Welcome to the Southern Downs, a region in Queensland, Australia, renowned for its stunning wildlife experiences. From breathtaking hikes through lush rainforests to unique encounters with native animals, the Southern Downs offers some of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the country.
To help you plan and book accommodation for your next trip, here are the top 10 wildlife experiences in the Southern Downs:
1. Albert’s Lyrebird
Albert’s Lyrebird is an Australian bird known for its impressive tail that looks like a stringed instrument called a lyre. It can also copy the sounds of other birds, car alarms, chainsaws and even cameras.
2. Eastern Bristlebird
The eastern bristlebird is a small, dark brown, ground-dwelling bird with whisker-like bristles around its beak. It builds its nest in the understory vegetation and camouflages it by making a globular grass nest 30 centimetres above the ground.
3. Platypus
The best place to spot one is the Condamine River Road, so if you’re ever in the area, it might be worth a visit to see if you can spot one of these amazing creatures!
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Leyburn Jewel Butterfly
The Leyburn jewel butterfly is a rare species at risk of extinction in the next two decades. If you’re lucky, you might spot one in the late summer or early autumn, particularly in the afternoon.
5. Black Grevillea
The black grevillea is an endangered shrub, identifiable by its black flowers, which grows in a sprawling form reaching 0.8 metres in height and 1.2 metres across. It is only found on the Stanthorpe Plateau, in granitic, sandy-loamy soil, and is mainly found in disturbed areas like roadsides, railroad and drain lines.
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Coxen’s Fig Parrot
The Coxen’s fig parrot is small and round with a short tail, mostly green with yellow on the sides and patches of red and pale blue on its face and wings. Only about 50 of these birds are thought to be left in the wild, so if you spot one, you’re very lucky!
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Giant Barred Frog
The giant barred frog is one of Australia’s largest species, reaching up to 120mm in length. This species is typically brown with gold and black blotches, allowing them to blend in well with their environment.
8. The Moss Gardens
The Moss Gardens is a cool temperate rainforest with a 100-year-old rabbit-proof fence. If you take a 25-metre walk along the fence, you’ll get a nice view. You can also extend your walk for 50 metres along an undeveloped track and get a view of Wilson’s Peak and White Swamp.
9. Southern Spotted-Tail Quoll
The southern spotted-tail quoll is the largest carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland, and it can travel over large distances in a single night, with its territory spanning up to 5000 hectares.
10. Dalveen Blue Box
Dalveen blue box is a rare plant species only discovered in 2019. Researchers found that it had different genetic, chemical and physical characteristics from another blue box species that was more widespread. A survey found only 340 trees in the Dalveen area, mostly located on three private properties.
Conclusion
The Southern Downs is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts and everyone looking for a unique wildlife experience. With so many incredible wildlife experiences to choose from, the Southern Downs is an ideal destination for a wildlife-filled holiday. With so many accommodation options available, you can be sure to find the perfect place to stay that will suit your needs and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. So why not book accommodation in the Southern Downs and have the experience of a lifetime?
Are you ready to book an accommodation in Stanthorpe, QLD? Check us out at Granite Belt Retreat. Whether you’re looking for accommodations, delicious dinners in restaurants, or food and wine for two, we got you covered. Recharge your spirit on the Granite Belt at Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery by booking with us today!
