WHERE IS IT?
The Eyre Bird Observatory is a loooong way from anywhere! First you have to get to Perth which can be done with frequent flyer miles. You could also take a domestic flight to Esperance, then hire a 4WD. The drive can be half the fun if you are after a full-on Aussie Outback experience. It’s about 643km or 7 hours from Esperance across the Nullarbor.
The red dot is the approximate location of the Eyre Bird Observatory
You can actually get as far as Cocklebiddy on the Eyre Highway with a normal car but then you would have to get the caretakers to pick you up and leave your car in Cocklebiddy which would be risky with a rental car.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Eyre Bird Observatory lies within the Nuytsland Nature Reserve and was established as Australia’s first bird observatory by Birds Australia (formerly the RAOU) in 1977.
The observatory is a lovely old stone building within walking distance of the beach. It was built in 1897, near the site where explorer Edward John Eyre found water during his overland journey Adelaide to Albany in 1841, to serve as the Eyre Telegraph Station. The station was deserted in 1930 and remained so until its restoration in 1977.
The building incorporates a fine natural history library and a small museum, which provides some history of the Eyre Telegraph Station and the telegraph line between South Australia and Western Australia. It also contains information and displays on the coastal environments, including past activities such as whaling.
STAYING THERE
Information and bookings by Birdlife Australia.
The Observatory accommodates up to eight overnight guests. Because of our limited facilities, to avoid disappointment, advance bookings for overnight stays and meals are essential.
Overnight Guests
Accommodation in the historic Old Telegraph Building is basic with shared bathroom and toilet facilities. There are three bedrooms, one with a double bed and bunks, one with a double bed and two singles, and one with two singles and bunks.
Guests should note:
- Bookings are essential. Please contact the caretakers
- Up to a total eight guests can stay on any one night
- You will need to bring your own bed linen—Sleeping bag, sheets, pillowslip, towel—to reduce water used for laundry purposes
- Three meals per day are included in the cost of the booking
Prices for Accommodation
All prices include GST (Effective January 2012)
Adults $90 per person
Children (4-14 years) $45 per person
Courses (6 nights) $560 per person
10% discount for Seniors Card, YHA and BirdLife Australia members
Payments
Payments can be made by credit card (Visa/MasterCard) or cheque made out to Eyre Bird Observatory.
Eyre Bird Observatory is a not-for-profit facility, with the fees directed to cover our running cost. Fees for courses cover transport within the nature reserve for course outings, tuition by experienced leaders, accommodation in shared rooms, and hearty meals!
Eyre Bird Observatory
PMB 32, Cocklebiddy via Norseman WA 6443
T 08 9039 3450
F 08 9039 3440
E eyre@birdlife.org.au
WHAT BIRDS CAN YOU SEE?
Major Mitchell Cockatoos
Check Eremaea for the latest bird list. If you’re a parrot lover, you can usually find Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Purple Crowned Lorikeets and Port Lincoln Parrots.
MORE INFORMATION
This video gives an idea of what it’s like to visit this remote Australian outback region.