While primarily known for its stunning rock formations, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is also home to over 170 bird species. This includes rare species such as the scarlet-chested parrot and the grey-headed honeyeater. 

In local Anagu culture, there are different types of birds in the park depending on their habitat.

Kakadu National Park is one of the best-known destinations for birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the Northern Territory. The park offers a range of walking trails and viewing platforms, as well as boat tours on the Yellow Water Billabong which provide an up-close view of the park's birdlife and other wildlife. Some of the birds you can expect to see in Kakadu include the brolga, magpie goose, egret, black-necked stork (Jabiru) and azure kingfisher. 

If you’re keen to combine swimming and bird watching, we recommend Maguk and the Yurmikmik Walks. The paperbark swamp leading to Maguk is the perfect opportunity to spot rainbow pittas. On your way to Motor Car Falls on the Yurmikmik Walks, keep keep your eyes peeled near salmon gums and termite mounds for the Gouldian finch and hooded parrot.

This remote and untouched corner of the Northern Territory is host to diverse ecosystems, attracting a large range of bird species.

If you’re in Arnhem Land’s main town of Nhulunbuy, we recommend the Gayngaru Wetlands interpretive walk. The area has large cultural significance to local Aboriginal people and is home to over 200 bird species. Keep your eye out for sightings of the northern fantail, blue-faced honeyeater, white-bellied cuckooshrike and brown falcon.

Arnhem Land is home to a multitude of islands dotting its coastline, which are key migratory spots for seabird breeding. Among these islands, Higginson Island stands out as a crucial breeding ground for Bridled and Roseate Terns, boasting internationally significant numbers of these species. Other islands that support breeding include East Bremer, Veronica, and Foelsche Rock.

A haven for bird enthusiasts, the Darwin region boasts over 400 bird species. There’s endless bird watching opportunities from coastal areas and mangroves to urban parks and nature reserves.

Where to watch birds in Darwin:

• George Brown Botanical Gardens
• Casuarina Coastal Reserve
• East Point Reserve 
• Lee Point Reserve 
  
  

Day trip bird watching destinations from Darwin:

• Fogg Dam Conservation Area - For Jabiru's, pied herons, egrets and more.
• Tiwi Islands - For seabird rookeries and migratory shorebirds, as well as the largest colony of Crested Terns in the world. You’ll need a permit for the Tiwi Islands, but your tour operator can help you with this. 
• Mary River National Park - for the azure kingfisher, Australasian darter, plus black and whistling Kites.
• Litchfield National Park - Find black kites, yellow orioles, figbirds, koel, spangled drongos, dollarbirds and the rainbow bee-eater in the sheltered areas near waterfalls.
• Territory Wildlife Park - See birds in their natural habitat and also watch the flight deck presentation.
  

Known as where the tropics meet the outback, Katherine is unique for having a colourful mix of landscapes. With over 240 species of birds thriving in the greater Katherine region, this is one of the best places in Australia to birdwatch.

Some of the top locations include: 

• Leliyn (Edith Falls) - Gouldian finch, red-backed fairywren, varied lorikeet 
• Nitmiluk Gorge -  Azure kingfisher, chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon, great-billed Heron
• Elsey National Park - Crested Shrike-tit (Northern form), Arafura fantial, banded honeyeater 
• Cutta Cutta Caves - More than 170 species of birds inhabit this area, including the hooded parrot.