The BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre borders the 48-hectare Newington Nature Reserve –home to over 200 native bird and animal species.
The reserve provides an important habitat for many flora and fauna, including migratory birds protected under international agreements. It also protects rare remnant forest and wetland habitats that collectively support these bird species with the majority of the area comprising of Ironbark forest, swampland and coastal saltmarsh.
The Discovery Centre itself houses an extensive bird book library along with an education room to support the community who are interested in teaching or learning about birds.
One of the most important facilities in the centre is the EagleCAM. Established in 2009, this advanced video technology allows visitors to get up close and personal to the resident White-bellied Sea Eagles. These fascinating birds return every year from May to November, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a chick in the nest!
Catch a bird’s-eye view of resident White-bellied Sea Eagles nesting on the EagleCAM live stream.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is a fairly common sight along the coasts and inland rivers of Australia, as well as further afield. However, little is known about their complete breeding cycle from nest building to fledging. The Discovery Centre provides a place to investigate their habitat, habits and how we can help them survive long term.
The current pair of Parramatta River Sea-Eagles is often seen during the day on their prominent mangrove perch, loafing or feeding on a mullet or other fish from the wetlands. They may also be seen soaring overhead on up-swept wings.
Other birds that can be spotted in and around the Centre include:
Newington Armory, 133 1 Jamieson St Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Park at the end of Jamieson Street and follow the signs.
Sundays 10am-3pm Please note, The BirdLife Discovery Centre is not open to the public on weekdays
There are free guided bird walks departing from the Newington Armoury Bicycle Hire by the river (not at the Discovery Centre) on the last Sunday of every month at 10am. Here, people of all ages can spot and identify all sorts of bird species on a one-hour walk led by knowledgeable guides.
BirdLife Southern NSW operates out of our Sydney office, also home to the BirdLife Discovery Centre.
Located on the pristine shores of Roebuck Bay in northern WA, the Broome Bird Observatory (BBO) is a must-visit for any bird lover.
Located in Victoria's historic goldfield region, Clarkesdale Sanctuary is a nature reserve focused on protecting and restoring habitat for woodland birds.
Eyre Bird Observatory is a research station in south-eastern Western Australia, collecting vital information about local birds and wildlife
