Queensland, Australia is a birders’ paradise. Due to its wide variety of habitats, visitors to Queensland will encounter a large number of bird species during their stay. Birds are everywhere and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to lengthen a life list! The guides recommended for this trip are Michael Morcombe’s Field Guide to Australian Birds and Lonely Planet's Queensland & The Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide for travel information.
Camping is a great way to access great birding sites throughout Tropical North Queensland. Travelers following the itinerary suggested in Campervan Camping in Queensland Australia will find birding opportunities at the stop-off points, while driving between sites and at each of the campsites. The following is a guide to common birds found at a number of the stops in that itinerary.
In and around Cairns, the starting point for this trip, there are a number of birds that are widespread and commonly found in suitable habitats throughout Australia. Birders will easily spot Magpie-larks, Willie Wagtails, and Great Egrets. In addition, some introduced species are also common including the Laughing Turtle Dove and the House Sparrow.
Traveling inland towards the Lake Tinaroo campsite, will take travelers through rainforest and Australian scrub where birders should watch for flocks of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Within the camping area, Rainbow Lorikeets and Figbirds will be constant companions. Also watch for Masked Lapwings, Great Crested Grebes, Eurasian Coots, Mistletoe Birds, Noisy Friarbirds, White-bellied Cuckoo Shrikes, and more Willie Wagtails.
Leaving Lake Tinaroo and heading towards South Mission Beach will take you past some interesting sites, including the Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Barrine, and Paronella Park. When stopping at the Curtain Fig Tree watch for Australian Brush Turkeys, Lewin’s Honeyeaters, Cattle Egrets and Brolgas. Birds that may be spotted during the hike around Lake Barrine include Eurasian Coots, Great Crested Grebes, Australian Darters, Hardheads, Welcome Swallows, various ducks, Australian Brush Turkeys, Australian Pelicans and Eastern Yellow Robins. Paronella Park Heritage Garden has become home to a wide variety of bird species including Emerald Ground Doves, Yellow-bellied Sunbirds, Yellow Orioles, Varied Trillers, Double Eyed Fig Parrots, Black Butcherbirds and Azure Kingfishers.
South Mission Beach offers a variety of fun things to do. Just off the coast is Dunk Island, where travelers can hike, sunbathe, or take part in a variety of water activities. A number of interesting birds make this area home, including the Laughing Kookaburra, Cassowaries, Brush Hens, Orange-footed Scrub Fowl, Imperial Pigeons (Pied and Elegant), Spotted Monarchs, Silver Gulls, Figbirds, Common Bronzewings, White-breasted Wood Swallows, Rainbow Bee Eaters, and Reef Egrets. While rafting the Tully River watch for White-necked Herons, Straw-necked Ibises, Cattle Egrets, and Little Black Cormorants.
After visiting South Mission Beach and Dunk Island, it is time to head further south toward Paluma Rainforest Village. Have passengers watch for Brush Turkeys and Wedge-tailed Eagles – but make sure the driver keeps an eye on the road – it is extremely narrow and winds around the mountain. Eventually the road will lead to Paluma’s famous Ivy Cottage, which is a prime bird-watching spot. The teahouse has a back porch where honeyeaters abound. Travelers will probably encounter other birdwatchers enjoying refreshments while spotting the birdlife that abounds here including McLeay’s Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater, and New Holland Honeyeater. Another fun side trip is a beach walk on Talookea Beach looking for Australian Pelicans, Common Terns, Eastern Curlews and Silver Gulls.
Townsville is a larger city in the area with an aquarium, an extensive farmers’ market, and a number of interesting side tours. Many birds make their home here and can be easily spotted including the Common Myna, House Sparrows, Australian White Ibises, Magpie-larks, Rainbow Lorikeets, Dollarbirds, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Pacific Bazas, Scarlet Robins, Tree Martins and Diamond Doves. Additional species that may be seen along the beaches include Silver Gulls, Caspian Terns, Masked Lapwings, and Great Egrets.
Once possible side tour from Townsville is the Billabong Wilderness, a park packed with Australian wildlife. Quite a few bird species, many of which may not have been seen elsewhere, can be found here including Plumed Whistling Ducks, Purple Swamp Hens, Emus, Tawny Frogmouths, Barn Owls, Glossy Ibises, Mayor Mitchell’s Cockatoos, Galas, Cockatiels, and Southern Boobooks.
Driving further south toward Airlie Beach, be on the lookout for more Willie Wagtails, Cattle Egrets, Magpie Geese, Australian White Ibises, Rainbow Lorikeets, Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Australian Ravens, Masked Lapwings, Straw-necked Ibises, Common Mynas and Black-necked Storks.
Upon arrival at Airlie Beach, head for the Flame Tree Campground, which is home to Indian Peafowl and Rainbow Lorikeets. Campers will also spot Bush-stone Curlews, Dusky Honeyeaters, Spangled Drongos, Blue-winged Kookaburras and Figbirds.
Avid birders will not be disappointed with the myriad of birding opportunities in Far North Queensland and amateurs will be able to brush up on their skills. There are several unique sites for bird-watching that should not be missed and can be visited by following the itinerary suggested in Caravan Camping in Queensland Australia.
Rory Bratcher - Rory is currently a freelance writer and mother of two. Rory travels frequently and has taken her family on a variety of trips including ...
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