South East Queensland's national parks are full of creatures you'll enjoy meeting at the end of your camera lens or observing in the branches of a tree or on a quiet beach. They are home to some animals and plants seen nowhere else in the world. Places where you can walk, explore, listen and wonder - a source of inspiration and renewal for millions.
Dugongs can be found in Moreton Bay Marine Park, which has a particularly good supply of seagrass (a dugong's favourite food). Observe some of the 50,000 migratory shorebirds that visit this part of the world annually. Six of the world's seven sea turtles species also live in waters of this largely urban-fringed bay.
The Great Sandy Marine Park near Fraser Island is a playground for humpback whales on their return to the Antarctic. Ten species of whale, four species of dolphin, six of the world's seven turtles and dugong visit or live in the marine park waters, while at least 45,000 birds choose the Great Sandy Strait as their summer feeding ground.
Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park near the Gold Coast has an amazing colony of glow-worms whose lights can be seen only after sunset. Pademelons (which look like a miniature version of wallaby) can often be seen grazing on grass at the rainforest's edge. This national park is sculpted by water and the park's wildlife depend on mountain-fed streams for their survival.
From a distance, dingos are fascinating to watch as they stroll up and down the beaches on Fraser Island. The dingo - Australia's only native dog - is thought to have descended from a family of wild Asian dogs. It is Australia's largest meat-eater (carnivore) and although unable to bark, the dingo howls at night to keep the family group together and to warn others to stay away. Always treat these wild animals with extreme caution.
The Gondwana Rainforests of South-East Queensland's hinterland are some of the best places to see the stunning gold and black regent bowerbirds and hear the amazing call of an ancient songbird, the Albert's lyrebird. Towering giants, linking the park to its Gondwana roots, are the ancient Antarctic beech trees, draped in moss and lichen. The Gondwana Rainforests are found at Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and Main Range National Parks.
Visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/natural-adventures and discover more things to see and do in national parks.
