Birdwatchers track
Wander along this scenic coastal track that winds through colourful forest and is home to a surprising assortment of birds.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 900m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 30min walking time.
- Grade
- Easy (walk)
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
- Boat
Journey facilities
- Picnic tables
- Walking
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Lively honeyeaters, elegant fairy-wrens and bold friarbirds flit through the forest of prickly broom heath, cypress pine, wattles, cotton bush and banksias. You may even spot a vulnerable black-breasted button-quail on the forest floor—they’re well-camouflaged and very elusive so you’ll have to be extra quiet.
At the end of the track you can sit back in the shaded picnic area and take in the stunning views over Pelican Bay towards K'gari (Fraser Island). From here you’ll see migratory shorebirds and seabirds, and large flocks of pelicans after which the bay was named.
Getting there and getting around
Birdwatchers track is in Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, on the Cooloola Coast, about 13km north of Rainbow Beach.
- On Inskip Point Road, travel 4.5km towards the northern tip of the Peninsula.
- The walk starts at the roundabout near the Inskip day-use area car park.
Getting to Inskip
- From Rainbow Beach turn into Clarkson Drive and right at the roundabout into Inskip Avenue.
- Drive a further 7km and turn right onto Inskip Point Road.
Check the Cooloola conditions report prior to arrival for any park closures, fire prohibitions, warnings, tide times and beach and track conditions. Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
Fill up your water containers at the council beach service facility on Clarkson Drive in Rainbow Beach.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Birdwatchers track is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Inskip safely and Walk with care.
- Nearshore landslide Inskip Peninsula 12 July 2024 to 12 January 2025
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
- Portable toilets are mandatory for Pelican Bay and Dorrigo South camping areas 27 March to 31 December 2024
- Camper Hygiene 1 February 2024 to 6 March 2025
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
Cooloola conditions report Updated 31 Aug 2024
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.