Broome Bird Observatory
Highlights
- Explore the biodiverse mudflats of Roebuck Bay, witnessing significant migratory shorebirds in their natural habitat.
- Join expert-led tours that cater to all skill levels, enhancing your birdwatching experience with tailored educational insights.
- Immerse yourself in the unique tidal mangrove ecosystems, discovering the hidden wonders of the Kimberley region's wildlife.
- Stay comfortably in eco-friendly accommodation, enjoying the serenity of one of Australia's most important bird habitats.
Established in 1988, Broome Bird Observatory (BBO) is a world-renowned research and education facility nestled on the shores of Roebuck Bay on Yawuru country, just 25 minutes from Broome. The location provides unparalleled access to one of the planet’s most significant sites for migratory shorebirds and the most biodiverse mudflats ever studied.
As both a research station and eco-tourism destination, they offer immersive experiences that connect visitors with the remarkable birdlife of the Kimberley region. The expert-led tours and educational programs cater to both novice bird watchers and experienced ornithologists. Signature experiences include the comprehensive five-day courses: “Wave the Waders Goodbye” (March-April) and “Birds of the Broome Region” (September-October), along with accessible one-day “Intro to Birding” courses.
BBO actively contributes to international bird conservation through research programs, including satellite tracking of migratory birds and maintaining a detailed “Bird Log” database dating back to its establishment. The facility offers comfortable accommodation options and camping facilities for those seeking an extended stay in this unique ecosystem.
Led by award-winning guides and dedicated wardens, they provide an authentic nature experience while maintaining their commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural respect. Whether you’re participating in regular bird watching tours, educational programs, or simply enjoying the serenity of the location, BBO offers a genuine connection to one of Australia’s most significant bird habitats.
Images and Video
Tour/s
Shorebird Tour
This tour focuses on viewing the shorebirds for which Roebuck Bay and the Observatory are so famous.
Out of the three-hour tour, they aim to spend approximately 2.5 hours observing shore birds and visiting roost sites along the northern shores of the bay around high tide. At this time, the shorebirds are moving from their feeding areas by the rising tide and come to rest at specific locations along the shoreline. This gives 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 terrain is uneven and can be challenging and sometimes muddy. Tour timing is tide-dependent. Bookings are essential.
Mangrove Tour
The Broome Bird Observatory Mangrove Tour is a guided exploration of Roebuck Bay’s tidal mangrove ecosystems, one of the Kimberley’s most productive and least-understood habitats.
Led by experienced bird guides, this relaxed and informative walk explores mangrove forests dominated by Avicennia marina and reveals how tides, seasons, and salt-tolerant vegetation support a rich diversity of birdlife. The tour focuses on mangrove-specialist species and woodland edge birds, with regular sightings of Mangrove Golden Whistler, Broad-billed Flycatcher, Dusky Gerygone, Mangrove Grey Fantail, and Sacred Kingfisher.
Along the way, guides share insights into bird behaviour, identification, and the vital role mangroves play in supporting coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds.
Suitable for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and curious explorers, the Mangrove Tour offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and learning about this unique and important coastal environment in small, personalised groups.
Full Day Coastal Tour
Discover the wild and diverse coastal landscapes north of Broome Bird Observatory on this immersive full-day birding adventure across the lower Dampier Peninsula.
This tour explores a rich mosaic of habitats—from freshwater and brackish lagoons edged by expansive saltmarsh, to mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches. Each environment supports its own unique birdlife, offering an ever-changing and rewarding experience throughout the day.
In the wetlands, you may encounter ducks, herons, egrets and a variety of shorebirds. The mangroves reveal more specialised species adapted to this unique ecosystem, while the broad tidal creeks attract different assemblages of waders. Along the coastline, keep watch for terns, Brown Booby, and Lesser Frigatebird soaring over the ocean.
And this is Broome—so expect the unexpected. From rare sightings to spectacular coastal scenery, every tour offers something different.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and rewarding birding experience in a truly remarkable landscape, this is the tour for you.
Memberships
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
- WA – Australia's North West Tourism