Bird Watching

• Bird Watching at Hervey`s Range & Star River
• Bird Watching at the Northern Beaches
• Bird Watching at Paluma
• Bird Watching in Thuringowa

With such a diverse array of habitats, the Thuringowa region is a bird watchers’ paradise. In a leisurely day’s drive, a bird watcher can travel from suburban areas, to the wetlands, the beaches, the edge of the dry outback and the lush rainforest, with the chance of spotting a high number of birds. Thuringowa boasts more than 300 species, including a number of rare and elusive birds.

Bird watching may be one of the easiest outdoor activities to participate in, because all you need is a field guide to Australian birds and a pair of binoculars. It is not necessary to travel great distances to see birds. The golden rule is not to disturb the birds and to be quiet and patient.

Bird watchers are encouraged to wear a wide brimmed hat and to apply sunscreen. Insect repellent is also recommended, particularly in the rainforest, around the mangroves and on the beaches.

Threatened, endangered and vulnerable birds: Thuringowa is the home of a number of Australia’s threatened, endangered and vulnerable birds, including the Southern Cassowary, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Australian Bustard, Bush Stone-curlew, Beach Stone-curlew, Rufous Owl, Masked Owl and Black-throated Finch. It is estimated that one in five of Australia’s bird species is threatened with extinction, so it is important that native birds and their habitat are protected. Therefore, please do not disturb birds, their nests or their habitat.

Thuringowa City Council, in partnership with the Townsville Region Bird Observers Club, has produced the Birds of Thuringowa brochure. This publication identifies six key birding areas throughout Thuringowa, and lists the birds most likely to be seen in each area. Click here (550KB) for your free copy of the Birds of Thuringowa brochure.

The Great Tropical Drive also has a very informative website for the keen bird watcher, which is well worth a look.

The Townsville Region Bird Observers Club has made a valuable contribution to much of the bird watching information presented on this website. Thuringowa City Council would like to thank the Townsville Region Bird Observers Club for their assistance in promoting bird watching throughout the Thuringowa region. If you would like any more information on bird watching in Thuringowa and Townsville, please contact the Townsville Region Bird Observers Club on 07 4778 1945.

Bird Watching in the Thuringowa Region