Bird watching in Cairns
There are many opportunities to sight rare and migratory bird species throughout the city and region.
Did you know our park with it’s stunning World Heritage Rainforest has many visiting bird watchers visit from all over the world? Two bird species occasionally sighted in the rainforest adjacent to the park are The Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfisher and the Noisy Pitta with it’s electric blue on it’s wings.
There are many places in Cairns which specialize in Bird watching opportunities:
- Cattana Wetlands: Dunne Road, Smithfield. Open times, 5.30am – 7pm daily. Birds sighted include Jacana, Whistling Ducks, Pygmy Goose, Crimson Finch and other grassbirds.
- Cairns Esplanade: 1Spence St, Cairns 4870. Birds sighted include Waders and water birds
- Jack Barnes Bicentennial mangrove boardwalk: Along Airport Drive. Birds sighted include Mangrove Robin, Shining Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher plus honeyeaters at blossom time
- Michaelmas Cay: Tour boats provide access such as Seastar and Ocean Spirit Cruises. Birds that can be sighted include Brown, Masked Boobies, Common Noddy, Roseate, Black-naped and Bridled Terns + Frigate birds.
- Centenary Lakes and Botanic Gardens: Birds sighted include A good mix of water and bush birds. Little and Collared Kingfishers, White-browed Crakes, Double-eyed Fig-Parrots
- Mount Whitfield: Adjoining Botanic Gardens. Collins Avenue Edge Hill- Birds sighted include Noisy Pitta, Buff-breasted K/Fisher, Lovely Fairy-wren, Wompoo Fruit Doves.
- Crystal Cascades Waterfalls: Birds sighted include Rainforest birds, Rails, Pitta, Catbird, Riflebird
- Copperlode Dam: Lake Morris Rd – open 8am – 4pm. Birds sighted include Rainforest birds, Wompoo fruit doves, Pitta, Catbird, Riflebird, Boatbill
- Mareeba Wetlands: The Reserve is open April to December (subject to accessibility) from Wednesday to Sunday (10:00am to 4:00pm)
Tips: When viewing any wildlife, one’s chances of viewing will increase by following these simple procedures
- It is recommended to wearing cool comfortable natural colored clothing
- To avoid any sudden movements this may disturb birds and wildlife
- And to keep all noise including footsteps to a minimum
