Hasties Swamp
Hasties Swamp Image Credit IG – matt_deigan
Swing by Hasties Swamp to see a full flush of resident and migratory birds. This national park near Atherton has more than 220 recorded species in a range of environment including open water, reeds and eucalypt forest. There is also hide for primo bird watching opportunities.
Hasties Swamp, four kilometres south of Atherton off the Atherton Herberton Road. (SH52)
Wurruma Swamp
Wurruma Swamp Image Credit IG – greatinlandway
Wurruma Swamp on the Savannah Way is one of the largest in the region and holds water long after other wetlands have tried up. Fringed with water lilies, this huge swamp is famous for its black swan population but there are plenty of other bird species as well. A picnic table and benches are provided, just remember when heading through the yellow gates, to shut them behind you.
Wurruma Swamp: Dirt road turnoff just outside Mount Garnet on Kennedy Highway (National Highway 1) towards Ravenshoe.
Abattoir Swamp
Abattoir Swamp Image Credit – seatempletropicalliving
A cacophony of cicadas and scores of birds and amphibians herald your summer arrival at this delicately named wetland. As its name suggests this marshland is surrounded by cane farming and cattle grazing and includes a 75m long boardwalk and a bird hide.
Check out Abattoir Swamp Environment Park on the Mossman-Molloy Road between Julatten and Mt Molloy.
Bromfield Swamp
Bromfield Swamp Image Credit IG – robertblauwphotography
This extinct crater fills up in the wet to provide a sanctuary for lots of birds, particularly the cranes and brolgas that can be seen flying in at nightfall (or out if you want to get up before the sun). BTW, the latter big bird is on the Queensland coat of arms. There is a viewing platform just off the road and BYO binoculars and deck chair is recommended if you want to stay for the full dawn/dusk spectacle.
Bromfield Swamp: On the Upper Barron Road a few kilometres from Malanda.
And Beyond …
Not strictly a wetland but worth a stop on the Savannah Way is the dam on the site of the old Cumberland mine. Once a prosperous community, all that remains is an old chimney and the lovely lagoon. The chimney’s quite impressive and the dam attracts waterfowl and lots of other birds. Take a break, make a cuppa and enjoy this oasis.
Cumberland chimney and dam are 20 kms west of Georgetown on National Highway 1, part of the Savannah Way.
