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Description
Situated in South West National Park, the tiny settlement of Melaleuca is the only place in the world where Orange-bellied Parrot can reliably be found.
The parrots can be seen in various locations around Melaleuca, including the feeding tables set up for them, and while they can appear anywhere, they are often found in the button grass plains, heathlands, and low scrublands. They are present in the summer months.
From the Birdlife page - see link: " The Critically Endangered Orange-bellied Parrot is one of only three migratory parrot species worldwide.
Twice a year, these tiny and remarkable parrots make the long and arduous journey across Bass Strait – departing their summer breeding grounds in south-western Tasmania and travelling more than 1,000km to spend autumn and winter in coastal Victoria and South Australia".
Other birds that can be found at Melaleuca include Beautiful Firetail, Striated Fieldwren and Ground Parrot. Lewin's Rail is also occasionally observed.
Details
Access
Direct access to Melaleuca is via light plane or private boat or via long distance trekking. Par Avion (see link) operate from Cambridge, a 15 minute drive east of Hobart, and offer daily and custom flights to Melaleuca.
Terrain and Habitat
Grassland , Moors/heathlandConditions
Flat , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
From the Parks and Wildlife page - see link: " Melaleuca attracts a variety of visitors. For bushwalkers undertaking the multi-day South Coast Track or Port Davey Tracks, Melaleuca is the start, finish or halfway point of their walk.
The settlement is also popular with commercial and private boat-based visitors who are exploring the magnificent Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour area. Scenic flights bring day visitors in and bird watchers are attracted by the opportunity to glimpse the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot.
These small, beautifully-coloured parrots are on the brink of extinction. The area around Melaleuca is the only place in the world that they breed, between October and late-March. Volunteers observe, monitor and record information about the parrots during their breeding phase".
Links
- Melaleuca is an eBird hotspot.
- Parks and Wildlife Info.
- Birdlife Australia - Status report - Orange-bellied Parrot.
- Par Avion flights to Melaleuca.