Maleny Camp — 22nd September 2023
October 2023 Meeting — 5th October 2023
Bribie Island Outing — 8th October 2023
Our activities include conservation and research-oriented projects, educational activities, and activities which provide opportunities to meet with other people interested in birds and birding and to share experiences.
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We produce a range of brochures and other information on birds in Queensland, and on all aspects of birding in Queensland.
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Bird identification can be difficult, even for experienced birders, and many discussions occur during group walks and camps on this subject.
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We produce a range of brochures and other information on birds in Queensland, and on all aspects of birding in Queensland.
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“Of those bird species known to have been present or to have visited regularly in Australia when Europeans settled in 1788, 1.9% are Extinct and a further 11.5 % are considered Threatened. Some 6.0 % are Near Threatened.”
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Organizations like Birds Queensland assist with scientific research projects by raising money each year and allocating it as grants.
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Birds Queensland is a non-profit organisation that finances its own activities. Our logo is the brightly coloured and beautiful Sunbird which is normally found only between Normanton and Bundaberg.
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Access files, videos and the hardcopy library catalogue
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Welcome to the Birds Queensland member’s area. These pages contain information that will only be available to BQ members.
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Bowra Sanctuary

Major Mitchell's cockatoos near Bowra homestead (Lophochroa leadbeateri) © Cameron Davidson

Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary, just West of Cunnamulla, is a former pastoral property that is owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). Volunteers from Birds Queensland assist with the Bowra Campgrounds as Camp Hosts. You can volunteer for this role by emailing Mark.Mclaren@australianwildlife.org and information regarding this role will be emailed to you.

Bowra has a long reputation as a reliable birding site with a bird list of over two hundred species, although some of those are very infrequent visitors. Bourke’s Parrot and Hall’s Babbler are resident species. A bird list is available at the property.

Bowra Sanctuary is open to bird-watching visitors from May to mid-October most years.

Directions: The Sanctuary is about sixteen kilometres from Cunnamulla. Head west from town across the Warrego River and after about two hundred metres turn right at the sign (Humeburn Rd, Golf Course, Bowra etc.). Head north about nine kilometres to the Bowra gate on the left. (Sign on the fence saying Bowra Sanctuary). The house and campground are six kilometres along the dirt road. Follow the signs and stop at the Check In & Out Shack (a current map can be provided after you book in). On your left as you approach the check-in shack is a rocky pad; please park up on the pad near the hose and await your Camp Hosts for your property Induction. If it is wet then inquire if the roads are passable.

Visiting Bowra: For more detailed information go to Bowra Visitor Program on the AWC web site.

Accommodation: Only camping is offered at Bowra. Part of the camping area has facilities for a few caravans or camper trailers to access 240v power. This power is quite limited and not suitable for air conditioning, heating, cooking or other power-hungry uses. For other accommodation needs, Cunnamulla is probably the best option – it has almost everything you could need (food, refreshments, vehicle repairs etc) and is only 15 minutes away

Bookings are essential whether for day visits or overnight stays. They can be made only from the AWC booking web site and require payment at time of booking. Book here.

Maps and other information on getting about the property and suggested places to look for birds are supplied to all visitors.

4WD vehicles are recommended. All roads on the property are dirt – they can be dusty in dry conditions and muddy and usually impassable when wet. Even a small amount of rainfall may close the sanctuary tracks. Vehicles over four tonnes and some 2WD vehicles are not suitable for the tracks.  In case of vehicle break-down you do require your own recovery plan for your vehicle.

A Bird Call is held each evening and all are asked to contribute. The data collected at bird call is added to the ten years of records of bird populations there.

Bowra now has a reliable UHF radio service. A UHF radio would be helpful if you can bring one. Channel 13.

Key Contacts

Hours of Operation

Camping

  • Check in / arrivals: between 2pm and 5pm
  • Check out / departures: by 10am

Day Visitors

  • Check in: between 7am and 9 am
  • Depart: by 5pm

So, why not join us?

  • Monthly newsletter
    Members receive a monthly newsletter except in January.
  • Library
    Access to over 700 electronic files, videos and hardcopy books and magazines.
  • Outings and activities
    The society holds regular monthly camps and walks for members and guests, as well as monthly meetings.
Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) © Vince Bugeja