Lytton Claypan
A good place to see: Asian Dowitcher, Bar-tailed godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian Whimbrel, Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Marsh Sandpiper, Pied Stilt, Red Knot, Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Avocet, Red-necked Stint, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
This natural claypan is an excellent shorebird roost site, located just south of Fisherman Island and managed by the Port of Brisbane. Unlike other birding sites around the Port of Brisbane, the claypan is left in an essentially unmodified state and as such has no facilities for birders. The site is open and exposed, with very little shade, and conditions can be hot and windy.
The best parking is at the boat ramp. As this site forms part of the Port of Brisbane, an active industrial area, permission is required for access. The Port Office may be called on (07) 3258 4888 to let them know you are visiting (the office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm; out-of-hours this number may redirect to Port Security). Once the Port Office have been informed, walk south from the boat ramp along the unmarked track until you reach the claypan.
This high tide roost provides essential resting habitat for large numbers of endangered migratory shorebirds that are extremely prone to disturbance, so great care must be taken when birding the site to ensure birds are not unduly stressed by your presence. When approaching from the boat ramp, a small line of immature mangroves separates the grassland from the claypan proper; do not cross onto the claypan and use the bushes as cover to scan from.
Interesting sightings: Australian Little Bittern (2026), Broad-billed Sandpiper (2025), Asian Dowitcher (2025), Ruff (2022).
