What clothing/footwear do you recommend? 

Footwear
Best Option: Sturdy walking boots for proper support and grip on uneven terrain.
Acceptable Alternative: Sneakers/trainers, if the walk is on well-maintained paths and not too challenging.
Clothing:
Summer:
Cool, light hiking clothes that wick away sweat.
Sun-protective wear like long-sleeve shirts, hats, and sunglasses.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket if the forecast suggests rain.
Winter:
Layers are key (base layer, insulating layer, waterproof/windproof outer layer).
Warm gloves, a hat, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
Thermal socks to keep your feet warm.
General Tips:
Check the weather forecast and adjust accordingly.

If possible:
Carry a small backpack for extra layers, water, snacks, and essentials like sunscreen.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Tours cancelled within 7 days of tour result in 50% loss of tour cost.

Tours cancelled within 48 hours of tour result in 100% loss of tour cost.

DURING DAYS OF HIGH BUSHFIRE RISK TOUR ROUTES MAY BE ALTERED TO BETTER SUITED LOCATIONS.

 

​Where do we meet?

We will send a meeting location once you have booked.  Most tours will meet at the Hive Bar Erskinville. 93 Erskineville Road. Pick up is under the mural 'I Love Erskineville'/ Spotted Pardalote. Found on the side wall of The Hive bar. 

 

Do you cater for guests with disabilities?

Yes.

Unfortunately daily tours and sites involve some areas inaccessible for wheelchairs and touring over uneven ground that could be difficult/dangerous for guests with mobility issues. Please contact BIRDING SYDNEY AND BEYOND directly, we are happy to cater a private tour booked in advance. We have searched some of the best birding areas around Sydney for those who have mobility disabilities. A recommended option is in the Royal National Park, you are able to hire All-Terrain wheelchairs: the TrailRiders and Hippocampes in NSW national parks are free to hire, prior bookings are recommended.   

See:  

​​Mobility chairs in NSW National Parks | NSW National Parks

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How much hiking is involved?

​Our tours are designed to be accessible and not too strenuous. Most birdwatching occurs near or from the vehicle. The longest hikes are around 2–3 km on Grade 1 to 4 trails, with the guide setting a pace that suits the group.

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Do I need some fitness and adequate health?

Yes, by accepting the tour guests will be agreeing they have reasonable fitness and ability to safely participate in the tour chosen.     

It is essential for guests to advise the business at the time of booking of any pre-existing condition, medical or otherwise, that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of the guest requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of other participants. This should include, but not be limited to limb or back injury, epilepsy, dizziness, heart conditions, asthma, visual impairment, deafness, depression or recovering from recent surgery, allergies or special dietary requirements. A guest may be requested to provide medical clearance from a qualified medical practitioner.

 Due to the physical activity in our tours, all new clients over 69 years of age will be required to complete a medical clearance from a qualified medical practitioner. 

Guests over 69 years unable to get medical clearance for a more strenuous tour can consider getting in touch and booking a private tour that is less strenuous and curated to your ability/preference. 

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​What should I bring/wear?

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend the following:

Recommendations

• Footwear: Sturdy walking boots are ideal for support and grip on uneven terrain. Sneakers/trainers are acceptable.

• Clothing:

  • Summer: Light, breathable hiking clothes that wick sweat, sun-protective wear (long-sleeve shirts if preferred, hats, sunglasses), and a lightweight rain jacket if rain is forecast.

  • Winter: Check the current temperature and weather, during our Winter you can still dress in the recommended Summer hiking gear with additional layers or as it gets colder dress in your own preference of layers, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof/windproof outer layer. Optional; warm gloves, a scarf or neck gaiter, and thermal socks.

• Accessories/Self care items: A hat, sunscreen and a raincoat if rain is expected.

• Water: Bring your own water bottle. Top up water will be available. 

Optional but Recommended

• A spare pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

• A small backpack for carrying extra layers, water, snacks, and essentials like sunscreen.

Final Touch

Don’t forget your sense of adventure and curiosity! We look forward to exploring the beauty of nature with you and finding lots of birds 😊

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​​How much walking is involved?

​We strive to park as close to the sites as possible for your convenience. While some walking is required, including the occasional hill, the routes are manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Your comfort and enjoyment are always our priority.

 

​Can you consider guests with special dietary requirements?

​Yes, absolutely! Let us know your dietary preferences or requirements, and we’ll ensure to choose suitable food stop locations to suit your needs where possible.

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Does the tour include meals? 

Meals are not included in our tours, so we encourage participants to bring their own snacks, meals, and drinks if preferred. That said, we’ve planned for scheduled stops where you can enjoy excellent coffee, delicious bakery treats, hearty meals, or even a refreshing beer at a brewery (unless bird watching takes priority over a brewery stop). Food and drinks can be purchased during these breaks.

For your convenience, we will provide some light snacks, water, and locally sourced non-alcoholic beverages during the tour.

Whether the group prefers/decides to choose a relaxed break to recharge or would rather keep birding without a formal stop, we’re happy to adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our very best to cater to your needs.

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What binoculars do you recommend?

Get a sturdy pair of modern binos. Always try in store to see which pair of binos suit you. I have always loved the Nikon Monarch 5, 10x 42 and use these for my guests. They are light with good optics and really easy to use. Retail cost is around $450. Binoculars are available to use for each guest. Maximum 4 guests. For bookings over 4 individuals need to be arranged with the Choose your own Birding Experience.

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Which bird book is best?

I highly recommend The Australian Bird Guide published by CSIRO. While it’s not the most portable option for field use, it’s an excellent resource for detailed information, and I’ll have a copy available in the car for reference. (Retail price: $50)

I also keep a copy of The Complete Guide to Australian Birds in the car. This photographic guide is a wonderful complement to the first book, offering stunning visuals of Australian bird species. (Retail price: $35)

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Are there any bird apps?

Yes, there are some fantastic apps for Australian birds. My top recommendations are:

• Morcombe and Stewart, Australian Birds

• Pizzey and Knight, Birds of Australia

• Merlin Bird ID

Each of these apps provides valuable tools for bird identification and learning, making them great companions in the field.

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How accurate are the tour itineraries?

We strive to start our tours on time, but we're also flexible with the day's itinerary. If the group is enthusiastic and eager to spot a variety of specific species, we can maintain a brisk pace and move swiftly between locations. Conversely, if the group prefers a more relaxed experience and wants to spend longer at a particularly fruitful spot—especially when the birding is great—we’re happy to accommodate that as well.

Our primary goal is to ensure that everyone enjoys their time with us. With our small tour groups, we can easily tailor the experience to maximize enjoyment for all participants. When you make your inquiry, please let us know if you prefer a packed day or a more leisurely pace, and we'll do our best to meet your preferences.

 

What occurs in the event of inclement weather?

For trips in and around Sydney, we typically proceed as planned. By monitoring rain radar maps, we may identify certain destinations along our route that are unaffected by rain, allowing us to allocate more time there compared to other locations we had intended to visit. These decisions are made during the trip, ensuring that all participants are informed, happy and satisfied with the revised plans.
In cases where a trip must be cancelled due to severe weather, we will strive to notify all participants by the day before the scheduled tour at the latest.

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Will we see all the birds listed?

Each birding trip offers a unique experience. Some days we may spot a wide array of species, while other days might yield fewer sightings. Occasionally, we may encounter a rare bird that won’t be seen in Australia again for many years. Conversely, there may be times when we miss out on the high-profile species we had hoped to see—after all, these are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable.

That said, Simon brings years of experience in wildlife observation to each trip. As we prepare for your adventure, we’ll share insights on which birds are highlights for that specific tour and the likelihood of spotting them. We encourage you to embrace the diversity of birds we encounter and to celebrate the thrill of any sought-after species we successfully track down!

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I'm a keen Birder! What if I want to focus on seeing particular species of birds?

I completely understand your passion as a birder! If you’re a dedicated birder who has travelled to Sydney specifically for certain species, please let me know. I’m fully committed to going above and beyond to help you find those birds. While I can’t guarantee every sighting, I can certainly provide you with a realistic expectation for any specific targets you have in mind before you book. Your satisfaction is important, and I’ll do my utmost to make your birding experience a success!

Do you cater for non-English speaking customers?

Simon has extensive experience working with non-English speaking participants and is committed to ensuring everyone feels welcome. While all tours are conducted in English, participants are encouraged to bring a translator or a companion who can assist with translation to help maximize their enjoyment of the day.

We take the time to ensure that language barriers don’t detract from the experience and will happily use tools like Google Translate to assist when needed. Our goal is to create a memorable and inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of the language they speak.

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Do you offer refunds - and can I cancel my tour?

Tours cancelled within 7 days of tour result in 50% loss of tour cost.

Tours cancelled within 48 hours of tour result in 100% loss of tour cost.

TOUR ROUTES MAY BE ALTERED ON DAYS OF HIGH BUSHFIRE RISK.

You may, however, instead defer your tour to a later date that is within 3 months of your original tour date. If you defer your tour within the 2 days before the tour date, there will be a 10% late deferral fee and if you subsequently cancel the tour then cancellation fees will be calculated based on your original date of deferral.

BIRDING SYDNEY AND BEYOND will refund a tour for tours that are cancelled at BIRDING SYDNEY AND BEYOND’S discretion - including if the tour is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather.

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How many guests are on your tours?

We are happy to run tours whether there is 1 guest coming along, or more. Most tours will have between 2 and 4 attendees plus the tour guide. Larger groups are also possible - see below.

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Do you cater for large groups?

We can run tours for groups larger than 4 attendees - get in touch to discuss.

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Can children join a tour?

Absolutely! Children are more than welcome to join our tours. For their safety and enjoyment, all children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Simon holds a Working With Children Certificate, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for young participants. Please note that children joining the tour should be fit, able, and willing to keep pace during the hikes and bushwalks to ensure the group can fully enjoy the experience.

For families with younger children who might find it challenging to keep up with our standard curated tours, we offer the Choose Your Own Birding Experience option. This personalized tour allows you to design an adventure tailored to your family’s pace and interests, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

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What vehicle is used for the tours?

Groups of 1 to 4 will be a late model 2WD or 4WD. Larger groups can be accommodated using a minivan.

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What safety measures do you have in place for tours?

Birding Sydney and Beyond has implemented comprehensive safety measures outlined in our Codes of Practice, Emergency Response Plan, and Risk Management Assessment. All staff members are trained to effectively utilize these protocols.

On every tour, your guide will carry an emergency rescue satellite messenger to ensure communication in case of an emergency, especially in areas with limited to no mobile coverage. A basic first-aid kit is also provided, equipped with essential items including roller bandages for snake-bite treatment. Additionally, sunscreen is available in the vehicle, and we encourage all participants to prioritize sun protection.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities!