Just a 3 hour drive from Brisbane, Stanthorpe and the nearby Girraween National Park are a popular weekend getaway for Brisbanites for the scenery and wineries.  The area is also rich in birdlife so it’s a great addition to a SE Queensland itinerary.

Now let’s take a closer look at Girraween National Park.  I have highlighted some of the best birding trails.  The access road – Pyramids Road from Ballandean is a great place to look for birds too.

Even just having breakfast at the picnic tables can be very entertaining.  I had a Kookaburra snatch half a croissant right out of my hand while I was chatting to some fellow birders!

Hanging around the picnic area looking to steal food.

Girraween is well sign-posted and has several educational signs about the trails and wildlife.

Sorry, please turn head to the left!

There’s a Satin Bowerbird bower near the toilet block.  The Bowerbirds and some of their neighbours have learned that if they sit near the water fountain, eventually a friendly human will come and turn it on so they can grab a drink!  Love those purple eyes!

I have no idea why these photos aren’t loading right ways up, that’s how they are on my computer but WordPress is turning them for some reason.  Sorry, please turn head to the left again.  Bringing blue bottle caps will make a Bowerbird very happy – free home decor!

A lovely Red-Wattlebird

Crimson Rosellas were everywhere!

WHERE TO STAY NEAR GIRRAWEEN

There’s all kinds of accommodation in the surrounding towns of Stanthorpe, Ballandean, Amiens and Storm King – everything from camping sites to pricey romantic cottages.  We ended up renting a 3 bedroom house as we had other people with us.  More about that in the next post.  The usual booking engines – Pointshound, Wotif and Cobb ‘n Co have some good options.