Queensland
Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge (BT)
Located in the tropical forest of Queensland, the lodge is surrounded by birds. Two hundred and thirty species have been seen within 1.5 km of the lodge. After birding all over Australia, I still found 12 new species for my life list at or very near the lodge.
A few of the birds I saw there are the Pacific Emerald Dove, the Bar-shouldered Dove, the Wompoo Fruit-Dove, the tough-to-find Noisy Pitta, several species of honeyeaters, and others. Australian Brushturkeys are common. Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers are found on the property between November and April. You can bird on your own, but guiding is also available. The owners are very knowledgeable.
There are very nice, comfortable rooms in a small motel-type building with a long veranda in front. I enjoyed sitting on the veranda, meeting new friends, and watching the birds come to the feeders for a very close look and great photo opportunities. All rooms have a full kitchen, as well as a bedroom and bathroom. If you don’t want to cook, there is a nearby tavern.
In addition, a bunkhouse-type building is available at cheaper rates. It has four individual rooms with a common cooking area. The toilets are in a separate building. A few campsites are also available on the grounds.
Of all my travels in Australia, the Kingfisher Lodge had the most birds seen within a stone’s throw of my accommodations.
It is unsuitable for children as there is nothing for them to do there. There is no swimming pool or TV or public transportation to this remote area, so a private vehicle is necessary.
Getting there.
The lodge is about a 1.5-hour drive from Cairns, near the community of Julatten. Contact: sootyowl@bigpond.com https://www.birdwatchers.com.au/index.htm
The Wet Season
This lodge is sometimes closed from January 1st to the end of May, which is the wet season. It gets a lot of rain.
Link to Birding Hotspots in Australia
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