This guide covers three Brisbane City Council nature reserves where the Council’s own pages describe wildlife: Boondall Wetlands, Tinchi Tamba Wetlands and Karawatha Forest. It focuses on places, access and facilities; for individual species, see the separate native wildlife guide.
Boondall Wetlands
The Council describes Boondall Wetlands as Brisbane’s largest wetlands, covering about 1,150 hectares. It says the wetlands are a 30-minute drive from the CBD, on the edge of Moreton Bay between Boondall, Nudgee Beach and Shorncliffe. As listed on the Council’s page, checked 9 November 2026, they are open 6am to 7pm daily.
According to the Council, the land was farmed by the Catholic Church until the 1960s, when Council acquired it, and it became an official reserve in 1990. The Council also says the wetlands are listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance.
For wildlife, the Council says more than 190 native bird species live in and visit Boondall Wetlands, and that large numbers of international migratory shorebirds are attracted there from September to April. Its page lists walking and bike riding tracks, a canoe trail, picnic areas, bird hides, a boardwalk and the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre. The Council says the wetlands are dog friendly, with dogs on a leash at all times.
As listed on the Council’s environment centre page, checked 9 November 2026, the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre is at 31 Paperbark Drive, open Tuesday to Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-12pm, and closed Mondays. The page also mentions interactive exhibits.
Tinchi Tamba Wetlands
The Council’s Tinchi Tamba Wetlands page, checked 9 November 2026, says the wetlands cover more than 380 hectares at Wyampa Road, Bald Hills, and are open 24 hours. The Council calls the site a birdwatcher’s paradise, naming species such as eastern curlews, royal spoonbills and sea eagles. It also says Tinchi Tamba provides habitat for the vulnerable dugong and the endangered green and loggerhead turtles.
A 1-kilometre track leads through open grassland to the bird hide, according to the Council. A 3-kilometre track includes a boardwalk over saltmarsh and mangroves. The page lists a playground, boat ramp, fishing platform and picnic areas, with fresh water, barbecues and toilets at the picnic area.
Karawatha Forest
The Council’s Karawatha Forest page, checked 9 November 2026, says the forest park covers about 900 hectares and is open 6am-6pm daily. It says more than 200 species of wildlife find refuge there, and that the park has Brisbane’s richest frog population. The page names the glossy black-cockatoo, powerful owl, koala and greater glider among the rare, threatened and endangered animals the park protects, and says it has nearly 120 bird species. The Council also lists more than 42 kilometres of walking and shared-use tracks.
As listed on the Council’s discovery centre page, checked 9 November 2026, the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre is at 149 Acacia Road, open Tuesday to Sunday 9am-4pm and closed Monday. The page says entry is free for all visitors, and that some special events or workshops may need registration or a small fee.
Before you go
Hours, facilities and track conditions can change, so check the Council pages before you visit. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is covered separately in its history guide on this site.
Frequently asked questions
When are migratory shorebirds at Boondall Wetlands?
The Council says large numbers of international migratory shorebirds are attracted to the wetlands from September to April.
Is Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre free?
The Council page, checked 9 November 2026, says entry is free for all visitors, though some events may need registration or a fee.
Are dogs allowed at Boondall Wetlands?
The Council says the wetlands are dog friendly, with dogs on a leash at all times.
