Thirty years of regenerating our land at Kiambram Country Cottages has transformed it into a
wonderful wildlife haven. The abundant birdlife around our garden is our ecological barometer of
success. Members of Toowoomba Bird Observers (TBO) visited recently and found 43 species. They
predict, based on the 150-odd species they’ve recorded in this district, that over 100 species could
be seen here in any given year, including local rarities like the male Red-capped Robin gracing our
garden this Autumn.
Spoilt for choice!
Bird tourism in Australia is a burgeoning, eco-friendly industry that we are keen to support and
accommodate locally—and literally! Within an hour’s drive of Kiambram over 300 species have been recorded. Kiambram Country Cottages is not just a ‘birdy’ place to stay; it’s also central to the top birding spots around Toowoomba—and Southern Queensland, for that matter.
We’d suggest we’re a strategic base for birding this part of Australia.
TBO’s president, Mick Atzeni, explained to us that many birders from coastal areas visit the region
because it’s the closest they can find ‘western’ or ‘inland’ species. For a non-coastal birding
destination, the Toowoomba region is one of the most diverse, accessible and affordable in
Australia. We’re blessed with a diverse range of habitats including wet and dry rainforest, sclerophyll
forest, woodlands, native grasslands, agricultural areas, dams and other wetlands
There are plenty of reasons why Kiambram Country Cottages is a good base for birders.
What to bring
If you’re new to birding, needless to say, bring a decent pair of binoculars, a field guide and a
camera. If you’re visiting the dams and wetlands, a spotting scope is recommended. We know many
birders are independent and do their homework using on-line databases such as BirdData and eBird.
If required, we’ll be able to provide you with a local check list and suggested bird routes to optimise
your stay here. We’ll even loan you a pair of binoculars for around the property.
Bird Tourism prospects are a bonus for Kiambram Country Cottages' accommodation business where guests are provided with everything they need for a comfortable, self contained stay. Kiambram is also close to renown foodie venues for those wanting to treat themselves to something special while staying.
Where to go:
Cooby Dam is terrific for several wetland species including Musk Duck and Great Crested Grebe. It’s
also great for bush birds.
Around the Oakey/Jondaryan area, Black Falcon, Spotted Harrier, White-winged Fairy-wren, Ground
Cuckoo-shrike and Bluebonnets are some of the target species. Jondaryan’s the go-to place for
Painted Honeyeater in the warmer months.
On the Toowoomba escarpment, Redwood Park and Highfields Falls, are two well-known birding
spots. Redwood’s extensive dry rainforest is home to specialty species including Powerful Owl, Black-
breasted Button-quail, Regent Bowerbird and White-eared Monarch. Barred Cuckoo-shrike and
Crested Shrike-tit are other local specialties in these parks.
Further afield, the Bunya Mountains, Lake Broadwater, Ravensbourne NP, Crows Nest NP, Durikai
State Forest and the wetlands of the Lockyer Valley provide plenty of scope for a memorable birding
trip based from here.
Bird-guiding and bird photography
During your stay at Kiambram Country Cottages, we can organise a local bird-guide if you wish.
Please let us know in advance and we’ll facilitate that process.
In July, Kiambram Country Cottages will be the host venue for a Bird Photography Workshop
conducted by Photo Journalist Ann Alcock. Hoping the birds are performing for the students as this
Grey Fantail did for Ann recently.
Photo credits: Charles Dove & Ann Alcock