The Toowoomba Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat is a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. It's a great place to have a picnic lunch overlooking the lakes. Take a stroll along the paved pathway. The habitat covers 7.6 hectares (19 acres), which is quite a small area to establish a diverse wetland. Environmental diversity is essential if the habitat is to attract a variety of waterbirds. There are deep and shallow lakes, areas of reeds, mud-banks, islands and grass areas to provide feeding, roosting and nestling conditions required by different birds. You can gain a lot of pleasure from observing wild birds at close quarters, but you can only do this if you are quiet and well hidden. The bird hide on the island in the South Lake can provide you with this experience. Bring your binoculars and take advantage of the observation platforms and floating islands as vantage points for birdwatching. You will see birds such as maned duck and the straw-necked ibis. Look at the plant life: sedges, rushes, water buttercups and many other Australian water plants grow in the habitat, all of which provide excellent photographic opportunities.
