Four Week Trip to Western Queensland - Part 1

Trip To Blackbraes National Park August-September 2026

29th August Day 1

We left Julatten about 9.30am (11,8261km on the Prado) and headed off towards Mareeba. We had planned to stop at Centenary Park for our coffee, but it was market day and the park was packed out so we kept going towards Atherton. Stopped at Rocky Creek Memorial Park (10.45am 118343km) to have our coffee. Birds were very scarce here as the adjacent area had recently been burnt, one lone melaleuca was flowering and attracting a few Brown Honeyeater, two Yellow Honeyeater and a male Rufous Whistler all recorded in a 20 minute survey.

Yellow Honeyeater

Then stopped in Atherton to buy a new lockable hitch pin due to our old one having seized and not working. Back on the road we stopped at Mt. Hypipamee National Park (12.15pm 118380km) for lunch. It was cool 14ºC and overcast with a few light showers, so we had a cup-of-soup to go with our sandwich. The cool temperature was probably why the birds were not very active. The usual scroungers headed our way looking for handouts, Australian Brush Turkey, Grey-headed Robin and Lewin’s Honeyeater along with Pale-yellow Robin plus a couple of Grey Fantail (keasti). We could hear a Fan-tail Cuckoo, White-throated Treecreeper and a Victoria’s Riflebird.

Grey Fantail (keasti)

Grey-headed Robin

We had our lunch and left at 12.50pm heading to Ravenshoe and then onto Mt. Garnett (2.12pm, 118455km), where we fuelled up at the top store $2.56lt. Stopped off at Bill Brotherton Park on the way out of town to brew up a cup of coffee. We then found the gas bottle was empty so had to switch it over - don’t remember it running out on our last trip. Had our coffee and back on the road (2.37pm) to Pinnarendi. The road was pretty quiet and we were in no hurry, arriving at Pinnarendi at 3.30pm (118509km). The camp ground was very busy and looked nearly full as was the reception area with people booking in. Eventually got to the front of the queue and caught up with Nadine who then managed to arrange a take away pizza for our dinner as the café was fully booked. Found a space in amongst the other caravans and camper trailers, then organised the quick overnight set up by leaving the main tent stowed and using the rear hard-lid and insect screen. Also left the quick awning stowed away as there was no forecast of any rain.

Had a rest before going for a walk to Garden Dam.

Nothing on the dam but had 14 species around it including a Common Bronzewing, Whistling Kite flying over, Noisy Miner, Little and Noisy Friarbird plus two Eastern Grey Kangaroo.

Noisy Miner

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

We continued along the track to Big Dam, which was also quiet, one Australasian Grebe on the water, one Australasian Darter with a Little Pied Cormorant perched on a dead tree, two Masked Lapwing along the muddy bank. A few birds were in the surrounding woodland including three Grey Fantail, a female Leaden Flycatcher, a female Rufous Whistler, in all 16 species.

Grey Fantail

Back at camp we had some winging young Galah plus several Noisy Miner being fed by adult birds. The temperature was starting to drop quite quickly with a cool wind blowing. A warm coffee and a few nibbles before we headed off to get our pizza. Back to the camp to eat our delicious pizza. Had an early night, 9.30 to bed.

30th August Day 2

We had a great nights sleep. Awoke to 11ºC, not too cold. Had a welcome coffee to wake us up before a breakfast bowl of porridge. Got organised and walked down to No1 dam to look for a reported leucistic Grey Fantail which had been seen here 10 days ago. We were hopeful but disappointed we did not see it, bit of a stretch to see it after 10 days. A Pacific Black-Duck flew off as we arrived and an Australasian Darter was fishing before it climbed out and walked along the edge. Took a few photos on the muddy edge before it climbed onto a fallen branch and spread its’ wings to dry.

Australasian Darter

Walked back to big dam and took some photos of a Little Pied Cormorant and an Australasian Darter perched together on a dead branch.

Australasian Darter and Little Pied Cormorant

A few birds were in the surrounding woodland including Little and Noisy Friarbird feeding in Grevillea pteridifolia.

Grevillea pteridifolia

Garden Dam was very quiet with one Straw-necked Ibis flying over being the only bird we did not see here yesterday, total five birds in 20 minutes. Back to the T-van to pack up and move off to the café for morning coffee and a biscuit, said goodbye to Nadine and left Pinnarendi (10.47 am, 118510km). Headed towards Hughenden along the Hann Highway, passing The Oasis Roadhouse and turning off at the Blackbraes National Park after 204km non-stop from Pinnarendi. The Hann Highway was very quiet with little traffic, doubt we saw more than 20 cars/caravans plus half a dozen trucks. With most of the road sealed now we could keep up a steady pace until we approached the Blackbraes National Park section of road which had some serious potholes due to flooding several months ago. Followed the entry road 4km to the homestead, which is now a collection of three houses and workshop. Gone was the old school we stayed in some 20 odd years ago. Had a late lunch here before heading along the 18.9km track to Emu Dam campsite, definitely 4WD only. Parked up and walked along the dam wall to another camping area, which we had been to before. Checked out the dam road and site which were all OK, so returned to the car and drove across.

Emu Dam Crossing

We set up camp before a restorative coffee and a rest whilst overlooking the dam. Mainly Australasian Grebe and Green Pygmy Goose with one Cotton Pygmy Goose, plus a few Black Swan, Plumed and Great Egret and Little Pied Cormorant.

Blackbraes National Park - Emu Swamp Camp

We enjoyed the peace and quiet with no other campers and only bird song to disturb it. Checked out the Prado batteries to see if they had charged up on our 226km journey from Pinnarendi but they were still showing 2% and 3% charged, the same as it was when we left. However the charge in the battery was showing 13.6 volts, which did not make much sense as the car was still starting OK, so must have had a full charge. Looks like the Battery Management System was not recording correctly. Relaxed until the evening meal and the sun going down to reveal the stars above.

Emu Dam Sunset

After the meal we sat watching the stars and lots of satellites going over. Some of which appeared to be satellites were behaving strangely and appeared to be turning around and going back the way they came – UFO’s! Very early night after a tiring day.

31st August Day 3

Had a good nights sleep and awoke to 9ºC. A warming coffee got us going before a stroll along the dam wall. Much the same birds as yesterday with a few additions including 53 Hardhead, three Australian Pelican, 34 Little Black Cormorant, one White-bellied Sea-Eagle, one Straw-necked Ibis and one Nankeen Kestrel flying over.

Nankeen Kestrel

There was also an increase in Cotton Pygmy-goose with 12 counted. Back for breakfast which we decided was going to be a cooked one as a treat. Egg, bacon, tomatoes and baked beans! After this we had to go for another walk along the dam and into the main campground which was also empty. Only new bird was Black-faced Cuckooshrike. There were 13 Straw-necked Ibis on the edge of the water in a more natural environment than suburban lawns!

Straw-necked Ibis

It had started to warm up by the time we got back to camp so we relaxed under our awning and watched the birds on the dam. After lunch we had a short snooze before checking out the birds on the dam again. By now it was getting hot 27ºC and the birds were hiding and quiet so switched to try and get a few photos of the numerous dragonflies flying around. Graphic Flutterer was around our camp, but most action was down by the water.

Graphic Flutterer

Other dragonflies and damselfly seen were Blue Skimmer, Wandering Percher and Common Bluetail.

Blue Skimmer

Wandering Percher

Common Bluetail

A Pied Butcherbird was bringing sticks to a tree, but dropping them when it arrived, either too big, too small or inexperienced at nest building. A quiet afternoon reading and catching up with the diary. Spent to evening star gazing, not so many satellites tonight.

1st September Day 4

An early start to the day to begin packing up the T-van whilst a Pied Butcherbird was giving us a farewell song.

Pied Butcherbird

We had decided to head for home and get our battery problem sorted before we headed into more remote areas. Managed to conduct a 20 minute survey of the dam before breakfast and finishing the packing. Drove out and across the dam wall, passing the other campsite and spotting two Nankeen Kestrel perched in a tree.

Nankeen Kestrel

An uneventful journey to The Oasis Roadhouse, where we stopped to have a stretch and our coffee. Continued on north and saw our first Wedge-tailed Eagle for the trip flying over the road before we reached Mount Garnet for a stop at Bill Brotherton Park for our afternoon coffee break.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

The resident Great Bowerbird bower in the park had moved since we saw it on a previous trip, mainly due to the council (?) removing several trees causing the birds to re-locate. Two birds were attending the bower, both moving objects and placing sticks in the structure, which is now more exposed under another tree.

Great Bowerbird

Back on the road we continue on passing through Ravenshoe, Mount Hypipamee NP (rare that we past by here and not stop!), Atherton, Mareeba and then home arriving just after 4.00pm. Big day completing 469km. Hopefully we will continue our journey after we resolve the battery problem.

Abattoir Swamp Birding Hotspot

A HISTORY OF ABATTOIR SWAMP, JULATTEN, FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

 

Entrance Car Park Area

Abattoir Swamp is situated between Julatten and Mt Molloy on the northern edge of the Atherton Tableland and takes its name from a nearby slaughterhouse, which operated from 1952 until the 1960’s. The area around the swamp was relatively undisturbed by human settlement up until the turn of the 20th century. A land survey carried out in 1910 stated that there were still large stands of uncleared timber including "Bloodwood, sheoak, tea-tree gum, mahogany, box and Ironbark". Charles Pashen build a house (date unknown) on the small hill at the western side of the swamp but this has since been destroyed. From 1949 to the late 1960's the land passed through several hands. Charles Pashen sold the land to James Dalziel who never used the land for grazing or crops but did extensively clear Eucalypts and Melaleucas from the edges of the swamp. Philip "Sonny" McDowall bought the land in 1952, built a slaughter house (hence the name Abattoir for the swamp) and grazed cattle on the land. Philip did not own the land for long as he sold it within 12 months to Kevin Gadd who was a butcher in Mt. Molloy. He grazed cattle on the land and used the abattoir to supply his butchers shop. The abattoir closed in the early 1960's. James Lenehan then bought the land, to graze cattle, in the early 1960's. During his ownership the Slaughter yard and attached buildings were destroyed by fire. James owned the land until 1989 when he sold the swamp and land east to Bushy Creek to the Mossman Central Mill. The mill cleared the remaining trees on the grazing land along with mature gums on the slope to the north of the swamp to grow sugar cane. There was also a plan to fill in and level the swamp.

Abattoir Swamp

Under public pressure, and with the advent of a World Heritage tree-planting scheme, the Mill decided to donate the land to Mareeba Shire for management as a conservation reserve in 1991. By now the swamp was becoming a popular place for locals and visiting birdwatchers to visit so the council decided that any future development of the site would involve enhancing the birdwatching experience. A survey of the wetland’s natural features, flora, and fauna was undertaken and a set of Management Guidelines were developed (Newton and Barnes 1993). The Council’s Tree-Planting Scheme funded the establishment of a boardwalk, bird-watching hide, parking lot, and access track.

Boardwalk to Birdhide

Council’s management of the wetland continued for several years until the conclusion of the World Heritage Tree-planting Scheme. At this point funding for the management committee ran out and the Park was transferred to normal maintenance and works program. Unfortunately, the environmental requirements of the wetland were no longer prioritised. Grasses were burned off, native saplings were cleared, and Olive Hymenachne became established. Thus, three distinct lines of the aggressive weed gained traction. Within a decade the wetland’s open waters were closed in by overwhelming growth of Hymenachne, the boardwalk was deteriorating rapidly, bird diversity plummeted, and the park began to acquire the reputation of a lost cause.

A move was made in 2015 to resolve the reserves problems, and a community event was held at the swamp. From that time the rotten parts of the boardwalk were replaced by volunteer members of the Julatten and Mt Molloy Association of Ratepayers and Residents, but more structural damage was found during these works. Funding was obtained to rebuild the boardwalk and the work was undertaken by a Job Find team. A new management plan was produced in 2018 along with funding to re-profile some of the swamp to create more suitable habitat for waterbirds. However, the aggressive Hymenachne has overgrown these works.

Forward to July 2021 when the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group (MRWMG) took over the management of the Reserve from Mareeba Shire Council, initially for a five year period. The Abattoir Swamp Management Group was then formed, as a sub-group of the MRWMG and is reliant on volunteers to continue the maintenance of this valuable wetland. 

Working Bee Group

Why is Abattoir Swamp important? It is in a region that is recognised internationally as a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for high flora and fauna endemism. The swamp’s location makes it a valuable refuge in the wildlife corridors running between the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area with the drier savanna country of the Rifle Creek drainage. Currently the open woodland area around the car park and adjoining paperbarks provide the most diversity of birds for visiting birdwatchers. Northern Fantail and Lovely Fairy-wren are probably the most obvious, with both species also nesting in the car park area. 

Northern Fantail

Lovely Fairy-wren (Female)

Lovely Fairy-wren (Male)

Historically, when open water was available, many waterbirds such as Green Pygmy-goose, many other duck species, heron and egret species were regularly seen. Crakes such as Ballion’s, Spotless and White-browed, plus Buff-banded Rail were easier to observe then, along the edges of the water. White-browed Crake are occasionally seen around the hide. 

Green Pygmy-goose (male & female)

What does the future hold? The management committee will prioritise what is achievable in line with the 2018 Management Plan. There have been several working bees and a new walking track has been made along the northern boundary which ends up in a stand of paperbarks opposite the bird hide. Obviously the biggest problem is the Hymenachne, which is almost impossible to eradicate, but it is hoped that some kind of control can be implemented to at least create some open water once again. Repairs to the hide and replanting to enhance the tree and other plant species to attract birds, are on going priorities. The 2018 Management Plan gives a lot more detail and can be downloaded from a link on the Friends of Abattoir Swamp Facebook page, where you can also download a bird species list. To keep up to date with progress and wildlife observations join the Facebook page or if you would like to go on the mailing list please send an email to:- as-convenor@mitchell-river.com.au. 

Another Visit to Flat Creek Station, near Georgetown, Queensland

Buchannan Dam - Flat Creek Station

Route Map

Day 1: 29th May 2025 

 Having sometime free time in between other commitments we decided to head out for a welcome break at Flat Creek Station with our T-van camper for a birding long weekend organised by the owners Peter and Adam. Flat Creek Station is located south of Georgetown (Queensland). We have visited this location on two previous occasions. We left early as we had to get a 500km check on our Toyota Prado’s front suspension, after having the front struts replaced, in Marreba. Check completed we set off south for our first stop at Mt. Hypipamee NP (The Crater), south of Atherton, just in time for a lunch break. Had lunch with a ever hopeful group of Australia Brush-Turkey waiting for handouts but none came their way! Met a few friends here who were birding and helping National Park staff identify a few plants. We were unable to walk down to the Crater as work was being done to improve the access track after damage caused by Cyclone Jasper. 

20min.2.0 ha Search 

Australian Brushturkey
White-throated Treecreeper (Little)
Lewin’s Honeyeater
Bridled Honeyeater
Mountain Thornbill
Brown Gerygone
Golden Whistler
Victoria’s Riflebird
Grey-headed Robin 9 Species

Grey-headed Robin

Next stop was Mt. Garnet at Bill Brotherton Park opposite the BP fuel station, just before the Return Creek bridge on the western edge of the town. Toilet facilities and a picnic table for afternoon coffee were the attraction here. Also present were three Great Bowerbird who seemed to be sharing a bower, which was suitably decorated with white shells, stones and a few coloured pieces of glass. A Pair of Crested Pigeon were performing, not sure whether the wing in the air was anting or it was trying to draw attention of its mate.

20min. 2.0 ha Search

Crested Pigeon

Peaceful Dove

Masked Lapwing

Black Kite

Galah

Rainbow Lorikeet

Great Bowerbird

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote

Grey Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Pied Currawong

Magpie-lark 13 species

Crested Pigeon

From here we travelled the final journey for the day to Pinarrendi Station Stay on the edge of the Fourty Mile Scrub National Park. Here we caught up with Nadine the hard working owner of the property, who we have come to know over the years we have been visiting Pinnarendi. The camping area had plenty of areas to set up camp.

T-van Set Up at Pinnarendi Station Stay

After the set up we had a short nap and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. We had unexpected guests visit, sandflies, something we had not encountered here before. Managed a survey around the campsite, late afternoon.

20min 2ha Search

Laughing Kookaburra

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Galah

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Noisy Miner

Grey Butcherbird 6 Species 

Tawny Frogmouth

Day 2 30th May 2025

Cold (for us) start to the morning (14ºC) after a poor nights sleep. A warming cup of coffee soon got us back on track. Recorded a survey in the campground before breakfast.

20min.2.0 ha Search

Crested Pigeon

Laughing Kookaburra

Galah

Pale-headed Rosella

Rainbow Lorikeet

Noisy Miner

Grey Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Pied Currawong 10 species

Grey Butcherbird

Went for a walk down to Garden Dam, where a few melaleuca’s were in flower attracting Brown, Scarlet and White-throated Honeyeater plus a lone Little Friarbird. Perched on one of the trees was a Little Pied Cormorant who posed for a few photos.

20min.2.0 ha Search

Little Pied Cormorant

Rainbow Lorikeet

Scarlet Honeyeater

Brown Honeyeater

White-throated Honeyeater

Little Friarbird

Striated Pardalote

Pied Butcherbird 8 species

Little Pied Cormorant

The track, which continued on to Big Dam, was very muddy so headed back to camp for breakfast. Then packed up the T-Van and called into the Pinnarendi Brick House Cafe to have a coffee and biscuit before we said goodbye to Nadine. Back on the road we turned off west towards the next place of interest Mount Surprise.

20min.2.0 ha Search

Black Kite

Galah

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Black-faced Woodswallow

Pied Currawong 5 Species

Pied Currawong

On the way we passed Undarra Lava Tubes, which we had visited many years ago. Had a break in Mount Surprise before continuing on to Georgetown. About 10kms out of Mount Surprise the road (Highway 1) deteriorates into single lane bitumen and sections of gravel. There are several single lane bridges, some of which have been rebuilt after recent flooding but this must be the worst section of Australia’s number 1 highway. In the past we have had our windscreen chipped and broken by stones flicked up by oncoming traffic, some of which have been travelling too fast for the conditions. This time we avoided any damage and arrived in Georgetown where we headed for the Memorial Park on the right just after crossing the Etheridge River. This is a good spot to stop for lunch, tables and benches with shade. After lunch we took the Forsayth Road heading south out of town and after about 17kms. reached the Flat Creek Station turnoff, on the right. From here it is about 28kms along a good gravel road for us (just been graded) until we reached Flat Creek Station Homestead. We were greeted by Marcus, a southern visitor and friend of the owners Peter and Adam. He told us that Peter and Adam were out mustering cattle but it was not long before they returned. We had a chat and they offered us a spot near the homestead to set up camp as it seemed that we were the only two for the weekends birding. That suited us as the normal campsite is a few kms away and saved us travelling back and forth. Whilst we were talking three Little Bronze-cuckoo decided to have a dispute above our heads and were chasing each other. Set up camp and had a welcome shower. Logged down another survey.

20min.2.0 ha Search

Little Bronze-Cuckoo

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Yellow Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Mistletoebird 5 Species

Mistletoebird (male)

Day 3 31st May 2025

Early start to the day, up at 5.00am to head off to Buchannan Dam (Big Dam). We were the only two birders who had turned up for the weekend! Peter and Adam had two friends staying with them, so the six of us set off for the dam. It was good to be following someone who knew the way as it was still dark with dawn just starting to break as we approached the dam after a 40 minute drive. The station tracks were in good order and only a few gates to negotiate. It was a great sight watching dawn break over the dam and the birds starting to come to life. Most of the birds were in the trees they had been roosting in overnight. Mainly egrets, Magpie Goose, Australian Darter and Galah. Birds started to arrive, Cockatiel, Red-winged Parrot and a large flock of Fairy Martin, overhead there were Black and Whistling Kite. One Whistling Kite perched close to us providing a photo opportunity. Two White-bellied Sea-Eagle were perched on the far side of the dam until they decided to soar over the dam. After two hours squinting through binoculars and a scope we had morning smoko, called it a day and headed off.

Morning Smoko!

2 hour 500m area search 6:15 AM – 8:15 AM

Magpie Goose

Radjah Shelduck

Pacific Black Duck

Crested Pigeon

Peaceful Dove

Bar-shouldered Dove

Brolga

Black-fronted Dotterel

Masked Lapwing

Comb-crested Jacana

Australasian Darter

Little Pied Cormorant

Australian White Ibis

Plumed Egret

Australian Pelican

Black Kite

Whistling Kite

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Blue-winged Kookaburra

Forest Kingfisher

Cockatiel

Galah

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Red-winged Parrot

Pale-headed Rosella

Great Bowerbird

Yellow-tinted Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Black-faced Cuckooshrike

Black-faced Woodswallow

Grey Butcherbird

Pied Butcherbird

Magpie-lark

Apostlebird

Torresian Crow

Fairy Martin 36 species

Whistling Kite

Next stop was Slaty Dam, much smaller than Buchannan. On the water were a group of 16 Green Pygmy-Goose with one Cotton Pygmy-Goose. Around the edge were a few finches, Double-bar Finch plus one Pictorella Mannikin, always nice to see them. Also saw our first Diamond Dove of the trip along with a Jacky Winter.

Jacky Winter

Back to the homestead to input the survey data and relax before lunch. After lunch we tried to find our paperwork folder but was unable to locate it. We last remember seeing it at Buchannan Dam in the morning so it was back to the dam later in the afternoon to find it. Along the way we saw a group of at least 30 Spinifex Pigeon, can’t remember seeing a flock this large before, also six Squatter Pigeon on the road, who as usual were reluctant to move off the road. Arrived at the dam and had a long search but no sign of the folder. A mystery which remains unsolved, luckily nothing of great importance lost. Naturally we conducted a survey.

500m area search 4:34 PM – 5:34 PM

Crested Pigeon

Squatter Pigeon

Peaceful Dove

Brolga

Masked Lapwing

Australasian Darter

Little Pied Cormorant

Great Egret

Plumed Egret

Black Kite

Whistling Kite

Rainbow Bee-eater

Forest Kingfisher

Cockatiel

Galah

Red-winged Parrot

Little Friarbird

Pied Butcherbird

Apostlebird

Torresian Crow 20 Species

Rainbow Bee-eater

After the failed search for the folder we headed back to the homestead seeing a flock of Apostlebird along the way. Enjoyed an evening meal with the boys with lots of stories swapped.

Day 4 1st June 2025

Slow start to the day as Peter and Adam were loading cattle onto a truck to take them to the Mareeba saleyards. We walked around the homestead and surrounds adding Weebill and White-throated Gerygone to our trip list.

20min.2.0 ha Search 7:43 AM – 8:03 AM

Peaceful Dove

Little Bronze-Cuckoo

Rainbow Bee-eater

Rainbow Lorikeet

Great Bowerbird

Yellow Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote

Weebill

White-throated Gerygone

Rufous Whistler

Grey Butcherbird

Pied Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Magpie-lark

Leaden Flycatcher 16 Species

White-throated Gerygone

Mid-morning when Peter and Adam returned we headed off to Rocky Dam. Not a lot happening on the water, a few Green Pygmy-goose, 2 Cotton Pygmy-goose, 3 Hardhead, a group of Pacific Black-Duck and a few Comb-crested Jacana. Highlight was a group of seven Black-throated Finch coming down to the waters edge to drink. A pair of Whistling Kite had a nest along the edge of the dam and one bird was standing in it. As we walked around the dam we disturbed a mixed flock of Peaceful and Diamond Dove. Bird numbers were down from previous visits here, however we still managed 33 species, not too bad. I guess the heavy rainfalls this year have resulted in more opportunities for waterbirds to spread out.

Rocky Dam, 500m Area search 10:15 AM – 11:55 AM

Magpie Goose

Green Pygmy-Goose

Cotton Pygmy-Goose

Pacific Black Duck

Hardhead

Crested Pigeon

Diamond Dove

Peaceful Dove Little Bronze-Cuckoo

Eurasian Coot

Comb-crested Jacana

Australasian Darter

Great Egret

Black Kite

Whistling Kite

Rainbow Bee-eater

Forest Kingfisher

Sacred Kingfisher

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Yellow Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote

Weebill

Black-faced Cuckooshrike

White-bellied Cuckooshrike

Rufous Whistler

Black-faced Woodswallow

Magpie-lark

Paperbark Flycatcher

Apostlebird

Torresian Crow

Double-barred Finch

Black-throated Finch 33 species

Comb-crested Jacana

We left Rocky Creek Dam for another small dam, which had been put in by a now failed mining venture. Nothing here, not surprising as the water quality looked very uninviting. Back to the homestead for a late lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing and catching up on more data input on the computer. In the late afternoon we joined Peter, Adam and their three guests (extra one had arrived) for a trip to Telstra Hill, which is behind the campground and as the names suggest mobile phone reception can be had if the wind is blowing in the right direction! Here the guys set up a table of food as we watched the sun go down and the stars come out. Great spot looking into outer space and seeing the many satellites cross the sky.

Telstra Hill at Sunset

Day 5 2nd June 2025

Leisurely start to the morning as we were leaving today and in no hurry. 20 minute survey to start the morning around the homestead.

Flat Creek Station 20min.2.0 ha Search 7:35 AM – 7:55 AM

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Galah

Great Bowerbird

Yellow Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote

Rufous Whistler

Grey Butcherbird

Pied Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Willie Wagtail

Magpie-lark

Apostlebird 12 Species

Rufous Whistler

Peter and Adam plus their friends were heading out to do some work so we said our farewells and had breakfast before packing up. Then onto the road back to Georgetown to fuel up. We had thought of going to Cumberland Dam 20kms west of Georgetown, which is a well known birding site. As we had visited here many times before we decided not to go this time. Instead we headed east to Mount Surprise and took it easy. Just as we entered the town we saw our first Australian Kestrel for the trip swooping over the road. Stopped here for lunch at a small park in the centre of town where there is a children’s playground. Tables and benches here make for a good lunch spot plus there were plenty of birds feeding on some flowering and fruiting trees.

Mount Surprise, 20min.2.0 ha Search 12:39 PM – 12:59 PM

Peaceful Dove

Straw-necked Ibis

Black Kite

Nankeen Kestrel

Rainbow Lorikeet

Great Bowerbird

Yellow Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Little Friarbird

Australian Magpie

Pied Currawong

Magpie-lark

Apostlebird 13 Species

Apostlebird

From here the 71kms (45mins.) back to Pinnarendi Station Stay was uneventful. Booked in and set up camp before finding our friends from Townsville who we had arrange to meet here. Chris and Len had a powered site for their setup and were easy to find. Spent sometime catching up and story telling! The camping area had plenty of empty spaces when we arrived but soon had others arriving but it was not crowded. Late afternoon was time for another survey, this time in the campground. Three Common Bronzewing were calling nearby and five Red-tailed Cockatoo flew over, Noisy Miner were the most dominant species (as usual).

20min.2.0 ha Search 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM

Common Bronzewing

Laughing Kookaburra

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Pale-headed Rosella

Rainbow Lorikeet

Noisy Miner

Grey Butcherbird 7 Species

Common Bronzewing

Spent the evening having dinner with Chris and Len at the Brick Oven Cafe, this time a delicious Lasagna.

Day 6 3rd June 2025

Slow start to the day with a survey around the campground.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 7:37 AM – 7:57 AM

Pheasant Coucal

Laughing Kookaburra

Galah

Rainbow Lorikeet

Noisy Miner

Grey Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Torresian Crow 8 species

Noisy Miner

After breakfast we said goodbye to Chris and Len, who were slowly making their way back to Townsville, before going for a walk to Garden Dam. Once again a Little Pied Cormorant was perched in the same tree it was on our last visit 4 days ago. A few flowering Melaleuca trees were attracting many Brown Honeyeater and Noisy Miner.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 8:44 AM – 9:04 AM

Pheasant Coucal

Masked Lapwing

Little Pied Cormorant

Galah

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Rainbow Lorikeet

Great Bowerbird

Noisy Miner

Brown Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote 

Australian Magpie 11 species

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

In the four days since we were here the track to Big Dam had dried out sufficiently to be able to walk to the dam. It is only a short walk to the waters edge, where we found a single White-necked Heron. The only birds on the water were four Pacific Black Duck and in the trees overlooking the water was an Australasian Darter and a Little Pied Cormorant. The surrounding bush had a few honeyeaters along with a noisy group of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a couple of Black-faced Cuckooshrike.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 9:06 AM – 9:26 AM

Pacific Black Duck

Pheasant Coucal

Australasian Darter

Little Pied Cormorant

White-faced Heron

Black Kite

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Rainbow Lorikeet

Noisy Miner

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Noisy Friarbird

Black-faced Cuckooshrike

Australasian Figbird

Grey Butcherbird

Pied Currawong

Spangled Drongo

Magpie-lark

Torresian Crow 18 species

Black Kite

Further along the track is No 1 Dam which proved very quiet but the surrounding bush was productive due mainly to the flowering Melaleuca trees.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 9:46 AM – 10:06 AM

Peaceful Dove

Pheasant Coucal

Red-winged Parrot

Pale-headed Rosella

Rainbow Lorikeet

Lewin’s Honeyeater

Scarlet Honeyeater

Brown Honeyeater

Noisy Friarbird

Striated Pardalote

Weebill

Black-faced Cuckooshrike

White-bellied Cuckooshrike

Grey Butcherbird

Leaden Flycatcher

Mistletoebird 16 species

Weebill

Back at camp we had acquired some neighbours, three caravans, with kids and dogs. The kids were enjoying themselves in the outdoors rather than looking at screens!

Day 7 4th June 2025

Started off with a survey around the campground before breakfast and to pack up the T-van ready to head home.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 7:48 AM – 8:08 AM

Crested Pigeon

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Galah

Rainbow Lorikeet

Noisy Miner

Grey Butcherbird

Australian Magpie

Magpie-lark

Torresian Crow 9 species

Galah

Farewelled Nadine at the Brick House Cafe/reception and headed off. Uneventful journey to our coffee break at Mt. Hypipamee (The Crater), another survey here.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 10:34 AM – 10:54 AM

Australian Brushturkey

Tooth-billed Bowerbird

White-throated Treecreeper (Little)

Lewin’s Honeyeater

Mountain Thornbill

Brown Gerygone

Eastern Whipbird

Victoria’s Riflebird

Grey-headed Robin

Pale-yellow Robin 10 Species

Pale-yellow Robin

Next stop was Centenary Park, Mareeba, where we arrived in time for a lunch break and a relaxed survey whilst we ate our lunch.

20min. 2.0 ha Search 12:09 PM – 12:29 PM

Peaceful Dove

Australian White Ibis

Black Kite

Laughing Kookaburra

Rainbow Lorikeet

Yellow Honeyeater

Scarlet Honeyeater

Blue-faced Honeyeater

White-throated Honeyeater

Striated Pardalote

White-bellied Cuckooshrike

Rufous Whistler

White-breasted Woodswallow

Willie Wagtail

Magpie-lark

Common Myna 16 species

Blue-faced Honeyeater

After lunch we replenished our food stocks and drove the 45 minutes back home, so ended a very enjoyable and welcome birding break.