Bird Life

Along the Rainbow Coast, the South Coast of Western Australia
Accommodation on the Coast
Birds of the South Coast of Western Australia

The birdlife along the Rainbow Coast is as diverse as the countryside. There are several species of birds which can be found no where else on earth.

The black swan of western australia makes it's home along the waterways surrounding the Wilson Inlet along with the WA pelican and many other waterfowl.

The blue wren is the symbol of Denmark Shire and their bright blue feathers can be seen from most windows in the region.

Living close to the waterways of the coast, most residents note the daily and yearly patterns of the migrating birds as they come and go with the seasons.

The Wilson Inlet is a haven for many species of waterbirds which migrate from as far as New Zealand to shelter in the waters surrounding Denmark, WA

Bird Videos:

Birdlife on the South Coast of Australia

Habitats:

Inlets and Waterways Inlets and Waterways
The inlets and river systems support a vast variety of birds, reptiles and water creatures. They are a vital part of the southern ecosystem. Visit Inlets and Waterways
National Parks Map National Parks Map
Stretching from Walpole to Albany the national parks are easily accessed. View our South Coast National Parks Map to get your bearings. Visit National Parks Map
Southern Forests Southern Forests
Along the South Coast you will find some of the most fascinating forests in the world including jarrah, karri, red and yellow tingle forests. Visit Southern Forests

Locations usually abundant in Bird life:

Walpole-Nornalup National Park Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
The Wilson Inlet The Wilson Inlet
This majestic Inlet is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year. Visit The Wilson Inlet
William Bay National Park William Bay National Park
Visit Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Mazzoletti Beach, Tower Hill, Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach! Visit William Bay National Park
Torndirrup National Park Torndirrup National Park
Including The Gap, Natural Bridge, The Blowholes, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill, Cable Beach & Stony Hill. Visit Torndirrup National Park
Two Peoples Bay NP Two Peoples Bay NP
Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
Emu Point Emu Point
The northern end of Middleton Beach, on the shores of Oyster Harbour at the channel to King George Sound. Visit Emu Point
Broke Inlet Broke Inlet
Broke Inlet is located in Dentrecasteaux National Park approximately 40km west northwest of Walpole Town. Visit Broke Inlet
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Gull Rock National Park Gull Rock National Park
25k east of Albany, Gull Rock National Park is a reserve for many endangered animals, trees and birds. Visit Gull Rock National Park
Harewood Forest Walk Harewood Forest Walk
Harewood Forest is an almost 1.5k walk through the forest. The stream at the end is the turn-around point. Filled with information on history, flora & fauna. Visit Harewood Forest Walk
Heritage Rail Bridge Heritage Rail Bridge
The Bridge is easily accessed by driving south along the river on Hollings Drive where you will find parking spaces, picnic tables and a gazebo. Visit Heritage Rail Bridge
Hilltop Lookout Hilltop Lookout
On Hilltop Road, east of Walpole. Overlooking the Nornalup Inlet and Frankland River. Rocky Head and Saddle Island can be seen in the distance. Visit Hilltop Lookout
Irwin Inlet Irwin Inlet
Irwin Inlet carves the sandbars at Peaceful Bay due to the swift flow into the Southern Ocean. Visit Irwin Inlet
Knoll Scenic Drive Knoll Scenic Drive
A five kilometre circular drive on the peninsula between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A distinctly well-kept rest area with picnic tables & toilets. Visit Knoll Scenic Drive
Mokare Heritage Trail Mokare Heritage Trail
Named after an aboriginal tracker and chieftain, the Mokare Heritage Trail winds along the east side of the Denmark River. Visit Mokare Heritage Trail
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour
Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Parry Inlet Parry Inlet
From the lookout you can see the forested hills of William Bay National Park. Visit Parry Inlet
Quarram Nature Reserve Quarram Nature Reserve
The Quarram Nature Reserve, a haven for birds and wildlife. Visit Quarram Nature Reserve
Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Walk amongst the towering Karri trees around Mount Frankland. Visit Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Taylor Inlet Taylor Inlet
Taylor Inlet near Nanarup is a winding Inlet, home to many species of waterbirds. Visit Taylor Inlet
Torbay Inlet Torbay Inlet
Many people find Torbay to be one of the most relaxing and peaceful places along this stretch of coastline. Visit Torbay Inlet
Walpole Inlet Walpole Inlet
Filled by the Deep & Frankland Rivers, the dark waters of the Walpole Inlet empty into the Nornalup Inlet through the Channels. Visit Walpole Inlet

Rainbow Coast Birdlife on Pinterest

Resources for visiting the south coast:

Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
Seasons of the Coast Seasons of the Coast
You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather South Coast Weather
The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather

Rainbow Coast Regions:

Albany Region Albany Region
The Albany Region of Western Australia is a land of mountains and waterways. An amazing region to explore. Visit Albany Region
Denmark Region Denmark Region
The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Walpole Region Walpole Region
Walpole is the western end of the Rainbow Coast and is surrounded by National Park and forested wilderness. Visit Walpole Region

Main Attractions on the Coast:

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean, and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout.. Visit Ocean Beach
Greens Pool Greens Pool
Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Elephant Rocks Elephant Rocks
Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
Mount Frankland Mount Frankland
Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Two Peoples Bay NP Two Peoples Bay NP
Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
West Cape Howe National Park West Cape Howe National Park
Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Shelley Beach
Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
The Gap The Gap
An impressive rugged granite channel carved by the Great Southern Ocean waves crashing against the granite coastline forming a spectacular sheer drop of almost 25 metres. Visit The Gap
Natural Bridge Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Brig Amity Replica
Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach Middleton Beach
The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach Little Beach
This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Albany Wind Farm
Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ancient Empires Walk Ancient Empires Walk
The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Bibbulmun Track Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, through many locations in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. Visit Bibbulmun Track
Denmark Wineries Denmark Wineries
Denmark Wineries and Vineyards to visit while on holiday along the Rainbow Coast. Wineries with restaurants, music, cellar doors and more! Visit Denmark Wineries
Frenchman Bay Frenchman Bay
Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Giant Tingle Tree Giant Tingle Tree
This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Lights Beach Lights Beach
Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mandalay Beach Mandalay Beach
Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach Albany
Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Monkey Rock Monkey Rock
Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Princess Royal Fortress Princess Royal Fortress
One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Rainbows Rainbows
The coast is perfectly placed to see Rainbows! And perfectly named. Green trees, mountains, forests beaches, and winter rainbows. Visit Rainbows
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
Valley of the Giants Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants

Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!

More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides: