Capes Foundation Capes Raptor Centre

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Watch eagles, hawks, falcons and owls fly at close range at Western Australia's largest bird of prey sanctuary, just south of Margaret River, then walk a 1 km bush trail past their aviaries. Most birds here were injured in the wild, and the centre has been caring for them since 1987.

Days

About 1.5 hours

Age

All ages; under 4 free

Group size

Self-guided visit with a shared display

Start / finish

Capes Raptor Centre, Margaret River / Margaret River

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way; parking on site

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Capes Foundation Capes Raptor Centre

View map

Included experiences

Flight display — eagles, hawks and owls fly through the arena at 11am or 2pm
Owl photo — a chance for a picture with one of the owls
Bird of Prey Trail — 1 km bush walk past the raptor aviaries
Spring trail — wildflowers and orchids in season

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING AT THE CAPES RAPTOR CENTRE

Your visit starts on Boodjidup Road, about 5 km south of Margaret River, a town at the heart of a wine region whose first commercial vineyard, Vasse Felix, was planted in 1967. Turn off the vineyard roads into the bush and you reach the Capes Raptor Centre. It began in 1987 as Eagles Heritage, a home for injured birds of prey that could not go back to the wild, and opened its gates to visitors on New Year's Day 1989. Today it is the largest bird of prey sanctuary in Western Australia, with more than 40 raptors. Plan your arrival around the flight display at 11am or 2pm, and walk the trail before or after it.

THE FLIGHT DISPLAY

In the flight arena, the wildlife guides bring out the centre's educational birds one at a time and fly them past at close range. Each bird comes with its story: how it hunts, what its eyes and ears can do, and why it ended up in care. Watch the owls closely. An owl can't move its eyes in their sockets, so it swivels its whole head instead, up to 270 degrees. Afterwards there's a chance to have your photo taken with an owl. On a day of heavy rain the display moves undercover and becomes a closer encounter, so the birds you meet may change, but the show still goes on.

THE BIRD OF PREY TRAIL

The Bird of Prey Trail is a flat 1 km loop on compacted gravel through native bush, about 45 minutes at an easy pace. Aviaries along the way hold the resident eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, both the day hunters and the night birds, set among the trees rather than in rows. Take your time at each one; many of these birds have been here for years and settle into their own routines. In spring the trail is also good for wildflowers and orchids. This corner of South West Australia is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with thousands of plant species that grow nowhere else.

BEHIND THE AVIARIES

Out of sight of the public areas, seven acres of bush are set aside for rehabilitation, including a bird hospital, and many injured raptors are treated and released back to the wild each year. Along the way you'll learn why so many end up here. One of the most common causes is poisoning: an eagle or owl eats a rat or mouse that has taken bait, and the poison passes up the food chain. It is an easy thing for anyone to help prevent. Allow about an hour and a half for the whole visit, then you're back on the road to Margaret River's cellar doors and beaches.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Capes Raptor Centre, 341 Boodjidup Road, Margaret River, about 5 km south of the town centre. There is parking on site, including room for caravans.
Departure time: Open 10am to 4pm, last entry 3:15pm, Wednesday to Monday, and every day in school and public holidays. Closed Christmas Day. Flight displays at 11am and 2pm; arrive a little early, as they start on time.
Duration: Allow about 1.5 hours: the display plus about 45 minutes for the trail.
Suits: All ages. Child tickets are for ages 4 to 16; children up to 3 enter free.
Fitness: The trail is a gentle, flat walk on compacted gravel. Prams and all-terrain wheelchairs manage it best.
Please note: No flash photography, dogs or drones, to protect the birds. The flight arena is only partly covered, so in heavy rain the display moves undercover as a closer encounter and the birds shown may differ. Since H5 bird flu reached Western Australia's south coast in 2026, extra hygiene steps are in place, such as sanitiser points and foot mats.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
A raincoat on wet days, as the trail is outdoors
A camera (no flash)

What is included

Entry to the Capes Raptor Centre
Bird of prey flight display (11am or 2pm)
Self-guided 1 km Bird of Prey Trail past the aviaries

Not included

Transport (make your own way)
Food (cold drinks and ice creams are sold on site; there is no café)
Private Owl Encounter (a separate experience)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.