Destination's Journey

Tag: birds

  • Shark and Ray Rescue Centre

    Shark and Ray Rescue Centre

    Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens

    Based at Bobs Farm near Port Stephens, the Shark and Ray Rescue Centre is dedicated to the rehabilitation and rehousing of sharks and rays. An association with local Professional Fishermen allows injured sharks, rays, and other marine creatures caught as a by-catch to be saved.

    Getting There

    Interior of the Shark and Ray Rescue Centre
    Interior of the Centre

    Housed undercover, the centre operates in all weathers, so is great to visit on a rainy day when other activities in Port Stephens close. With only a 40-minute drive from Newcastle, or 20 minutes from Port Stephens it’s easy to get to. Parking is on site with plenty of room available.

    What to See When You Arrive

    On arrival, a staff member takes you around the centre, so that you are familiar with what’s on display and how to interact with them.

    We chose to walk around the tanks and enclosures to view the displays, but for a small fee you can also get in the tanks and feed the sharks. Several people were doing this, mostly young families. They seemed to be having a great time in the water and the sharks they were with were not dangerous.

    Leopard Shark
    Leopard Shark
    Port Jackson Shark Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
    Port Jackson Shark
    Port Jackson Shark Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
    Port Jackson Shark
    Fiddler Ray
    Fiddler Ray
    Fiddler Ray Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
    Fiddler Ray
    Shovelnose Ray
    Shovelnose Ray
    Stingray
    Stingray
    Stingray
    Stingray

    Birds

    The Centre has expanded its operations to include other animals in need, including birds. We were pleased to be able to enter the parrot aviary where a staff member explained about them. Even better, they perched on our shoulders and arms, which was something we were not expecting to do when we arrived.

    Eclectus parrot Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
    Eclectus parrot
    Chestnut Fronted Macaw
    Chestnut Fronted Macaw
    Gold Macaw

    Other Displays

    Housed in large enclosures and several glass cages, the centre has a collection of lizards on display.

    A butterfly house has now opened giving visitors the opportunity to see them up close. Our visit did not match its open times, so we will have to go back to see it.

    At times, octopus and other marine creatures may be housed here. This is variable, depending on the need to rehabilitate the.

    Pygmy Bearded Dragon
    Pygmy Bearded Dragon
    Blue Tongue Lizards
    Blue Tongue Lizards
    Blue Tongue Lizards
    Blue Tongue Lizards

    What Did We Think?

    This was a fun and interesting place to visit. A great way to see sharks and rays up close, something you don’t often get to do. The experience with the parrots was also great as was seeing the lizards. It’s wonderful that someone is helping rehabilitate injured marine life and rehousing them.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

  • Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    How to Get There

    The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise leaves from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. On arrival, park your car in the large carpark and make your way to the large building, where you check in and wait for the tour to start. From here, the guides will walk you to the boats tied up at a nearby pier.

    What to Wear and Take

    The weather in this part of Tasmania is very changeable, meaning that although it may be warm before you start, it may be cold or raining later. The tour recommends warm clothing, as the temperature out on the water may be cold. A waterproof jacket is provided, which is ankle length, but you may still get wet. We wore woollen jumpers and jackets, but still used the jackets provided. Gloves and something warm for your head, like a beanie and a scarf are also recommended.

    There is room in the overhead nets for bags and backpacks to keep them dry, but anything on the floor will get wet. To avoid water damage photos are best taken when the boat stops. We kept cameras inside our jackets when not being used and they did not get wet.

    Prior to the boat leaving the dock, the crew provide a safety briefing and distributed ginger seasick tablets. Fortunately, no one became sick during our cruise.

    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat

    The Coastline

    One of the main attractions for the cruise is the rugged coastline which provides a fantastic backdrop throughout the three hours you are on the water. Whether it is towering cliffs, blow holes, sea caves or arches, there was always something to look at. The boat stopped regularly, which allowed us to take pictures. Taking pictures while moving was impossible, as we moved too fast, and it was too bumpy and wet.

    Cliffs

    The towering dolerite cliffs dominate the coastline, throughout the trip, reminding you of how rugged the coastline is. One of the best sights is the monument, an eroded spire standing out of the sea watching over the coast.

    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Dolerite Cliff Face
    • Opening to a Sea Cave
      Opening to a Sea Cave
    • The Monument
      The Monument
    • The Monument Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      The Monument

    Sea Caves and Blow Holes

    Wave action has cut caves and fissures into the cliffs in many places, producing caves and blow holes. As the water enters the fissures and is forced out by air pressure, huge spouts of water erupt into the air. The boat got close enough so that we were often covered by the spray.

    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face

    Arches

    Over time erosion around the sea caves turns them into arches. These look magnificent standing above the sea, with waves crashing around their base.

    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face
    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face

    Islands

    The Friars, several small islands are home to seals and sea birds. The tour takes you out to them, but they also look good by themselves.

    The Friars Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Friars

    Wildlife to See on The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Although a major highlight of the tour, there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen during the cruise. We were lucky, because seals and seabirds were basking on the rocks and dolphins put on a show for the return journey.

    Birds

    During the cruise we were able to see many sea birds, most of which were drying their feathers on rocks off the coast. We managed to see a sea eagle, but it was too far away for a good photo.

    • Black-faced Cormorants
      Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      White Faced Heron and Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron

    Seals

    New Zealand and Australian fur seals were basking on rock ledges when we were there, making for great photo opportunities. At the Friars, the boat was able to get close inshore where we saw them up close. This was very special and a highlight of the trip, although the smell was overpowering.

    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seal
      Australian Fur Seal
    • New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
      New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island

    Dolphins

    During the return trip dolphins swam next to the boat, putting on a great show.

    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat

    Whales

    Sometime during trips whales are visible as they migrate to and from the Antarctic. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but the other wildlife we saw was great.

    Back on Shore

    After returning our wet weather jackets and thanking the crew, we made our way to the restaurant where we had a hot meal and a drink from the bar.

    Post Cruise Refreshment
    Post Cruise Refreshment

    What Did We Think of The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    This was the highlight of our visit to Bruny Island with the coastline and wildlife being amazing to see. Remember to wear warm waterproof clothing and don’t forget your camera.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

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  • Hunter Wetlands Centre Newcastle

    Hunter Wetlands Centre Newcastle

    Hunter Wetlands Centre

    Located in Shortland just outside of Newcastle, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a community based project returning this once industrial wasteland back to important wetlands. Numerous migratory birds pass through here as well as local birds that use it as a nesting place.

    There is ample parking and a café provides snacks for either before or after your visit.

    Several short walks wind around the ponds and stands of trees, providing different aspects of the area and differing habitats for birds. We found the tracks very easy to negotiate and well maintained.

    Main Water Body at Hunter Wetlands Centre
    Main Water Body at the Wetlands Centre
    Water Birds at the Wetlands Centre
    Water Birds at the Wetlands Centre
    Birds at Hunter Wetlands Centre
    Birds at theWetlands Centre
    Ibis
    Ibis
    Mangroves
    Mangroves
    Wetlands
    Wetlands
    Walking Track
    Walking Track

    After our walk we sat in the café overlooking the central pond and watched the birds as they flocked around the central pond..

    For other stories about Newcastle and the Hunter Region, please click on this link.

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