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A Closer Look at the Birds of Noosa

4 mins read
The noisy pitta bird with beautiful colouring
Noisy Pitta - Birds of Noosa - JJ Harrison (https://tiny.jjharrison.com.au/t/wrlB0uiwLp3IWBAI)

Embark on the Noosa Bird Trail

Noosa in southeast Queensland has stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches and is a special place for birds and bird lovers. The Noosa Bird Trail has 33 locations. At these locations, bird watchers can see many beautiful birds in their natural habitats.

Navigating the Noosa Bird Trail

Many of the trail sites are within forestry areas, with numerous fire breaks that visitors can explore. These paths are informal and mainly for protecting the forest. Visitors should be aware of their safety and follow any instructions from forestry staff.

Top Bird Trails and Their Noosa Bird Species

1. Great Sandy National Park – Cooroibah Section

This section is accessible via McKinnon Drive from Tewantin, leading to a parking area on Lake Cooroibah Road. The Rainbow Bee-eater, Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo, and White-cheeked Honeyeater are known to inhabit that area.

The Rainbow Bee-Eater displaying its beautiful blue and yellow feathers
The Rainbow Bee-eater – Photo by – JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/)

2. Elanda Point in Great Sandy National Park

Reach this point by taking McKinnon Drive and turning onto Lake Flat Road. Bird watchers can look out for the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Bush Stone-curlew, and the melodious Mistletoebird.

the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin sitting on a twig
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin – Photo by – JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/

3. Noosa National Park – Headland Section.

This area is busy during peak times and can be accessed from Hastings Street or Parkedge Road, Noosa as a southern entrance. Being next to the ocean with a backdrop of rainforest, you see a mix of coastal birds and rainforest birds. You can see the Australasian Gannet, Noisy Pitta, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, and possibly the Black-breasted Button-quail here.

A Gannet with a company of Gannets
Australasian Gannet -photo by – Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia

4. Woodland Drive Section of Noosa National Park

From Tewantin, take the David Low way to Peregian and turn onto Woodland Drive. This area is home to the elusive Ground Parrot, heard at dawn and dusk, as well as the Little Wattlebird and White-cheeked Honeyeater.

White Cheeked Honey-Eater
White Cheeked Honey Eater – Photo by – JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/)

5. Tuchekoi National Park – Mount Cooroora

Accessed via Pioneer Road from the Bruce Highway, this park offers a fire break track ideal for birdwatching. Notable species include the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, and White-throated.

Glossy Black Cockatoo with a bit of red peaking through on its tail
Glossy Black Cockatoo – Photo by – JJ Harrison

6. Twin Hill Views Lookout

You can reach this lookout, which offers panoramic views, by taking McKinnon Drive and Louis Bazzo Drive from Tewantin. You can observe birds of Noosa such as Martins, raptors, Eastern Spinebill, and Dusky Honeyeater here.

Dusky Honey Eater and a pink flower
Dusky Honey Eater by JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/

Engaging with Nature and Conservation

The Noosa Bird Trail facilitates bird watching and is crucial in conservation efforts. The trail protects habitats for species of birds of Noosa. Birdwatchers help by visiting and supporting conservation efforts. Activities such as guided walks and educational talks further enhance the visitor experience and awareness.

Plan Your Birds of Noosa Watching Journey

Before heading out, ensure you are prepared with binoculars, a bird guide, and a keen eye for observing the diverse bird life. Each trail offers unique sights and sounds, providing endless opportunities to discover and appreciate nature’s symphony.

WHITE bellied Sea Eagle soaring through the sky
White Bellied Sea Eagle – Photo by – JJ Harrison

Bird Watching Sunshine Coast

Explore the beauty of Noosa’s nature while spotting fascinating Australian birds for a complete experience. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual observer, Noosa’s trails offer a rich tapestry of avian delights waiting to be discovered.