Broome Bird Observatory TOURS
Tours and Activities Land Based Tours Water Based Tours
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM These hours apply to the office and shop, but the Observatory trails and facilities are accessible at all hours.
Worldclass bird watching at the Shorebird capital of Australia!
Broome Bird Observatory – A Haven for Birdwatchers on Roebuck Bay
Nestled on the stunning north shore of Roebuck Bay, the Broome Bird Observatory (BBO) is Australia’s shorebird capital and one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations. As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to research, education, and recreational birdwatching.
Stay with Us – Accommodation & Camping by the Bay
Immerse yourself in nature with our comfortable air conditioned accommodation and tranquil camping facilities, with fully equipped shadehouse kitchen. Whether you’re here for a tour or a quiet retreat, enjoy access to the beach and explore the trails surrounding the Observatory.
Explore with Our Expert-Led Birdwatching Tours
Join one of our guided birdwatching tours and discover Broome’s remarkable birdlife! We offer:
• Half-day tours (3 hours) – Choose from Mangroves, Shorebirds and Bush and Plains tours. Perfect for a snapshot of Roebuck Bay’s diverse habitats and bird species.
• Full-day tours (7 – 8 hours) — A Coastal tour visiting mangroves, wetlands, sandy beaches, and more. Chances to see a wide variety of bird life.
With over 300 recorded bird species, our experienced guides will help you spot long-desired birds — whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out.
Experience More at Broome Bird Observatory
• Bird Log (every evening) – Research collection by sharing your sightings and hear what others have spotted.
• Nature Trails – Wander through unique ecosystems surrounding the Observatory.
• Incredible Wildlife – Witness thousands of shorebirds roosting, the magic of Broome’s 10-metre tides, and the beauty of Roebuck Bay and the Roebuck open plains.
Important Visitor Information
No Pets, Drones, or Bird Call Playback are permitted.
Traveling with children under 7? Please call before booking Tours.
Visit us and discover why Broome is a world-renowned birdwatching destination!
Book online below...
#Experience the magic of Roebuck Plains at sunset as we seek out Yellow Chat, Brolga, and birds of prey. ## Duration 3 hours ##About The grasslands of Roebuck Plains Station are home to a variety of birds, and as the year progresses this tour showcases an ever-changing set of species. Soon after the wet season, freshwater wetlands attract a range of waterbirds. As the plains dry, waterbirds leave, but the grasslands and salt flats become more accessible, revealing other species. Always excellent for raptors, wide open space and stunning sunsets, the Bush and Plains Tour is an excellent choice for nature lovers who want to see this enchanting landscape. **No walking required. Bush and Plains tours are conducted on scheduled afternoons at 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM depending on the time of year, and return at sundown.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under 7, please call before booking.
#Experience the magic of Roebuck Plains at sunset as we seek out Yellow Chat, Brolga, and birds of prey. ## Duration 3 hours ##About The grasslands of Roebuck Plains Station are home to a variety of birds, and as the year progresses this tour showcases an ever-changing set of species. Soon after the wet season, freshwater wetlands attract a range of waterbirds. As the plains dry, waterbirds leave, but the grasslands and salt flats become more accessible, revealing other species. Always excellent for raptors, wide open space and stunning sunsets, the Bush and Plains Tour is an excellent choice for nature lovers who want to see this enchanting landscape. **No walking required. Bush and Plains tours are conducted on scheduled afternoons at 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM depending on the time of year, and return at sundown.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under 7, please call before booking.
#This tour is a full-day discovery of the various birds and habitats North of BBO along the coast ## Duration 8 hours ##About This tour is a full-day discovery of the various birds and habitats of the lower Dampier Peninsula. Our focus will be fresh and brackish lagoons bordering vast salt marshes. Mangroves and wide creeks, pristine beaches and Indian Ocean views. These varied habitats will produce a wide range of species. The fresh and brackish water could turn up ducks, waterbirds and various shorebirds. The mangroves hold exciting specialities and the wide muddy creeks a different suite of shorebirds. The beaches and ocean should have various terns, Brown Boobies, and Lesser Frigatebirds. And, this is Broome, so anything can show up. If you are looking for a very full and productive birding day, this is the tour for you. Subject to accessibility — Minimum of 2 people required. Amount of walking varies with seasonal conditions but is never arduous, however the ground can be uneven and difficult to walk over. **The Coastal Tour leaves early and returns in the mid-afternoon. Subject to accessibility. Bookings essential. Morning tea is provided; please bring your own lunch.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.**
#Explore the fantastic diversity unique to mangrove ecosystems. ## Duration 3 hours ##About We begin at the end of Crab Creek Road, where the pindan meets the plain and the extensive mangrove system of eastern Roebuck Bay begins. On this 3 hour tour you will spend time deep among the mangroves, searching for special birds restricted to this habitat like White-breasted Whistler, Dusky Gerygone and Mangrove Fantail. Emerging on the far side of the mangroves provides good views of the abundant birdlife feeding on the mudflats. A variety of other fascinating creatures are likely to be encountered. **This tour involves roughly 1 km of walking on sand and mud. Participants must be stable on their feet. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under the age of 7, please call us to discuss.
#Explore the fantastic diversity unique to mangrove ecosystems. ## Duration 3 hours ##About We begin at the end of Crab Creek Road, where the pindan meets the plain and the extensive mangrove system of eastern Roebuck Bay begins. On this 3 hour tour you will spend time deep among the mangroves, searching for special birds restricted to this habitat like White-breasted Whistler, Dusky Gerygone and Mangrove Fantail. Emerging on the far side of the mangroves provides good views of the abundant birdlife feeding on the mudflats. A variety of other fascinating creatures are likely to be encountered. **This tour involves roughly 1 km of walking on sand and mud. Participants must be stable on their feet. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under the age of 7, please call us to discuss.
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes ##About We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($60 for one guest plus $15 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.**
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 3 Hours ##About We spend approximately 2.5hrs of the tour visiting feeding and roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are being moved from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. We will drive to various lookouts as the tide changes. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required, however the ground can be muddy, uneven and difficult to navigate. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** Children 7 and up are welcome. If you have a child under 7 you can organise a private tour. Please call us to organise.
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes ##About We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($60 for one guest plus $15 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.**
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 3 Hours ##About We spend approximately 2.5hrs of the tour visiting feeding and roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are being moved from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. We will drive to various lookouts as the tide changes. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required, however the ground can be muddy, uneven and difficult to navigate. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** Children 7 and up are welcome. If you have a child under 7 you can organise a private tour. Please call us to organise.
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes ##About We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($60 for one guest plus $15 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under 7, please call us to discuss.
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes ##About We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($60 for one guest plus $15 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.**
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 3 Hours ##About We spend approximately 2.5hrs of the tour visiting feeding and roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are being moved from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. We will drive to various lookouts as the tide changes. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required, however the ground can be muddy, uneven and difficult to navigate. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($90 for one guest plus $30 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** Children 7 and up are welcome. If you have a child under 7 you can organise a private tour. Please call us to organise.
#This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous. ## Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes ##About We spend approximately 2.5 h visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are forced from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives us a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of shorebird species at relatively close range which helps to discern the sometimes subtle features that distinguish the different species. Your guide will teach you key identification features, discuss the ecology and conservation importance of Roebuck Bay, and explain the incredible life cycle of its migratory shorebirds. **Travel between roost sites is by vehicle and very little walking is required. Tour timing is tide dependent.** **Please be aware the BBO is 25 km from Broome by road and 15 km of this is on an unsealed dirt road (4WD recommended). If you are unable to drive here, we offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Broome to our site ($60 for one guest plus $15 for each additional guest on the same booking). Please let us know during the booking process if you require this.** If you have a child under 7, please call us before booking.
Please note the following at not allowed at BBO:
Pets are not allowed at BBO.
No Drone flying.
No bird playback allowed.