Mareeba Wetlands

Visited: all year round

Recommendation: You need to check access to the wetlands but if you can get in, they are outstanding for wildlife and one of my favourite places in Australia.

My first Outback experience was here at the wetlands lodge over 10 years ago. I stayed on my own in the reserve in a glamping tent with the front flaps open all night. Bats would zoom around, the Bush Thick-knee would howl and marsupials of some description would try to raid my bins. I felt very brave.

Within the reserve I encountered many fabulous creatures. You could walk around the lake on tracks and I would spend my time doing just that. I remember turning a corner and coming face to face with a family of kangaroo. I stopped, as did they. I looked at them and they at me. I took a photo and backed away while they still stood. It was the first time I had really felt that I was in the wilderness.

I think the wetlands are now open again with restrictions. It will be good to check, next time I am in the area.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

Another time I ran across a lizard and quickly shot it. Later I identified it as a Frill-necked Lizard. I find it so fascinating to see the different lizards and dragons in different environments. This one, was just stunning.

Frill-neck Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii)

One of my favourite photographs from the reserve was when the managers invited me to their deck to see the bird feeders. A group of Double-barred Finch were feeding when suddenly the alarm went up.

Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)

In the garden were also feeders and bird baths that the Red-winged Parrot would come to. I was still new to visiting Australia and I remember so clearly being totally thrilled getting so close to these stunning birds.

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus)

The tracks through the wetlands take you through some very dry, hot areas and it is very reminiscent of the Outback proper. Remarkable, given its proximity to a good sized town. You can find some birds here that are Outback specialists and very difficult to spot elsewhere in the region. Here are my pick of the best birds from within the park.

Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta)

Brown-backed Honeyeater (Ramsayornis modestus)

Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus)

Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae)

Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)

Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii)

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)

Singing Bushlark (Mirafra javanica)

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

Lemon-bellied Flyrobin (Microeca flavigaster)

Pacific Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)

Pheasant Coucal (Centropus phasianinus)

Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)

Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus)

On the approach track to the wetlands (Pickford Road) it is worth going very slowly. This is a great place to see Australian Bustards in the fields. Raptors are often sitting on the wires and posts or hawking over the paddocks and finches and fairywrens feed in the grasses.

Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)

Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus)

Chestnut-breasted Munia (Lonchura castaneothorax)