In 1977 Birds Australia established the Eyre Bird Observatory, a remote research station, to collect information about birds and wildlife. Named by explorer John Eyre on his east-west journey of 1841, it is the most isolated research facility in Australia. Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, 50 km northwest on the Eyre Highway, is the nearest neighbour.
Previously, the Observatory was the first Eyre Telegraph Station, built in 1877, and replaced by the current limestone building in 1897. The Observatory features a display commemorating the role the Telegraph Station had in establishing national communications in Australia along with Inter-Colonial Telegraph Line.
There are also displays of all the various flotsam and jetsam that washes up near here, including turtle and whale bones, sea sponges, urchins and more....
The observatory is surrounded by a network of incredible walks through the massive dunes which make for a perfect dawn walk to see the sunrise over the incredible landscape.