Birdwatching, once stereotyped as a pastime of oldies in khaki vests, is undergoing a serious glow-up.
People are flocking to the experience not just for quietness of it, but for the adventure, the connection to nature, and the chance to learn more about wildlife. Introducing: Twitcher Tourism.
The Scenic Rim is just an hour out from Brisbane and is a birdwatcher’s wonderland, offering an extraordinary diversity of habitats, from lush rainforest and eucalypt forests and ancient volcanic mountains, to wetlands and open paddocks, supporting an astonishing array of species.
The Scenic Rim already knows a thing or two about eco-tourism too – it achieved ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia in January this year, a result of meeting global best-practice standards in ecotourism, responsible travel and environmental conservation. Regional operators Ecotourism Certified include Araucaria Ecotours, Binna Burra Lodge, Horizon Guides, Leisure Solutions, Mt Barney Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, ParkTours, Southern Cross Tours, Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain Glades, Thunderbird Park and the TreeTop Challenge.
Binna Burra Lodge chair Steve Noakes said the property had been a Twitchers Paradise since it opened back in 1933!
“For over 90 years, visitors of all ages have been coming to Binna Burra Lodge to scout out for our native birdlife – Albert’s Lyrebird, Regent Bowerbird, Australian King-Parrot, Satin Bowerbird, Crimson Rosella, Green Catbird, and various wrens and honeyeaters,” he said.
At O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat the team have seen the same change in age groups, with a noticeable increase in kids aged between 11 and 14 years with a passion for birds and photography, and from the late 20s and early 30s age group.
One of Australia’s leading wildlife filmmakers with more than 1.2million followers on his Instagram @JeremyFilmsThings spent four days in July 2025 exploring Lamington National Park and witnessing a courtship display from an Albert’s Lyrebird which he said was an “experience that I’ll never forget”.
*Top 10 must-see birds in the Scenic Rim for Twitchers:
1. Albert’s Lyrebird: this bird is rare, endemic to subtropical rainforests, and is a mimic extraordinaire, it can imitate chainsaws, camera clicks, other birds, it’s a true forest magician. Where to spot: Lamington National Park, Border Ranges.
2. Regent Bowerbird: a stunning bird with black and gold plumage; the male builds a bower decorated with blue objects to impress females (it’s Instagram gold!). Where to spot: Tamborine Rainforest, Lamington rainforest edges.
3. Glossy Black Cockatoo: this endangered, sleek black bird with red tail panels, specialises in eating she-oak seeds. Very few places in Australia can guarantee a sighting. Where to spot: Binna Burra, Tamborine Mountain woodlands.
4. Eastern Bristlebird: critically endangered, this secretive ground-dweller has a lovely, high-pitched call, and is an absolute gem for Twitchers. Where to spot: Specific bushland reserves, guided tours are recommended.
5. Paradise Riflebird: a rainforest bird-of-paradise, the male is a spectacle during mating displays. It’s one of Australia’s most exotic birds. Where to spot: Border Ranges National Park.
6. Black-breasted Button-quail: this tiny, ground-dwelling bird is elusive, seeing one is basically a badge of honour for birders. Where to spot: Dense rainforest leaf litter areas.
7. Wedge-tailed Eagle: Australia’s largest bird of prey with a majestic wingspan, this alpha-bird soars above ridges. Where to spot: Scenic Rim ridgelines, open paddocks, and mountaintops.
8. Satin Bowerbird: famous for its bright blue decorations in bowers, this bird is mesmerising to watch and photograph. Where to spot: Lamington and Tamborine rainforests.
9. Powerful Owl: Australia’s largest owl, nocturna and with a haunting call, seeing one in the wild is thrilling. Where to spot: Eucalypt forests, especially near large trees with hollows.
10. Green Catbird: with soft green plumage, this secretive forest singer which calls like a low “meow”, is both enchanting and uncommon. Where to spot: Rainforest gullies around Lamington and Tamborine.
Pro tips for Twitchers visiting the Scenic Rim:
• Early morning or late afternoon are prime times for rainforest species.
• Bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a sound recorder, the lyrebirds and whipbirds are audio stars.
• Check local birdwatching groups for recent sightings.
• Include a hike to soak up even more of the magic of the region.
• Talk to locals – farmers often know the bird routines and can share spots to check out.
• Stay a few days and nights to wake up and go to sleep with the sounds of birdsong, there’s nothing like it.
• Consume and travel mindfully – support local producers and eateries, enjoy seasonal farm-to-plate meals, and choose cafés and shops that prioritise eco-friendly practices.
• Bring your own reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils to avoid single-use plastics.
• Recharge your electric vehicle at over a dozen EV charging sites across the region. From Tamborine Mountain to Beaudesert, Mt Barney to Boonah, Plugshare shows where.
• Take the Tamborine Mountain Hop-on-Hop-off tour with Pineapple Tours – to cut your carbon footprint, help ease congestion and save energy and money.
• For more, visit Sustainable travel within the Scenic Rim
