Great Sandy Strait

Located between the mainland and Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Strait is a diverse mix of marine and coastal wetlands, officially recognised as one of the most important wet land areas on earth.  Patterned fens have been recorded alon the Strait, a wetland unique in the world.  Add to this crystal clear torquoise water, long stretches of white sand guarded by high sand dunes, native woodlands, heath awash with wild flowers and dense rainforest.

Dotted along its coastline are the charming coastal townships of Poona, Tuan, Boonooroo, Maaroom and Tinnanbar.  All retain that elusive 'old fishing village' character and charm and are popular holiday and fishing retreats.

The divers habitats of the region offer amazing bird watching opportuunities and the Hervey Bay Bird Watching Club has up to 80 places on its calling card from Kingfisher Bay to Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Arkarra Lagoons at Dundowran is one of the best bird watching areas on the coast.  10 years ago the Hervey Bay Birdwatchers identified 32 bird species in just one visit.

The Great Sandy Strait is officially recognised as among the most important roosting sites for migratory shorebirds in Australia and is home to several rare and threatened species including the rare little tern.

Some 1.5 million shorebirds experience an endless summer, flying an annual round trip migration of 25,000 kilometers from their northern hemisphere Arctic breeding grounds to the wetlands of the southern hemisphere.

At least 40,000 birds choose the wetlands of the Great Sandy Strait as their summer feeding grounds, coming from as far away as Japan, Alaska and Siberia.

The Hervey Bay Birdwatchers meet every Wednesday at 7am in the summer and at 7.30am in the winter at a pre arranged watch area.  Local, travelling and overseas birdwatchers are always welcome to join in.  For enquiries PH: 07 4125 23 72

Great Sandy Region Botanical Gardens

Located in Elizabeth Street, Urangan, the Botanic Gardens are a delightful birdwatching area with approximately 80 species identified.

The lagoons are home to many waterbirds.

There are easy shaded walking tracks, picnic facilities, accessible toilets and ample parking.

The serious birdwatcher might even explore the out-skirts and undeveloped part of Dayman St.

Akarra Gardens

This remnant melaleuca wetland is privately owned and has walking tracks that are suitable for all ages. Some are suitable for wheelchairs. Refreshing beverages and light meals are available. There are accessible toilet facilities and a children's playground.

This is a very diverse habitat. With natural undergrowth such as grasses and reeds for protection and suitable vegetation for honeyeaters, frugivorous, insectivorous and grass-seed eating species, up to 158 bird species can be found here. There is an abundance of waterbirds including the lotusbird, or comb-crested jacana, which walks across the floating swamp-vegetation. The tiny mistletoe bird is almost always sighted in the area. During their breeding season, it is common to see a pair of black swans with their cygnets.

Bird Watching on the Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay and its environs offer abundant and diverse birdwatching opportunities with over 250 species identified.

Every year thousands of migratory shorebirds visit Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait from destinations as far away as Japan, Alaska and Siberia. The sand and mudflats are important feeding grounds for nearly twenty different species of long distance flyers. In fact, the Great Sandy Strait is recognised as a Wetland of International Important (Ramsar site).

The range of habitats within close proximity of Hervey Bay will ensure that even the keenest birdwatcher will be amazed at the variety of bird life in the area.

Our waterways are home to many species, from the striking black and white jabiru, and the graceful silver-grey brolga, to the distinctive brahminy kite with its deep chestnut wings and white head, neck and breast of the amazing comb-crested jacana that seemingly walks on water thanks to its incredibly long toes.

While the shrieking of the rainbow lorikeet as it feeds in the eucalypts and flowering street trees may be commonplace to Hervey Bay residents, our international visitors are bewitched with its vivid blue, green and orange-red plumage.

The crazy antics of the galah with its pale grey and rose pink colouring are sure to illustrate the origin of that common Australian expression "the silly galah".

The undergrowth below trees can be protection for so many of those little jewels of nature that live on insects, small fruit and grass-seeds, and are always an enjoyment to observe.

The people of Hervey Bay are indeed fortunate to have such diverse habitats suitable for different bird species in their locality.