Backyard Tourist: Tarrabora and Beree Badalla Resrves a bird fanciers dream on Gold Coast

WHERE in the world can you spot up to 156 bird species? Apparently, right here on the Gold Coast, in a small, nondescript reserve you would most likely have only glimpsed as you walked past.

The Beree Badalla wetland reserve has lots of animal spotting to offer.

TARRABORA AND BEREE BADALLA RESERVES

WE’RE taking a short stroll around Palm Beach today — but not as you know it.

Unless you are an avid bird-fancier or have explored much of the Coast, Tarrabora and Beree Badalla Reserves go under the radar.

The small but spectacular area hides an abundance of wildlife — mostly birds, fish and reptiles.

Fairy Wren- so cute!

Also cute! Picture: Marc Robertson

And I’m not talking just one or two species. I’m talking 156 species of birds for starters.

Here you have the opportunity to spot fairy wrens, lorikeets, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, honey eaters, striated herons, ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, different species of kites, darters, pelicans, terns, gulls, curlews and even kingfishers.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT FREEMAN’S ORGANIC FARM

At the Beree Badalla wetland reserve at Palm Beach.

I could go on. But instead, there’s a bunch of other animals you could see.

Possums, the graceful tree frog, blue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons, sand crabs and bandicoots, to name but a few.

GET A NEW TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN

In the clear water close to the boardwalk, juvenile fish can be seen among the seaweed beds, along with many species like bream, mangrove jack and garfish.

Dramatic photo of an osprey hunting fish. Picture: Arthur Roy

This pretty little kingfisher was snapped by Peter Valentine.

The main reason why I love these reserves though is because it’s a relaxing place with few people about, despite its proximity to the beach and Currumbin Creek.

The wooden boardwalk winds itself gently through the saltmarsh.

THE COAST PARK WHERE YOU CAN FIND WEIRD SHREW-LIKE MOUSE

The view is picturesque, stretching across the creek capturing the essence of a lazy Sunday afternoon — even if it’s not.

The Beree Badalla wetland reserve boardwalk. It gets even better!

Don’t forget to snap a couple of stunning pictures of the azure water, white sands and olive green mangroves.

So where is this hidden wonderland I hear you ask?

The reserves sit on the northern side of Currumbin Creek and either side of the Gold Coast Highway.

DISCOVER

Tarrabora Reserve and some of its admirers: (L-R) Saraya Robinson, Green Officer Natural Areas Management Unit Gold Coast City Council, Wilf Ardil, Lois Levy and Gina Ygon.

BEFORE the two reserves were protected, locals fought hard to keep the land here natural.

Originally, it was proposed that the site be developed to build a marina and hotel.

Luckily, it wasn’t. If you want to do your part, the Tarrabora Reserve Bushcare Group meets up every month to keep the reserves flourishing.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Surf! Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

IF totally relaxing is not your thing and you’ve crossed all the bird species off your list, head to the opposite side of the creek to try your hand at surfing.

Surf Easy hold group lessons for all ages on the weekend, so it’s something you can also get your kids excited about.

If falling off in front of strangers is not your thing, they also hold private lessons or you can hire your own board.

Prices start at $20 to hire a board.

EAT AND DRINK

Um, yum- a vegan mint slice from Third Base at Palm Beach. Picture Glenn Hampson

THIRD Base Coffee has something for everyone. This cute cafe has your traditional staples of muffins, burgers, club sandwiches and of course, coffee.

They also offer up a big ‘Base Platter’, with bacon, eggs, halloumi, tomato, mushrooms, avocado and spinach. Phew, that was a mouthful.

But it also caters to those vegos and vegans, with vegan slices and acai bowls up for grabs.

There are also gluten free options available.