New breed of birdwatchers flocking to Scenic Rim

Today’s bird enthusiasts are chasing not only serenity, but also adventure, deeper connection to nature, and the thrill of discovering wildlife up close.

Welcome to the rise of twitcher tourism.

Just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim has emerged as a prime destination for budding and experienced birdwatchers alike.

Its remarkable mix of landscapes – rainforest, eucalypt forest, ancient volcanic peaks, wetlands and open farmland – support an astonishing diversity of species.

Visitors can spot significant birds such as the elusive eastern bristlebird, glossy black cockatoo and Albert’s lyrebird, alongside soaring raptors, colourful parrots and the distinctive calls of Whipbirds.

Birdwatching, once considered niche, has taken flight as a major eco tourism sector driven by environmental awareness and demand for meaningful nature-based experiences.

Scenic Rim a sustainable tourism success

The Scenic Rim is no stranger to sustainable tourism.

In January it achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, recognising its commitment to responsible travel, environmental stewardship and global best practice standards.

Accredited local operators include Araucaria Ecotours, Binna Burra Lodge, Horizon Guides, Leisure Solutions, Mt Barney Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, ParkTours, Southern Cross Tours,

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain Glades, Thunderbird Park and the TreeTop Challenge.

Binna Burra Lodge has long been a favourite for nature lovers, a reputation Chair Steve Noakes says stretches back to its earliest days.

“For over 90 years, visitors of all ages have been coming to Binna Burra Lodge to scout out for our native birdlife – Albert's lyrebird, regent bowerbird, Australian king-parrot, satin bowerbird, crimson rosella, green catbird, and various wrens and honeyeaters,” Mr Noakes said.

“Binna Burra is surrounded by Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage Area, it’s incredibly rich in wildlife.”

A paradise riflebird.

Younger birdwatchers embrace technnology

He said younger generations have become increasingly passionate about birdwatching, particularly since the 2019 Black Summer bushfires.

“Especially since the devastation of the 2019 Black Summer bushfires, we have certainly seen an increase in younger tech-savvy generations interested in bird watching at Binna Burra,” Mr Noakes said.

“It’s not just something that aging baby-boomers in oversized flak jackets and funny hats do.”

Smartphone apps and improved camera tech have helped drive this surge.

At O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, staff are witnessing a similar demographic shift, with more children aged 11-14 taking an interest in birdlife, alongside a strong swell in visitors in their late 20s and early 30s.

A satin bowerbird.

Top 10 must-see birds in the Scenic Rim

1. Albert’s lyrebird: This bird is rare, endemic to subtropical rainforests, and is a mimic extraordinaire, it can imitate chainsaws, camera clicks, other birds, it’s a true forest magician. Where to spot: Lamington National Park, Border Ranges.
2. Regent bowerbird: A stunning bird with black and gold plumage; the male builds a bower decorated with blue objects to impress females (it’s Instagram gold!). Where to spot: Tamborine Rainforest, Lamington rainforest edges.
3. Glossy black cockatoo: This endangered, sleek black bird with red tail panels, specialises in eating she-oak seeds. Very few places in Australia can guarantee a sighting. Where to spot: Binna Burra, Tamborine Mountain woodlands.
4. Eastern bristlebird: Critically endangered, this secretive ground-dweller has a lovely, high-pitched call, and is an absolute gem for Twitchers. Where to spot: Specific bushland reserves, guided tours are recommended.
5. Paradise riflebird: A rainforest bird-of-paradise, the male is a spectacle during mating displays. It’s one of Australia’s most exotic birds. Where to spot: Border Ranges National Park.
6. Black-breasted button-quail: this tiny, ground-dwelling bird is elusive, seeing one is basically a badge of honour for birders. Where to spot: Dense rainforest leaf litter areas.
7. Wedge-tailed eagle: Australia’s largest bird of prey with a majestic wingspan, this alpha-bird soars above ridges. Where to spot: Scenic Rim ridgelines, open paddocks, and mountaintops.
8. Satin bowerbird: Famous for its bright blue decorations in bowers, this bird is mesmerising to watch and photograph. Where to spot: Lamington and Tamborine rainforests.
9. Powerful owl: Australia’s largest owl, nocturna and with a haunting call, seeing one in the wild is thrilling. Where to spot: Eucalypt forests, especially near large trees with hollows.
10. Green catbird: With soft green plumage, this secretive forest singer which calls like a low ‘meow’, is both enchanting and uncommon. Where to spot: Rainforest gullies around Lamington and Tamborine.

Pro tips for twitchers visiting the Scenic Rim

• Early morning or late afternoon are prime times for rainforest species.
• Bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a sound recorder, the lyrebirds and whipbirds are audio stars.
• Check local birdwatching groups for recent sightings.
• Include a hike to soak up even more of the magic of the region.
• Talk to locals – farmers often know the bird routines and can share spots to check out.
• Stay a few days and nights to wake up and go to sleep with the sounds of birdsong, there’s nothing like it.
• Consume and travel mindfully – support local producers and eateries, enjoy seasonal farm-to-plate meals, and choose cafés and shops that prioritise eco-friendly practices.
• Bring your own reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils to avoid single-use plastics

 For more, visit Sustainable travel within the Scenic Rim.