Thanks for stopping by! I’m Kris, your local Brisbane guide and I’m excited to share this incredible region with you. 

Brisbane has such an array of habitats and bird diversity within a relatively short distance, all waiting to be explored. From lush subtropical rainforests to pristine coastal mangroves, and beyond to the outback, there is so much to Brisbane than the city and it’s all within arms reach!

While our main focus will be on the birds, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for other local legends including koalas, kangaroos, flying foxes, mammals and if we’re lucky, a coastal carpet python!

Join me for a customised half-day, full-day or multi-day adventure. If you’re new to birding and not sure where to start, I would love to take you out and show you where to begin. Check out the suggested locations below and get in touch when you’re ready!

Get in touch via the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Birding sites within 30 minutes of the Brisbane CBD:

Oxley Creek Common (eBird Hotspot)

Oxley Creek Common is a top birding spot with open grasslands, wetlands, and patches of forest along Oxley Creek. A flat walking track follows the creek, leading to lagoons that attract a variety of waterbirds. Look for cormorants, spoonbills, and egrets near the water, while bush birds like Fairywrens, Honeyeaters, Finches and Cuckoos move through the trees. The area is also known for raptors, including kites, ospreys, falcons and sea-eagles. Early mornings are best for bird activity, and the open landscape offers great visibility.

Sandy Camp Wetlands Reserve (eBird Hotspot)

Sandy Camp Wetlands Reserve is a prime birding spot in Brisbane, with freshwater lagoons, reed beds, and forested edges creating a mix of habitats. The main walking track loops around the wetlands, offering great views of waterbirds like Jacanas, Crakes, Magpie Geese and Royal Spoonbills. Its location within an industrial estate adds an interesting dynamic. While surrounded by warehouses and infrastructure, the wetlands act as a crucial refuge in an otherwise urbanised landscape. with species occasionally turning up that are rarely seen elsewhere in Brisbane.

Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve (eBird Hotspot)

Tinchi Tamba Wetlands is located 19km north of Brisbane City, on the banks of the Pine River. The reserve is over 380 hectares in size and habitats consists of tidal flats, mangroves, salt-marshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forest. With such a variety of habitats, it’s no wonder this hotspot has one of the highest number of species seen in Brisbane - 253! The wetlands have international significance as habitat for migratory shorebirds that visit during the summer months. 

Birding sites within 1-2 hours of the Brisbane CBD:

Mt Glorious, D’Aguilar National Park (eBird Hotspot)

Just 1 hour northwest of the city lies Mount Glorious and D’Aguilar National Park featuring all the stunning rainforest species such as Regent Bowerbird, Satin Bowerbird, Paradise Riflebird and Rose-crowned Fruit Dove! The national park features well-marked walking tracks, incredible lookouts and some of the best rainforest birding north of Brisbane. 

Lake Samsonvale (eBird Hotspot)

Lake Samsonvale holds the record for the most bird species in Southeast Queensland, with 258, just ahead of Tinchi Tamba and Sandy Camp Wetlands. This is largely due to its location and the variety of habitats it supports. The lake itself provides a permanent water source, attracting a range of waterbirds, while the surrounding woodlands and grasslands create ideal conditions for bush birds. One of the key reasons it’s so productive is its connection to the broader landscape. The lake sits at the base of forested slopes that extend towards D’Aguilar National Park.

Southport Pelagic - Gold Coast (eBird Hotspot)

Southeast of Brisbane lies the Gold Coast, approx 70km. Some of the best pelagic birding occurs off the coast here, with a local birding group offering monthly day trips (or occasionally 4 night trips) around 4hrs off shore. You never know what you’re going to see on these trips, with a chance of different types of Petrels, Terns, Shearwaters, Noddies, Gannets and Storm-Petrels. Get in touch for more information on these trips.

North Stradbroke Island (eBird Hotspot)

East of Brisbane lies Moreton Bay with the outer islands being North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. A North Stradbroke day trip is a must for anyone visiting Brisbane. Getting there is an easy 30 minute ferry from Cleveland, followed by a 20 minute bus trip to Point Lookout and the North Gorge boardwalk, which is surely one of, if not THE best walk in Southeast QLD. Look out for Ospreys along the cliff edge, Eastern Grey Kangaroo’s along the track, Bottlenose Dolphins surfing through the waves, Humpback Whales migrating between May and October and sharks, stingrays, manta rays and turtles swimming in the shallows. I can organise guided day trips here for a wonderful day out.

Birding sites 2+ hours from the Brisbane CBD:

Lamington National Park and O’Rielly’s Rainforest Retreat

Around 120km south of Brisbane (2hrs drive), is the world-renowned Lamington National Park featuring the incredible O’Rielly’s Rainforest Retreat. A very special place, within the park lies some of the best birdlife Southeast QLD has to offer. From the Crimson Rosellas and Australian King-Parrots to the Australian Logrunner, Noisy Pitta, Regent and Satin Bowerbird, the amazing Albert’s Lyrebird and a host of other rainforest species. I would recommend at least a 2-night stay here, if you have the time. 

Bunya Mountains

To the northwest are the Bunya Mountains, a stunning range that pops up out of nowhere rising to over 1100m above sea level. A beautiful rainforest awaits up on top, mixed within the huge Bunya pines! Birds seen here include all the rainforest species with opportunities for a further variety of species on the surrounding plains. Since it’s a few hours drive from Brisbane, a 1-2 night stay here is recommended. 

The Great Dividing Range! (Toowoomba and Oakey)

Directly west of Brisbane are the growing suburbs of Ipswich and Toowoomba, with the Great Dividing Range. On the western side of the range, the bird life changes quite quickly, providing you with a taste of the outback. Toowoomba is the gateway to the outback, with options to drive all the way out to famous spots such as Birdsville (1600km) and Winton (1400km) to observe Queenslands more arid-loving species, such as Grasswrens, Brolga, Australian Bustard and so much more.

Girraween National Park

250km southwest of Brisbane lies Girraween National Park, just north of the border with New South Wales. The Park is part of the Granite Belt and is known for it’s dramatic granite landscapes. Within the National Park lies some stunning birds including the Turquoise Parrot, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Satin Bowerbird, Eastern Spinebill and a host of Honeyeaters including Yellow-tufted, White-eared, Yellow-faced, White-naped and Brown-headed.