CUMBERLAND BIRD OBSERVERS CLUB
Birdwatching in Sydney since 1979
Affiliated with BirdLife Australia
OUR OUTINGS
Outings are a great way to enjoy birdwatching, to learn about the birds and to meet new friends. We have a range of outings including:
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Weekend outings on either Saturday or Sunday
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Mid-week outings on Wednesday
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Outings for young birdwatchers - click Nestlings for details
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Weekends away to prime birding locations
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Opportunities to participate in bird surveys and other events
We have at least 3 outings per month. The outings are informal and cater for birdwatchers of all experience levels. Helpful, friendly advice is always available on all aspects of birding.
Visitors are welcome to attend two outings prior to joining CBOC. If an outing is nearly full, priority will be given to members.
For more information, click the links below, or email the Activities Officer on outings@cboc.org.au.
BOOKINGS REQUIRED for all outings
Outings will be limited to 25 people so that the group is not too large for effective birding, but may sometimes have a lower limit based on the outing location.
An email will be sent to members when outings are open for booking and a confirmation will be sent confirming your place on the outing.
Saturday 4 January 2025 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
MITCHELL PARK, CATTAI NP
Meeting place
Meet at the second picnic table in Mitchell Park. National Park entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Mostly flat with approx 4 km walk around the southern part of Mitchell Park.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Mitchell Park with toilets nearby. Some picnic tables.
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | 7.50am for an 8am start (open for booking)
FRED CATERSON RESERVE, CASTLE HILL
Meeting place
Enter Fred Caterson Reserve via Gilbert Rd, Castle Hill. Continue along Caterson Drive until you reach a car park at Fields 2 and 3. Do not turn left at any time.
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Bushland
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush paths, tracks and road with some uneven ground and gentle hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. No picnic tables but some seating near the oval.
Sunday 19 January 2025 | 8.20am for 8.30am start (open for booking)
BOBBIN HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP
Meeting place
Meet on the western side of the bridge at Bobbin Head picnic area, near the start of the Gibberagong boardwalk
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush tracks with some slightly steeper sections including steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. Some picnic tables, including some undercover.
Saturday 25 January 2025 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
RICHMOND LOWLANDS AND SURROUNDS
Meeting place
Meet at Pughs Lagoon, Smith Park, corner of Old Kurrajong Road and Francis Street, Richmond
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Pastureland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 3 km, mainly flat on paths or roadsides.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Pugh's lagoon with toilets and picnic tables nearby. Depending on route taken after leaving the lagoon, toilets and facilities might not be nearby.
Sunday 2 February 2025 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
BOAT HARBOUR and KAMAY NP
Meeting place
Meet at the car park at Potter Point. Approaching Kurnell, turn right off Captain Cook Drive into Sir Joseph Banks Drive (Desalination Plant). Enter Botany Bay National Park at the end of Sir Joseph Banks Drive. Follow the road to the car park at the very end. ** Bring a scope if you have one that you can carry**
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Seashore, bushland
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km including some uneven and possibly slippery rocky surfaces. It includes walking on sand dunes, and a climb to the beach.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. No toilets or picnic tables. Nearest toilets are a 10 minute drive away at Kamay NP near the visitors centre.
7.20am for a 7.30am start | Wednesday 5 February 2025 (open for booking)
SYDNEY PARK, ST PETERS AND TEMPE LANDS (morning only)
Meeting place
Meet at the carpark in Barwon Park Rd, which is next to the tall chimneys.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Bush, parklands and wetlands
Grade
Sydney Park: Grade 1. Approx 3-5 km easy walking along footpaths, grass and elevated wetland walkway.
Tempe Lands: Grade 2. Approx 2 km loop on dirt track.
Facilities
Sydney Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets and coffee cart nearby. Need to bring chairs.
Tempe Lands: No toilets or facilities, but parks with toilets nearby.
Friday 14 February 2025 | 7am and 9am starts - arrive 10 mins prior (open for booking)
ROOKWOOD CEMETERY and SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Meeting place
Meet towards the end of William Dr, Rookwood Cemetery. Enter via East St, Lidcombe. Second start location at 9am near the Waterview Café at Lake Belvedere, Bicentennial Park, Homebush off Australia Ave.
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Woodland, parkland, wetlands
Grade
Rookwood Cemetery: Grade 1. Approx 2 km of flat walking.
Sydney Olympic Park: Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Rookwood: Plenty of parking beside road. No toilets in the area that we are going but there are toilets near St Michael's chapel.
Sydney Olympic Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets available. Some picnic tables depending on location.
Saturday 22 February 2025 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
CUMBERLAND LAND CONSERVANCY: WALLAROO & WOMBAT SITES, MULGOA
Meeting place
Meet at the entrance to the property, which is accessed from the turnoff to the Penrith Landfill Depot. This is just south of the Nepean Christian School. Once you turn off Mulgoa Rd, parking is immediately on the left opposite the gate on the right. If the gate is open, drive in and park on the left near the shed.
Leader
Mark Fuller | 0424 440 140
Habitat
Open forest/woodland with clearings and small dams.
Grade
Wallaroo: Grade 2. Approx 3 km of relatively flat walking with some gentle hills.
Wombat: Grade 3. Approx 1 km with some steep hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets available. No picnic tables.
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March 2025 (fully booked - waiting list open)
Friday 28 to Sunday 30 March 2025 (fully booked - waiting list open)
WEEKENDS AWAY - OLD BAR AREA
Meeting place
These two Members' weekends will be based in Old Bar, travelling to nearby birding areas. They are now open for booking. Once the booking has been confirmed, more details will be sent to you. Do not book any accommodation until then as there will be a maximum of 30 people on this weekend.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Various
Grade
Various
Facilities
TBC
