My wife and I are planning to celebrate our 40th and my 70th with a 4-5 week trip to New Zealand in October. My question is, if we decide to use a week within that period for an off-island side-trip, would readers recommend Australia or Tasmania? We are avid birders, reasonably accomplished hikers and experienced motor boaters, sailors, canoists/kayakers. We're planning to travel by rented car, will include several farm stays (since we own a commercial beef cattle ranch) and otherwise will stay in small lodges or B&Bs. My wife is a registered, practicing landscape architect and I am a retired newspaper editor/writer/photographer who occasionally freelances all 3 disciplines. We just returned (in January) from Guatemala and Belize and were appalled by the lack of wildlife - insects, birds, mammals - as compared to our last trip there 30 years ago. We slept and hiked in the rain forest with no screens and no need of insect repellent - absolutely appalling. I blame indiscriminate pesticide use, but have no scientifically credible proof.

Any and all counsel will be appreciated.

Tasmania is part of Australia. I presume you're asking about Tasmania vs. the rest of Australia.

Your biggest bang for the buck will be the Cairns area. Half of Australia's birds have been found within 100km of the city; 100+ birding days are not difficult. You can also see a lot of maruspials - my best was 19 species of mammals in one day - and other good stuff. Tasmania would take a week to get close to Cairns and the Tablelands in two days; you'd never see as many mammals (although what you would see would be good). There are good guides up Cairns way, including Alan who is a hop-aboard guide, so will get in your car and show you around. Good birder and mammaler. You will be at one of Australia's best shorebird locations, during migration, by looking out your Esplanade hotel window. With a decent scope or binoculars you could get curlew sandpiper sitting on your balcony drinking wine. There are always local birders, with scopes, on the shore who will help you. Alan: www.alanswildlifetours.com.au/
There's a small, reasonably rustic lodge - The Chambers - to stay in that has tasties such as Victoria's Riflelbirds and 3 species of bowerbirds on the property; Rose Gums is also birdy.

Hi onlyallan,

Congratulations on your 40th and 70th, and the opportunity to visit both Oz and NZ!

As you're avid birders, the first thing that popped into my mind was O'Reilly's resort, which is south of Brisbane. It's set in Lamington National Park, and there are several walking trails for hiking as well. Sounds like a perfect match for you.

Another good spot would be Fraser Island (largest sand island)and Kingfisher Lodge has a manager who takes people out in the morning to spot birds (I did this as I was up early, not because I'm into birds - apparently I'm hopeless at spotting birds!) However, true enthusiasts were oohing and ahhing over things that escaped me!


Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

Congratulations on getting this far together - may it continue!
I'd recommend Tasmania for an all-round total experience, especially the scenery; the bird life is good [although Queensland has its points too - Cairns for something completely different to NZ is good]. Breath-takingly unique mountain country, with wilderness hikes to die for!! Very good tucker too!