Charlotte Plains, outback Queensland

Charlotte Plains, Outback Queensland Birdlife.  

Charlotte Plains is an approx. 283 square kms in overall area, half the size of Singapore. Charlotte Plains Station was established in in the 1860s. By 1914 there were more than 67,000 head of sheep on the property. It is still a working sheep and cattle station situated 50 kms from Cunnamulla. Due to its artesian bore water, they welcome for a fee, bird enthusiasts and tourist. The latter come and sit for lengthy periods in the hot flowing bore water bathing tubs which also run down narrow drains/streams for many kms providing water to the cattle, sheep, birdlife, wild animals etc.

It is a massive area, I drove the 20 kms advertised on rough dirt roads to reach our primitive camp site near the very old but still operative, shearing shed. (But I think it was closer to 30kms)

The property is home to over 130 species of birdlife. Sunrise and sunset provide optimal viewing times when the birdlife visit the watering holes.

I took over 10,000 images (overall) on this visit to the Queensland Outback, the following are a few chosen of the different species taken at Charlotte Plains.

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Charlotte Plains, camping

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Bowra Station, outback Queensland

Bowra Station, Outback Queensland.  

Bowra Sanctuary is a 140 square kilometre nature reserve and former cattle station about 16 kms west of Cunnamulla in the Queensland outback and is managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. It is a well known and important birdlife hotspot in Australia. Well over 200 bird species have been seen in the area, a number are endemic to Australia.

Below are just a selected few of the many bird pics I took at Bowra. The first day was spent exploring the ‘Cottage Dam’ area, followed by the ‘Lagoon Walk’, I then drove to the ‘North Gumholes” area for the remainder of the day. Day 2 was spent at the ‘Saw Pits’ area including the ‘Mulga Walk’. On Day 3 a fire appeared on a neighbouring station and with wind gust reaching 90 kms/hr., everyone was removed from Bowra station as a safety precaution.

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Brolga in flight

Brolgas are one of Australia’s largest flying birds – they stand a metre tall and have a wing span up to 2.4 metres.  Saw Brolga’s every day during our 5 days in the Queensland outback compared to last year when I only saw one.

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Paddabilla Bore, Eulo entrance signage.

Paddabilla Bore Eulo, Outback Queensland.  

Our first ‘Birdlife Holiday Destination’ on this trip was Paddabilla Bore which is 16km east of Eulo on ‘Adventure Way’ and is world renowned for birdwatching. Once a droving stopover on the east-west stock route, Eulo is still a popular stopping spot for visitors with a population of about 40 people!

I was fortunate to be able to accompany birding expert, Charles Dove on this epic ‘Birdlife’ venture out into the Queensland outback.

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Brolga’s Dancing

Brolgas are one of Australia’s largest flying birds – they stand a metre tall and have a wing span up to 2.4 metres. They are best known for their intricate and ritualised dance. Partners begin by picking up grass, tossing it into the air and catching it again in their beaks. The birds then jump up to a metre in the air with their wings outstretched, before performing an elaborate display of head-bobbing, wing-beating, strutting and bowing. Occasionally they stop to trumpet loudly – a spectacular sound!

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