Whitsundays Wildlife: Birds and Goannas

Whitsundays wildlife isn’t all underwater. Above the waterline, the islands are home to soaring sea eagles, migratory shorebirds, prehistoric-looking goannas and beaches where turtles come ashore to nest.

On a bareboat holiday, you’ll see plenty of it from the deck, on the beach and along the bushwalking tracks. With a little knowledge, you’ll be spotting them like a local.

Birds of Prey

White-bellied sea eagles, Brahminy kites and ospreys all nest on the islands and hunt for fish, crabs and other small animals around the Whitsundays. Keep an eye on the sky. During breeding season, you may see their spectacular aerial courtship displays.

Spotting tip: Look for large stick nests in tall trees on headlands, and watch for eagles circling low over the water before a dive.

Migratory Shorebirds and Seabirds

From around September to April, thousands of migratory shorebirds, such as whimbrels, bar-tailed godwits and lesser sand plovers, arrive in the Whitsundays. They breed in the Arctic, then fly thousands of kilometres to spend the southern summer feeding on reef flats and resting on island beaches. Bar-tailed godwits hold the record for the longest non-stop flight of any bird.

These birds need every bit of energy for the return journey, so disturbing them while they feed or roost can affect their survival. Seabirds such as terns also nest on some small islands and rocks.

To protect them, seasonal restrictions apply from 1 October to 31 March. Some rocks, including East Rock, Edwin Rock and Olden Rock, are closed to access, and 6-knot go-slow areas apply near other significant bird sites. Your pre-charter briefing will cover the areas to watch for.

Island Birds

Walk any island track and you’re likely to hear or see orange-footed scrubfowl, which build huge nesting mounds of leaves and soil on the forest floor. On quieter beaches, look out for the beach stone-curlew, a large, shy shorebird with a heavy bill and big yellow eyes. It’s listed as vulnerable in Queensland and nests on the sand just above the high-tide mark, so give it plenty of space.

Lace Monitors (Goannas)

Lace monitors, or goannas, are common on the islands and around the Whitsundays. They can grow up to about 2 m long and are usually dark, with contrasting white, cream or yellow bands and spots. When disturbed, they’ll often scramble up the nearest tree. They eat insects, reptiles, small animals, birds’ eggs and carrion.

Please don’t feed them. Goannas that learn to associate people with food become pests around picnic areas, and larger goanna numbers mean more predation on nesting seabirds. Keep food sealed and take all your rubbish back to the boat.

Wildlife-Friendly Boating

• Never feed wildlife, including goannas and gulls.
• Slow down and keep your distance near bird sites and nesting beaches, especially from October to March.
• Avoid bright lights, loud noises and sudden movements near nesting birds and turtles.
• Dogs aren’t allowed on national park islands.
• Respect all closures and go-slow areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wildlife can you see in the Whitsundays?

Above the water, you can see white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, migratory shorebirds, orange-footed scrubfowl and lace monitors, and turtles nesting on some beaches in summer. Below the water, there are turtles, reef fish, rays and, in winter, humpback whales.

Are there goannas on the Whitsunday Islands?

Yes. Lace monitors, or goannas, are common on the islands and can grow up to about 2 m long. Please don’t feed them.

When do birds nest in the Whitsundays?

Seabirds and shorebirds are most active from October to March. Seasonal closures and go-slow areas apply around significant bird sites from 1 October to 31 March.

Ready to Meet the Locals?

A bareboat holiday is the best way to see Whitsundays wildlife up close and at your own pace. Our Reservations Team can help you choose the perfect boat for your holiday.

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