Bird Watching at Paluma

Access to the Paluma township is via the Bruce Highway, approximately 60km north of Townsville. The turn off to Paluma is well signposted. The narrow winding bitumen road to Paluma is not suitable for caravans. The first bird watching stop is at the picnic area at Little Crystal Creek (7km), then McClelland’s Lookout (17km) and finally Paluma (18km).

Lake Paluma is approximately 16km further on from the Paluma township. Road access is via a turn-off to the right, 4km past the township. Birthday Creek Bridge is worth a stop, as is the walk to Birthday Creek Falls, where there is a chance to see the elusive Golden Bowerbird. Lake Paluma offers you a chance to sample the rainforest environment at its best. There are also camping facilities, BBQs and toilets available. The Eucalyptus grandis forest, which is 4km further on past the turn to Lake Paluma on the main bitumen road, is another good birding location.

Birds likely to be seen include: Australian Brush Turkey, Crimson Rosella, Fantailed Cuckoo, Noisy Pitta, Large-billed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone, Macleay’s Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater Graceful Honeyeater, Bridled Honeyeater, White naped Honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Pale-yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Chowchilla, Eastern Whipbird, Golden Whistler, Bower’s Shrike-thrush, Spectacled Monarch, Grey Fantail, Varied Triller, Victoria’s Riflebird, Spotted Catbird, Golden Bowerbird.

Click here (189KB) to download your free Birding Checklist for the Paluma area, courtesy of the Townsville Region Bird Observers Club and Thuringowa City Council.