Meet Your Expert Bird Guides

Our expert birding tour guides are passionate naturalists with extensive knowledge of Australia’s diverse avian species and their habitats. They possess a keen eye for spotting elusive birds, a deep understanding of bird behavior, and a contagious enthusiasm for sharing their love of birdwatching. With years of experience leading tours across the country, our guides ensure unforgettable and enriching birding adventures for all skill levels.

Expert Birding Guide

Mike Barrow

At Aussie Bird Tours, your birdwatching experience is led by owner and guide Mike Barrow, a highly experienced and passionate birder and bird photographer. Mike’s deep connection with the natural world and extensive knowledge of Australian birdlife ensures an unforgettable and enriching tour.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Birds:
Originally from the UK, Mike has called Australia home for the past 35 years, immersing himself in the country’s diverse ecosystems and developing an unparalleled understanding of its avian inhabitants. He is recognized as one of the leading birders in Sydney and surrounding regions, including:

Sydney: Mike’s local expertise covers a wide range of Sydney habitats, from urban parks and wetlands to coastal areas and bushland.

Capertee Valley: With its dramatic landscapes and rich birdlife, the Capertee Valley holds a special place in Mike’s heart. He has extensive experience guiding birdwatching tours in this globally recognized birding hotspot.

Royal National Park: Mike’s knowledge of the Royal National Park’s diverse ecosystems, from rainforest to coastal cliffs, allows him to provide insightful and rewarding birdwatching experiences.

Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Living on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Mike has an intimate understanding of the coastal and wetland birdlife of this beautiful region.

Unmatched Experience and Dedication:
Mike’s dedication to birdwatching is evident in his impressive achievements. In 2024, he embarked on a remarkable journey, travelling and bird guiding throughout Australia and recording over 600 species within a single calendar year. This incredible feat showcases his deep understanding of Australian bird distribution and his unwavering commitment to birdwatching.

Connect with Aussie Bird Tours:
Stay updated on Mike’s latest birding adventures, tour information, and stunning bird photography by following Aussie Bird Tours on social media.

Here is a link to a great podcast with Mike talking about his favourite birding spots around Sydney and NSW


Aussie Bird Tours

Expert Birding Guide

Martin Allen

Join Aussie Bird Tours and experience the expertise of our knowledgeable guide, Martin Allen. With a lifelong passion for wildlife and a deep understanding of Australian birds, Martin brings a unique perspective to our birdwatching tours.

A Passion for Wildlife and Birds:
Martin’s fascination with the natural world began in his youth in the UK. However, it was a transformative trip to Costa Rica in 2002 that ignited his true passion for birds. Immersed in the vibrant avian diversity of the Neotropics, Martin’s interest evolved into a dedicated pursuit of birdwatching and bird photography.

From Perth to Sydney: Exploring Australia’s Avian Wonders:
Martin relocated to Australia from the UK in 2006, initially settling in Perth before moving to Sydney. This experience has allowed him to explore diverse habitats across the country, further enhancing his understanding of Australian bird distribution and ecology.

A Dedicated Birder and Bird Photographer:
Martin’s passion extends beyond simply observing birds. He is a skilled bird photographer, capturing stunning images of avian life in their natural environments. His dedication to birds is also reflected in his work as a casual bird keeper at the zoo, where he gains valuable insights into bird behaviour and care.

A Top EBirder in Australia:
Martin’s dedication to birdwatching is evident in his impressive achievements. He has observed over 670 Australian bird species, a testament to his extensive fieldwork and knowledge. Furthermore, he is recognized as one of the top 100 eBirders in Australia, demonstrating his commitment to citizen science and contributing valuable data to bird conservation efforts. eBird is a global online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalist with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance.

Experience the Difference with Aussie Bird Tours:
When you join an Aussie Bird Tours experience, you’re not just going on a birdwatching tour; you’re embarking on a journey led by a passionate expert. Martin’s extensive knowledge, combined with his enthusiasm for sharing his love of birds, ensures a rewarding and memorable experience for all participants.

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Sue Dickinson profile picture
Sue Dickinson
2026.02.18.
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We had a really interesting morning with Mike in Northern Beaches area. He is extremely knowledgeable not only about Aussie birds, habits & calls but generally about birds & wildlife. Highly recommended & great value for birders.
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Alan Fink
2026.02.17.
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Martin did a tremendous job introducing us to multiple great birding spots in and around Sydney. Memories we will cherish for ever. Alan and Shar
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Patricia Mattevi
2026.02.17.
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In February, my husband and I did our second adventure with Mike Barrow - a full day private Western Sydney guided tour (booked on his day off to accommodate our schedules) Although the weather didn’t fully cooperate, we had a great day identifying FOUR rarities for this region, a Hooded Robin, posing graciously for photographs, two different views of Freckled Ducks ( totaling four ) one Spotted Harrier and two Shelducks. Not being an Aussie, I was so excited to view / learn about so many new birds . My e bird life list count increased 😊 Scheyville National Park was a hidden gem, giving views of Crimson and Eastern Rosella, our target bird , the black Capped Robin, a handsome white necked heron, and so many other birds. The grey kangaroo watched us curiously . Cautiously driving to our next destination , Bushells Lagoon , Mike would safely pull to the roadside to ensure I could get photos of my requested species which included pink eared duck, teals, pacific black duck, Maned duck. We also spent time at Pitt Town Lagoon where the chestnut breasted Munia was my favorite. At Richland lowlands we were treated with good views of the Brown Quail, Double Barred Finch, Nankeen Kestrel, Whistling and Black Shouldered Kites. We drove through the grasslands looking for another target bird, the Banded Lapwing without success. BONUS a Spotted Harrier gave us a better fantastic showing. Time to head back to the city but not before stopping at Macquarie University to view 2 Shelducks and another bonus, a Sacred Kingfisher. There were such a biodiversity on this tour. Total count of 82 !!! Mike composed excellent e bird lists and a trip report. He answered my questions promptly by email as we flew home early the next day. As we reflect on this experience, it FAR exceeded our expectations - a Must do tour!
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'Alopi Latukefu
2026.02.01.
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Mike did a great job showing us not only some great Australian birds, but also his passion for birding, his knowledge of species and how to engage with their environment in a safe and respectful way. Couldn't recommend the experience highly enough.
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Mark Nimlos
2026.01.22.
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This was a great bird tour. Mike was extremely knowledgeable And very capable at hearing and seeing the birds on the trip. We saw over 60 birds on half-day trip. Mike was also a great guy super patient. Everyone in our crew enjoyed the trip. The experience murderers and the novices.
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carole
2025.12.23.
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My wife and I had a wonderful time a couple of weeks ago attending Mike's half-day Beach to Wetland birding tour on Sydney's Northern Beaches. We saw and heard so many lovely birds - from ground-dwellers to water birds to raptors - even, thrillingly, a lyre bird. Mike was so informative and very pleasant company. It was a marvellous experience and I can't recommend it highly enough.
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Bernd Stemmer
2025.12.22.
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Am 14.12.2025 haben wir mit Mike Barrow eine Tagestour in den Royal Nationalpark unternommen. Mein Ziel war es Leierschwänze zu sehen. Mike führte uns in unterschiedliche Gebiete des Parks. Am Morgen waren wir im dichten Uferwald des Hacking River. Dort zeigte uns Mike einige versteckt lebende Singvogelarten, darunter Prachtstaffelschwänze. Wir konnten sogar beobachten wie ein Grünlaubenvogel die Küken eines Paares Fuchsfächerschwänze verspeiste, wobei diese den Räuber verzweifelt attackierten. Ein Leierschwanzweibchen erschien plötzlich ganz nah neben uns. Am Strand von Bundeena gab es einige Pfuhlschnepfen. In den Mangroven zeigten sich die unglaublich schön gefärbten Weißbauch-Staffelschwänze. Weiter oben am Fluss, im Eukalyptuswald, sahen wir neue Arten. Auch das Exkursionsziel wurde erreicht: Ein Leierschwanzhahn verfolgte ständig singend ein Weibchen. Beide kamen dabei sehr nah an uns vorbei. An einer anderen Stelle haben wir außer Vögeln auch ein Sumpfwallaby beobachtet. Zum Abschluss fuhren wir noch zu den spektakulären Felsklippen von Wattamolla. Ein schöner, produktiver Tag, der ohne die Arten- und Ortskenntnis von Mike nicht möglich gewesen wäre. Bernd Stemmer
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Helen Morgan
2025.12.21.
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Great birding with Mike this morning. Mike’s knowledge of the birds and the habitats make fir a very worthwhile experience. Would thoroughly recommend.
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Lukas K
2025.12.07.
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I had the best time on Mike's full day Royal National Park tour, we managed to see over 70 bird species across different types of habitat within the park - he knew the exact places to go to for the best chance of sighting different bird species. Being a beginner bird watcher, I benefitted immensely from Mike's vast knowledge of Australian birds and his ability to share the knowledge in an easy to understand way. He was also very welcoming and a great company to chat with so there was no dull moment in between the bird watching stops. It was an amazing day spent in very beautiful nature and I will definitely be looking to book another tour with Mike next time I'm in Australia!
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Kelly Campbell-Marshall
2025.12.04.
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Martin, our guide was amazing! We visited several sites and saw about 80-90 species of birds. Truly the highlight of my Australian vacation. I highly recommend this for bird lovers at any level.
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Embark on unforgettable birdwatching tours across Australia with AussieBirdTours! Discover the continent’s diverse avian wonders, from vibrant parrots in tropical rainforests to elusive shorebirds on coastal mudflats. Our expert guides, passionate birders with extensive local knowledge, will lead you to prime birding hotspots, maximizing your chances of spotting target species and enhancing your bird identification skills. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, our meticulously crafted birding tours offer unparalleled wildlife experiences, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for Australia’s unique natural heritage. Join us for an enriching adventure and experience the thrill of discovering Australia’s incredible birdlife.

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