Cairns Esplanade

First stop on our visit to the wet tropics was the famous Cairns Esplanade for waders. This area didn't disappoint, we read that wader viewing is best at mid or incoming tide however we forgot to take note of tide times so just thought we'd take pot luck and go see. We randomly chose a spot around Upwards Street to set up our scope, the tide seemed fairly far out but a range of waders and water birds could easily be seen. Amongst others we identified Grey-Tailed Tattler, Lesser Sandplover, Whimbrel, Eastern Curlew, Pied Oystercatcher and Striated Heron. Little Tern were fishing along the waters edge and a pair of Osprey flew overhead.

We then took a look along the edge of the mangroves hoping, without success, to see a Collared Kingfisher, however there were Forest and Sacred Kingfishers foraging along the mangroves edge. We also saw a Varied Honeyeater and Black-fronted Dotterel here.

The following afternoon we went back for a second look, this time the tide was further in, we tried the boardwalk near Florence Street again there was a range of waders to be seen and we added Terek Sandpiper and Great Knot onto our list.

Trip List