There’s nothing kids love more than to be outside exploring in the wilderness among the trees, the wildlife and the sound of birds chirping. What better way to explore Brisbane than to take the family for a Brisbane birdwatching day trip? Not only is it fun and educational, it’s free too!
Birds can be seen almost anywhere in Queensland whether it be in the city, the rainforest, the bush or the coastline. There are plenty of hotspots all across the Brisbane area. Birds Queensland, in conjunction with the Brisbane City Council, have detailed 48 places in Brisbane to visit for the ultimate bird-watching experience available in their brochure accessible here. It lists the locations, facilities available, ratings, accessibility and details of what birds can be seen.
We’ve put together a list of a few of the best locations across Brisbane to take the family out for an adventurous day of bird-watching. Remember that insect and sun protection are essential and don’t forget to bring water and wear closed in footwear.
City Botanic Gardens
Alice St, Brisbane, 4000
The City Botanic Gardens is conveniently located right in the heart of the city, close to public transport. It offers paved paths, Parkland areas, gardens, mangroves, playgrounds and cafes. There’s barbeques on site and plenty of sheltered areas. At the City Botanic Gardens you can spot the Bush Stone-curlew, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Australasian Figbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Silvereye.
Kedron Brook Wetlands
Albert Bishop Park, Hedley Ave, Nundah, 4012
Located in the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane, Kedron Brook Wetlands is covered by a flat paved track along canals shared with cyclists. There’s even a playground on site for the kids to enjoy. There’s salt marsh, grassland, mangroves and wetland so be sure to bring insect repellent. Interesting species located at Kedron Brook Wetlands include the Black-winged Stilt, Chestnut Teal, White-faced Heron, Mangrove Greygone, Royal Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Eastern Grass Owl and many more.
Gold Creek Reserve
Gold Creek Rd, Brockfield, 4069
Gold Creek Reserve has unpaved formed and unformed tracks amongst woodland, riparian vegetation, remnant rainforest and lakes. The reserve comes highly recommended as a bird watching hotspot. The location conveniently has toilets, cyclist paths and also offers off-street parking. Look out for an Eastern Yellow Robin, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Pale-headed Rosella, Red-browed Finch or an Australian King-Parrot.
Oxley Creek Common
Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, 4085
There are mostly flat paved and unpaved formed tracks around Oxley Creek Common. The location offers a canoe-launching pontoon and is surrounded by mangroves, riparian vegetation, wetland and grassland. There is plenty of tables and shelter on site, as well as barbeques available for use. Keep an eye out for a few interesting species homed at Oxley Creek Common, including Brown and Striped Honeyeaters, Red-backed, Variegated and Superb Fairy-wrens, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Black-winged Stilt, Straw-necked Ibis, Brown Falcon and plenty more.
Tinchi Tamba Wetlands
Wyampa Rd, Bald Hills, 4036
Located in Brisbane’s East, Tinchi Tamba Wetlands consist of paced and unpaved formed tracks, a boardwalk, a Bird hide, fishing platforms and a boat ramp. The wetlands are surrounded by mangroves, salt marsh and woodland. There are plenty of tables, sheltered areas and barbeques available for use. The location offers plenty of off-street parking and track maps to guide around the wetlands. Be looking for a Pale-headed Rosella, White-faced Heron, Bar-shouldered Dove, Collared and Sacred Kingfishers and White-bellied Sea-Eagle which are interesting and sometimes rare species to be seen at the Wetlands.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong, 4066
A popular location towards the West of Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens has paved paths, a café, herbarium, library and a planetarium. It consists of landscaped gardens and lakes and there are maps available at the gardens entrance. The Gardens have plenty of seating, sheltered areas, barbeques for use and off-street parking. Keep a look out for a Dusky Moorhen, Crested Pigeon, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Pale-headed Rosella which can often be seen around the Botanic Gardens.
Don’t feel like leaving your own backyard? Common birds in Brisbane you may spot in your own backyard include the Australian Magpie, Common Myna, Galah, Grey Butcherbird, Laughing Kookaburra, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Rainbow Lorikeet and the Willie Wagtail.
Pack a picnic, bring the binoculars, and don’t forget some sunscreen! Make it a family day to take the kids out on an adventure to your closest Brisbane birdwatching hotspot, or stay in and see what you can spot in your own backyard!
