Discover Unlimited Beauty

Viewing Byfield wildlife

Anywhere in Byfield’s parks will bring you closer to nature; however certain times of year will delight visitors with special displays.

February to March: an ancient cycad—the Byfield fern—fruits at Water Park Creek.

April and August to September (depending on season): heathland wildflowers cloak the dunes in the hinterland of Byfield National Park beaches.

August to September: whales come close to the coast on their migration south.

September to March (peaking December to February): migratory shorebirds roost, feed and nest along the coast and in Corio Bay. In the state forest the vulnerable and endemic Byfield grevillea sets small but beautiful flowers at Upper Stony.

October to April: rainbow bee-eaters bring colour and movement to heathlands and headlands along the coast. Forest pigeons feed at Water Park Creek.

Viewing wildlife Capricorn Coast National Park

Although Capricorn Coast National Park is small it protects diverse habitats in a rapidly developing coastal area, making it an important retreat for many different animals. Seabirds like Caspian terns and white-bellied sea-eagles are commonly seen from the lookouts while scrub turkeys, olive-backed sunbirds, varied trillers and spangled drongos may be found in forested areas. Possums and unadorned rock-wallabies may be spotted early in the morning or evening while goannas are more active during the day. Turtles and dolphins may be seen from the lookouts at Bluff Point at any time of day and at low tide you can explore life in rock pools along the beach.

October to April: rainbow bee-eaters bring colour and movement to heathlands and headlands along the coast. Forest pigeons feed at Water Park Creek.

Staying safe

It is important you are prepared for your Capricorn Coast National Parks visit.

• Before you leave, always inform someone responsible about where you are going and when you expect to return. Ensure you notify your contact person when you return.
• Ensure you have enough daylight to complete your walk and never walk alone.
• Always carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and extra drinking water.
• Observe danger signs and keep clear of cliff edges.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear to protect you against the sun, cold, rain, and wildlife.
• If swimming or wading, wear protective clothing and sturdy footwear to protect against marine stingers and stonefish which may be present all year.

In an emergency

In an emergency dial Triple Zero (000) (if this fails dial 112). Mobile phone reception is available in all sections of Capricorn Coast National Park that are open to visitors. For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Looking after Our parks

Please help protect Capricorn Coast National Park by following these guidelines.

• Take all rubbish home. There are no rubbish bins in the park. Never burn or bury it.
• Do not feed native animals. Keep all your food and scraps in animal proof containers at all times.
• Leave your pets at home. Domestic animals disturb wildlife and are not permitted in the park.
• Use public facilities at Bluff Point or in the towns of Yeppoon or Emu Park.
• Leave Capricorn Coast National Park as you found it. All plants and animals are protected.

See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.