Port of Brisbane
QWSG code: PBAR (artificial roost), PBC2 (pond C2), PBC3 (pond C3), PBC4(pond C4), PBR3 (pond R3), PBS1 (pond BS1), PBS2 (pond BS2), PBS3 (pond BS3), PBS4 (pond BS4), PFPE (outer pond), PBRL (rail loop), FICP (Fisherman Island Claypan), FIVC (Fisherman Island Visitor Centre – Swan Lake)
eBird link – Port of Brisbane (Hotspot group – Lytton Claypan, Micat Ferry, Boat Ramp, Shorebird Roost, Swan Lake)
Roost classification code: TECM (notes)
The Port of Brisbane occupies a large area around the mouth of the Brisbane River, including Fisherman Island and adjacent mainland north of Lytton. Although it is an active industrial port, several areas are accessible to the public and provide some of the most important bird habitat in inner Moreton Bay.
Several birding locations are open at all times, while others require permission from the Port Office before visiting. The Port Office may be called on (07) 3258 4888 (the office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm; out-of-hours this number may redirect to Port Security). Facilities vary by site, but include parking at key locations such as the boat ramp and Swan Lake picnic area.
The Queensland Wader Study Group conduct monthly shorebirds surveys across the port. These generally cover the publicly-accessible sites included in this hotspot group, but also several locations within the restricted area of the port including the large reclamation area at the north end of Fisherman Island.
Do not enter restricted areas of the port without prior authorisation.
Interesting sightings: Australian Little Bittern (2019,2026), Broad-billed Sandpiper (2026), Pectoral Sandpiper (2025), Spotless Crake (2025), Red-necked Avocet (2025), Grey Plover (2025), Pomarine Jaeger (2025), Brown Booby (2025), Asian Dowitcher (2025), Wood Sandpiper (2023), Freckled Duck (2023), Ruff (2022), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (2019), Long-toed Stint (2019), Beach Stone-curlew (2018), Radjah Shelduck (2014), Brolga (1986)
References
1. Lloyd, Penn, et al. “Shorebird use of the Port of Brisbane, Queensland: insights from 30 years of monitoring.” (2024): 86-94.