GREAT BIRDS AND TREES - CHARLEVILLE

As we headed south, we saw more parrots (yay!), but in addition to learning about birds, we'd like to learn more about their homes and food sources. In Charleville, we found two excellent (but rather unadvertised) places to learn about the trees of the outback: the Botanic Drive (fifteen kms out of town), and the Graham Andrews Parklands in town. In this post, we share some of what we learnt there.

First, ​Graham Andrews Parklands

We'd never heard of it even when we asked about potential birding spots at the nearby information centre. This is a delightful easy walk on the edge of town, and work is well underway to make this an even more attractive place to stop, with a billabong undergoing installation, family friendly amenities, and bird art (tin brolgas). You can plan ahead by getting the electronic version of the Charleville booklet here (see pp 24-5).

We saw two Australian ringnecks and a pale-headed rosella as soon as we arrived, so we were in a happy place. Then we discovered the walking trail and the path that leads you around 19 named species of trees. Here is what we saw on the day - each pic is linked to a Wikipedia entry: just hover over each pic for the name of the tree. The last shot is the map so you don't miss the ones we did.

Second, the Charleville Botanical Reserve

Just fifteen kms towards Cunnamulla, try the Botanical Reserve, a self-guided driving tour through signed bushland. We totally loved this drive - though in our AWD we could only get about ten kilometres before the road (just near Gidget swamp became too risky for us. The whole drive is about 28km, and drivers are warned that 4WD is required.  It was a stunningly peaceful experience, with plenty of bird and insect life around.

But if you don't have a 4WD, you can still do the walk close to the entrance - this was really fabulous, even though you could hear the traffic noise a little. It's about 1.5km return, all flat, and very easy. You'll know you're halfway when you come upon this delightful seat made of natural timber. Whoever put that there really has great taste - thank you! We also strongly encourage the Information Centre to put the brochure online so people can plan in advance.

Finally, if you are just passing through quickly, and would like to stretch your legs, there is a lovely shaded and well lit walk (on bitumen path) along the river, starting at the bridge behind the main business area (Wills Street). Good place for parrots too!