Bird Trails of the Richmond Valley
Welcome to birdwatching around Richmond Valley Council area.
Richmond Valley Council area lies within the lands of the Bundjalung Nation who are the traditional custodians of this land.
The Richmond Valley covers an area of almost 3,051 square kilometres and stretches about 85 km inland from the coast at Evans Head to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Like other Northern Rivers areas it is an overlay between tropical and temperate ecosystems known as the Macleay – McPherson Overlap; a region known for its extremely high biodiversity made possible by its landscape and climate. It is the southernmost limit for many tropical species as well as being the northernmost limit for many temperate species. The region comprises mountain bushland, dry and subtropical rainforest, hilly scrubland, timber country and grazing land, floodplains with sugarcane and tea tree stands, wetland and swamp to coastal heath, rocky headlands and dunal systems.
Significantly, much of the Richmond Valley area lies within the Richmond River floodplain with numerous freshwater lagoons scattered throughout the area. The dry sclerophyll woodlands to the west of Casino provide the best opportunity for observing dry woodland birds in our area. However, most of the floodplain is privately owned, restricting birdwatching to road-side habitats.
These coast to hinterland habitat niches add up to provide food, shelter, roosting and breeding needs for a great variety of birds and so is a wonderful area for birdwatchers to explore.
The brochure provides information on 23 locations one of which is the Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands and a list of known bird species (nearly 330) which have been recorded in the Richmond Valley. Some vagrant and rare birds have been excluded from the list and only a small selection of birds sighted at each location has been provided. Many of the bird species listed may be viewed in suitable habitat and in the right season at multiple sites. A definitive list can be downloaded from the BBB website. While birdwatching, remember to dress appropriately and always protect yourself against sunburn and insect bites. A pair of binoculars and a good field guide or bird app of Australian Birds will undoubtedly enhance your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top birding locations span diverse habitats across the region, including the coastal heathlands of Dirawong Reserve and Bundjalung National Park, the wetlands of Bungawalbin National Park, the coastal rainforests of Broadwater National Park, and the quiet estuarine riverbanks along Evans River and Richmond River.
The region is home to over 200 bird species. Rare and threatened highlights include the Coastal Emu, Regent Honeyeater, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, and Beach Stone-curlew. You can also regularly spot Osprey, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Azure Kingfishers, Brolgas, and seasonal migratory shorebirds like the Far Eastern Curlew.
Yes! Detailed bird trail brochures and maps highlighting specific birding loops, habitat zones, and vantage points can be downloaded from the official Discover Richmond Valley website or collected from local Visitor Information Centres in Woodburn and Evans Head.
Early morning (just after sunrise) and late afternoon are peak activity times, as birds actively forage and call during cooler hours. Spring (September to November) is ideal for breeding plumage and nesting behaviour, while spring through summer brings migratory shorebirds from the Northern Hemisphere to the region’s coastal estuaries.
A good pair of 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars, a field guide app (such as E-Bird or Merlin Bird apps), and quiet, earth-toned clothing are recommended. Always stay on designated walking tracks, keep a respectful distance from active nests, avoid using loud playbacks during breeding season, and leave no trace behind.