Your plan B(ird) for breeding season

The allure of a tropical island getaway is something many Queenslanders and travellers are familiar with. Seasonal closures might have you stumped on getaway planning, so we’re here with some alternatives that are just around the corner.

In the hustle and bustle of making travel plans, it’s easy to forget that you might be sharing your island vacation with other fly-in, fly-out tourists. Did you know many bird species also visit Queensland's beautiful islands to rest, nest and recharge?

To keep your next travel plan in harmony with our feathered friends, we’ve put together a list of alternative locations you can visit within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area while some islands are seasonally closed, providing frequent fliers with the well-deserved, and undisturbed, space they need.

Eager for Eagle Island? Land on Lizard Island instead

These two islands, along with Osprey, Palfrey and South islands and Seabird Islets, make up Lizard Island National Park. With Lizard Island being the largest of the group it’s the perfect destination for everything from walks to turtle watching. The Clam Gardens in Watsons Bay offer those willing to don a snorkel the opportunity to see Giant clams (Tridacna gigas), which can grow up to 2m in length.

Instead of Taylor Cay, try Beaver Cay

Unlike the other islands on our list, this last one can practically disappear right under your nose with the right tide and weather conditions. Both are low-lying cays with glistening white sand—so beach real estate can be at a premium. Over the last few years, Rangers have noticed Taylor Cay being favoured by birds because it’s increasing in size while Beaver Cay is decreasing. Access to our Rangers’ alternative recommendation, Beaver Cay, is dependent on the tide. So, if you’re wanting to keep your feet dry, you’ll need to plan carefully. Though if you’re happy to throw on the snorkel gear and leave the sand to the birds there are some beautiful reefs to explore in the waters surrounding these incredible cays.

Move over Sisters Island, it’s time for Stephens Island to shine

Both part of the Barnard Island Group National Park, Stephens Island sits just north of its counterpart. While the national park is closed seasonally across both islands, the sandy beach and camping area on Stephens Island remain open year-round, giving you the opportunity to visit this patch of perfection whenever suits your schedule.

Instead of Woody Island, check out Low Island

While smaller than its counterpart, Low Island is a beautiful coral cay on Low Islets Reef. This stunning location offers reef snorkelling opportunities you can reach right from the beach and some lovely permanent umbrellas for a shady spot between dips.