Maiala Trails Bird Walk

We’ve done beaches, we’ve done wetlands, now join us for a rainforest birding adventure! This event is free and open to LGBTQIA+ folks and allies of all experience levels.

The Maiala Trails and Picnic Area is one of Brisbane’s best birding locations for forest birds! Maiala’s Picnic Ground and multiple walking trails are a part of one of the largest areas of Highland Rainforest close to Brisbane. As part of the D’Aguilar National Park, this area boasts lush, thick subtropical rainforest and plenty of cool birding opportunities! The 2km Rainforest Loop begins at the end of the Maiala Picnic Area off Mount Glorious Road, where ample parking is available. The route treks through the beautiful, shaded rainforest, where some of the 146 recorded bird species on eBird can be found. Common sightings include Noisy Pitta, Satin and Regent Bowerbirds, Green Catbirds and Wompoo Fruit-Doves, with rare sightings of Greater Sooty Owls possible. 

📍Find Us: We will meet at the Maiala Picnic Ground, just off Mt Glorious Road (no street number is available). Google Maps link here. There is a large car park with one disability park, however no public transport is available. 

Accessibility: This location is not friendly for those with accessibility requirements. The picnic ground itself contains one disability carpark and one accessible shaded picnic table if available. However the toilet requires leaving the site and access via the main road, or the ability to navigate a steep, grass/mud hill. The Rainforest Track is a narrow gravel track that can become muddy with recent rain, includes stairs/steps and may include navigating fallen vegetation and cobble stone rocks. 

Facilities: The picnic ground contains a large grassed area for picnic rugs, several shaded and unshaded picnic tables and toilets however no such facilities are available once on the walk. No drinking or eating facilities are available on site, however Mount Glorious Cafe is available only a few minutes up the road.  

Safety: Falling bunya pine cones may occur during this walk, so please be mindful if sounds are heard above you. These pine cones can weigh up to 10kg! Adequate sun protection and insect repellent are recommended. Please be mindful of snakes, leeches, ticks, mosquitoes and midgies and wear enclosed footwear.

Please Bring: Hat and SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks and plenty of water, enclosed and comfortable walking shoes; binoculars or a camera with long-range zoom are highly recommended. Bring a picnic blanket/chair and arts/craft/reading/other activities if you wish!  

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Mount Glorious area, the Turrbal, Jinibara and Garumngar Peoples and their Elders. We pay our respect to all First Nations folks in our community, and invite all birders to walk with mindfulness and respect.