Birdwatching in Outback Queensland: A Paradise for Bird Lovers

Outback Queensland is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a spectacular array of bird species set against dramatic landscapes. From wetlands teeming with life to vast red deserts where resilient species thrive, the region is home to some of Australia’s most iconic and rare birds. Whether you’re an avid twitcher or a casual nature lover, birdwatching in Outback Queensland is an unforgettable experience.

The Diversity of Birdlife

Outback Queensland’s varied habitats support an impressive range of bird species, from waterbirds and raptors to colourful Parrots and elusive Grasswrens. With over 400 species recorded, the region is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.

The Elusive Night Parrot

The interior and Far West regions of Outback Queensland are known to be home to the mysterious Night Parrot. Endemic to Australia, the Night Parrot is a critically endangered species very rarely seen. In fact, it was thought extinct, as no sightings were recorded between 1912 and 1979. It is not known how many Night Parrots now exist. There have been some recorded sightings since 2005. It is a furtive bird, with nocturnal habits, and mostly terrestrial, only flying when startled or seeking water. It generally lives in spinifex grass and mallee shrubland areas, located not far from water. So, keep your eyes out for this bird – and if you do see one, please report the sighting to the appropriate authority.

Top Birdwatching Spots in Outback Queensland

Here are some of the best locations to spot Outback Queensland’s diverse birdlife:

South West Region:

• Lake Bindegolly National Park – Home to over 195 species of birds, this wetland system supports large flocks of waterbirds and waders, including Pelicans, Swans, Brolgas, Pink-Eared Ducks, and the near-threatened Freckled Duck. Other species include Parrots, Honeyeaters, Fairywrens, Wedge-Tailed Eagles and Whistling Kites.
• Bulloo Floodplain (south from Thargomindah) – Classified as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. When it floods it attracts hundreds of thousands of waterbirds, including the Pink-Eared Duck, Freckled Duck, Red-Necked Avocet, Grey Teal, and the Australasian Shoveler.
• Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary (near Cunnamulla) – A birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 200 bird species, including nine threatened species. Of particular mention are the rare Grey Falcon, Hall’s Babbler, Pink Cockatoos, Bourke’s Parrot, and Painted Finch.
• Currawinya National Park – The park has over 180 species of birds, with up to 100,000 water birds seen at certain times of the year. It is one of the best places to see the elusive Black-Breasted Button Quail and large gatherings of Black Swans and Red-Necked Avocets.
• Cunnamulla area – The area is home to over 245 species of native inland and water birds, including the endangered Pink Cockatoo and Australian Painted Snipe; and birds listed as vulnerable include the Grey Falcon, Painted Honeyeater, and Southern Whiteface. Bourke’s Parrot, Blue Bonnets, and Mulga Parrots can also be seen around the Paddabilla Bore (Eulo Bore) area most of the year.
• St George – You can spot over 240 species of birds around the St George Region, including some rare birds, the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Painted Honeyeater, Australian Painted Snipe, and the well-loved Pink Cockatoo (previously named Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo). Other species to be seen include Black Swan, Diamond Dove, Blue-Winged Parrot, Golden Whistler, Spotted Nightjar, Double-Barred Finch, Red-Browed Pardalote, and more.
• Culgoa Floodplain National Park (near Hebel) – The park has a wide diversity of habitats, over 180 bird species to be seen, and one of the premier bird-watching sites in the Balonne region. Threatened species include the Pink Cockatoo and the Painted Honeyeater. Parrots are commonly seen here, including the Blue Bonnet, Mulga Parrot, Red-Rumped Parrot, Budgerigar, Australian Ringneck, and Red-Winged Parrot.
• Lake Houdraman (near Quilpie) – Here you can spot the White Plumed Honeyeater, and many waterbird species.
• Charleville area – A variety of species, including common sightings of Kookaburras, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Galahs, and Rainbow Lorikeets.
• Lake Nuga Nuga National Park (near Injune) – This lake area is home to over 150 bird species, including Maned Duck, Grey Teal, Peaceful Dove, Royal Spoonbill, Australian Pelican, Black Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon, and Superb Fairywren.
• Roma area – Roma’s bird population changes with the season, with a mix of coastal, sub-coastal forest and drier region species – including Spotted Bowerbirds, Dollarbirds, Crimson Chats, Black Honeyeaters, and a range of Ducks, waders, and waterbirds in the wetlands areas / seasons. And many other species can be commonly spotted.

Central West Region:

• Bladensburg National Park (near Winton) – This rugged landscape is home to Spinifex Pigeons, Rufous-Crowned Emu-Wrens, Opalton Grasswren, and Wedge-Tailed Eagles.
• Idalia National Park (near Isisford) – Hall’s Babbler
• Longreach area – You can see a variety of bird species around the area, including Whistling Kites, White-Winged Trillers, Black-Breasted Buzzards, and Black-Faced Cuckoo Shrikes.
• Barcaldine area – The Barcaldine region is home to over 200 species of birds – with best viewing locations at the permanent waterholes, including Lake Dunn and Lara Wetlands, and nearby Forest Den National Park. Species to be seen include Spotted Bowerbird, White Faced Heron, Yellow-Throated Miner, Brolga, Red-Winged Parrot, Black Swan, White-Breasted Woodswallow, Double Barred Finch, Darter, Splendid Fairywren, and Zebra Finches.

Far West Region:

• Diamantina National Park – Located in the heart of the Channel Country, this park is famous for sightings of the Letter-Winged Kite, an enigmatic nocturnal raptor.
• Birdsville area – Home to numerous bird species, with the best birdwatching locations at the local billabong; and the surrounding Channel Country area – particularly after rain.
• Boulia area – Sightings include common, rare, and very rare species – including the elusive Night Parrot. The surrounding Channel Country attracts many waterbirds, waders and migratory birds. Species include many Ducks, Grebes, Black Swans, Herons, Great Egret, Yellow-Billed Spoonbill, Square-Tailed Kite, Spotted Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Red-Winged and Blue-Winged Parrots, Channel-Billed Cuckoo, Australian Owlet Nightjar, Grey-Crowned Babbler, Crested Bellbird, and others.  

North West Region:

• Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – This lush oasis in the northwest Outback is a great spot to see Purple-Crowned Fairy-Wrens, Azure Kingfishers, and Rainbow Bee-Eaters.
• Combo Waterhole Conservation Park (near Kynuna) – Spot the Rainbow Bee-Eater at the waterhole.
• Cloncurry area – Home to a wide variety of species, of special note are the Australian Bustard, Azure Kingfisher, Double-Barred Finch, Painted Finch, Southern Boobook, Spinifexbird, and the Little Egret, amongst many others.
• Hughenden area – Common sightings include Australian Bustards, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Falcons, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos (around the Porcupine Gorge area), Red-winged Parrot, Pelicans (lakes and river areas), Galahs, Brolgas, Cockatiels, Great Cormorants, Little Corellas, and Eastern Grey Egrets. The lakes and rivers are also popular for many other waterbirds and waders.
• Mount Isa – Rare and diverse birds can be seen around the Mount Isa area, including native species and migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia. Birds seen in the area include the endemic Kalkadoon Grasswren, Spinifex Pidgeon, Budgerigars, Pictorella Mannikin, Brown Falcon, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Long-Tailed Finch, Golden-Backed Honeyeater, Purple Swamp Hen, Varied Lorikeet, and many others. The best sighting spots are located at the Pamela St Reservoirs and the Horse Paddocks Wetlands area.
• Lake Moondarra (near Mount Isa) – Close to Mount Isa, Lake Moondarra is home to many species, in particular waterbirds. Here you can commonly see Comb-Crested Jacanas, Hardheads, Green Pygmy Goose, Australian Pelicans, Brolgas, Pink-Eared Ducks, Black-Necked Stork, Painted Finch, Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin, and White-Bellied Sea Eagles.

Common Sightings across the Queensland Outback

A number of popular species can be commonly seen across most of the Outback Queensland region during most of the year, this list includes:

• Emus – many places but particularly around Yaraka
• Brolgas – in particular around Longreach, Winton, and Boulia
• Red-tailed black cockatoos – many places, particularly on the common at Adavale
• Budgerigars
• Little Corellas
• Apostle birds (Happy family birds) – you can’t miss these entertaining and happy sounding birds, found in family groups across the Outback region
• Galahs
• Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos
• Wedge-tailed Eagles
• And other common varieties including Australian Magpie, Kookaburra, Ibis, Bush Stone Curlew, Masked Lapwing, Noisy Miner, Grey Butcherbird, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Welcome Swallow, and others.

Best Time for Birdwatching

The best birdwatching experiences depend on the season:

• Spring (August–October) – Ideal for spotting nesting birds and migratory species arriving in the region.
• Summer (November–March) – Wetlands come alive after seasonal rains, attracting large flocks of waterbirds.
• Autumn and Winter (March–July) – Cooler temperatures make it easier to explore remote locations, and many species are still active.
• After rain / flooding events – Rain and water across the Outback quickly creates an ideal habitat to attract huge flocks of birds, especially migratory and waterbirds in the Channel Country region. The fresh water brings renewed life to the Outback’s flora and fauna. Check road access before adventuring into the Outback after flooding events.

Tips for a Successful Birdwatching Trip

• Bring Binoculars & a Field Guide – Essential tools to help identify species and enjoy distant sightings.
• Visit at Dawn & Dusk – Birds are most active during these times, providing the best opportunities for spotting rare species.
• Stay Quiet & Patient – Many birds are shy and will reveal themselves with time.
• Respect the Environment – Stick to designated tracks only and avoid disturbing nesting sites.
• Dress prepared – Wear comfortable clothing that blends in with the environment, and long sleeves and pants are recommended – as sun protection, and against insects, which can be numerous particularly near water sources.
• Join a Local Tour – Expert guides can help locate rare species and provide valuable insights into their behaviour. Local tour companies offering bird and nature tours include Boobook Explore (in Roma) and Longreach Birding Tours (in Longreach).

Experience Outback Queensland’s Birdlife

Whether you’re gazing at a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead, watching a brolga perform its elegant dance, or catching a glimpse of an elusive night parrot, birdwatching in Outback Queensland is a rewarding and immersive experience. With its vast landscapes and thriving ecosystems, the region offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and witness some of Australia’s most remarkable bird species.

Pack your binoculars and set off on a birdwatching adventure in Outback Queensland – you never know what incredible sightings await!

For more birding information, read Fantastic Birds (Part 1), and Fantastic Birds (Part 2) – and where to find them, here on our website.

Explore all our tours and accommodation, and start planning your Outback birding adventure today!

Images credits: Donna Hodgson, Mount Isa City Council, Murweh Shire Council, and Flinders Shire Council.