, a nationally endangered bird.
This brochure has been produced for birdwatchers and nature-lovers as a guide to pleasant locations in the Dubbo area. The bird routes described range from a few hours to full-day trips, all within 50 km of the City of Dubbo. They include Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR’s), State Forests, Conservation Areas, highways and local roads.
1. THREE BRIDGES RIVERBANK WALK: Park behind the Visitors Centre and walk across the river over the Emile Serisier Bridge. Follow the gravel track to the left southward along the western riverbank. Cross the third footbridge (into South Dubbo) and return along the eastern side of the Macquarie River. A nice walk along the Macquarie river, with large River Red Gums. The whole walk could take several hours, or could be extended to Western Plains Zoo rather than crossing the south Dubbo footbridge. Refer to Macquarie River walk brochure.
2. The WESTERN PLAINS ZOO is an excellent birding area. Ask for a birdlist at the entrance gate. Crakes, Rails, waterfowl and many bush birds can be seen.
3. BENI STATE CONSERVATION AREA has many excellent birdwatching opportunities. Travel eastward out Myall Street/Whitewood Road approximately 6.8 km from the 100 sign. Keep a watch for Red-capped Robins, Jacky Winters and many honeyeaters. Look for flowering orchids in spring. Use caution in wet conditions.
4. NEWELL HIGHWAY (south) towards Peak Hill. There is open TSR all along this highway which features many great birding spots. Be mindful of the traffic.
- Rifle Range Road is 2.2 km from 110 sign on the right. Pull in and walk along track. Glossy Black-cockatoo chewings have been seen here.
- 3.2 km further on from Rifle Range Rd is a property sign “Kia-ora”. The TSR here is a great spot, with birds such as Speckled Warblers and other bush species.
- Approx. 4.6 km further on from “Kia-ora” is a dam with good parking.
- 2.7 km further is another large parking area and a small dam. Brown-headed Honeyeaters are often observed here.
- Tink’s Lane is 3.4 km on. This lane is approx 1.3 km long with great numbers of birds. Glossy Black-cockatoo chewings have been seen here under the Casuarinas.
- 0.9 km from Tink’s Lane is a gravel pit. Speckled Warblers and Eastern Yellow Robins could be seen here.
- Mountain Creek TSR is further out on the left. (26km from Dubbo). To enter, drive over the ramp. The TSR is approx 600m long and 200-300m wide.
5. NEWELL HIGHWAY (north) towards Gilgandra.
- Check ‘Devils Bend’ River Reserve at the end of Darling Street first. Plum-headed Finches have been seen here.
- Head towards Brocklehurst and check the river overflow for waterbirds.
- 5.8km from the Brocklehurst 110 sign turn right into Broadacre Road. There is quite a large area of woodland here with many species of birds.
- Off Broadacre Road is Wandarra Road, 1.7km long with lots of Ironbarks and wattles.
- 21 kms from Brocklehurst along the highway is Goodwins (Godwin’s) Lane. This has great roadside vegetation with mallee. Look for Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, a mallee honeyeater. Continue along the public road through three gates and come out at Mogriguy village. Turn right to return to Dubbo
- Coolbaggie Nature Reserve is to the left. Turn right into Coolbaggie Forest Road approx 1.5km from the railway crossing. Cross Coolbaggie Creek and you are in the Nature Reserve, which contains a range of great flora and fauna.
6. MINORE ROAD- continue along this road for as far as you like. From 100 sign turn left into Buddens Street. There is nice roadside vegetation along here. Continue along Minore Road to Dungarry Road 3km further. This quiet lane has many good birding spots. An excellent drive is found by turning left (rather than right) at the Minore Road railway underpass, continuing along the southern side of the railway line. White-Winged Choughs are seen along here and some of Dubbo’s 40 flowering wattles. Returning to the Minore Road, another great drive is to pass the Minore Silo and turn into Lagoon Creek Road. This has excellent roadside vegetation and ends at some old sheep yards. It is approx. 7 km long.
7. GOLDEN HIGHWAY (Dunedoo Road). Mugga Hill is 3 km from Dubbo. Further out at the Old Mendooran Road is Beni State Forest. Talbragar River Reserve is approx. 5 km down this road.
Approx 3.6 km along the Dunedoo Road is a TSR with good off-road parking. This TSR runs along for several kilometres to Plain Creek. After the next railway crossing is another portion of this TSR, with dams. Speckled Warblers, Eastern-Yellow Robins, Fan-tailed Cuckoo can be seen here. This TSR continues on to Muronbong silos, and some other good birding areas.
8. OBLEY ROAD out past the Zoo has lots of good TSRs. Cumboogle Reserve is 5 km out of Dubbo, a regeneration project by Cumboogle Landcare Group.
- Approx 4 km further on is the Cumboogle Bush Fire Brigade Shed. This is TSR and excellent for bush birds.
- Travelling further is white box with good regeneration along the roadside. Look for flowering Eucalypts and honeyeaters.
- Approx 6.4 km further is a creek and a reserve area at Hyandra Road sign. Pull in and park. Good roadside TSR extends for several kilometres further.
- Next is Toongi locality with a creek and a large reserve area on the left in which to wander. After Toongi is TSR, which continues for several kilometres.
- Turn into Eulandool Road. At the end of this road head to Geurie Nature Reserve or back to Dubbo via Benelong Road.
9. 9. GOONOO STATE CONSERVATION AREA and home of the Mallee Fowl. Head out to Brocklehurst and turn right to Mogriguy. Follow the Mendooran signs to Goonoo Forest. Caution: if wet do not enter. Mallee Fowl, Glossy Black-Cockatoos, Gilberts Whistler, Spotted-Quail Thrush and many other species can be observed throughout the forest.
For more extensive lists of local birds, go to the bird watching page, click here.
For map of the area, click here.
