The Wynnum mangrove boardwalk extends over half a kilometre through the grey and red mangroves from Elanora park and rejoins the path out to the Lytton bird hide, from the car park it’s about 2.5km return. If you keep your eyes open you’re almost certain to see a good variety of fish, birds and reptiles as you walk through this important habitat of grey and red mangrove.
Collared Kingfishers and mangrove gerygone are common in the trees close to the path. The migratory waders, herons, spoonbills and other birds can be seen on the mudflats and in the water. Last weekend there were over a dozen black swans float on the calm waters out from one of the lookouts, probably part of the flock commonly seen on Fishermans Island. Beyond them, you could see clearly out over the sparkling bay to Green and St Helena islands.
Walking through the mangroves is a great option for some fresh air on a sunny day. There is a lot to see, the relaxing sound of birdsong and the mangroves provide a great natural sun umbrella keeping you cool and avoiding the burn.
If you want to see more of the wildlife then an early morning or late afternoon walk is better. A word of warning though, any time of day wear insect repellent as the environment is also ideal for mossies and midges which can leave an itchy uncomfortable bite for days if you don’t.
The mangrove Boardwalk in Wynnum isn’t new to Brisbane but was closed to public access for well over a year waiting on funding to repair the rotting and unsafe boards. The Port of Brisbane and Queensland Government came to its rescue and in August the walkway was re-opened and is now better than ever. It’s definitely worth a visit if you live or visit in the Brisbane Bayside area.
Have you been to the Wynnum Mangrove boardwalk or can you recommend similar walkways in other places?
Mark Faust
Monday 27th of December 2021
Sadly the Mangroves are suffering from dieback and the area looks in trouble. Trees are sitting at 45 degree angles and every time I return the canopy lets in more and more light... on my last visit one tree simply 'broke' and tumbled over. I am not a biologist by any reach of the imagination but leaves on every tree (the ones not dead yet) are very sickly looking. Many trees show insect/borer infestation and the birdlife seems to be much less than previous years. People walking and living in the area tell me that the area has been getting worse. Strangely there are no reports of anyone looking into this?
Toni Broome
Sunday 6th of February 2022
Hi Mark, I'm a little late getting to your comment but pleased to say we've done that walk twice in the past month and with the exception of the area immediately around the northern platform which is quite bare after being hit particularly hard by storms and king tides in early 2021 the rest seems to be looking pretty good. There is prolific new mangrove growth and depending on the tide plenty of crabs and small fish. In the heat of summer the active birdlife is less than at some other time of year but we saw sacred and collared kingfishers, mangrove gerygone, striated heron, 4 types of egret, black swans, chestnut teal, osprey, pied stilt, darters and royal spoonbill amongst others. If you enjoy spotting birds make sure to also walk up to the bird hide area behind, the mangroves are at a size now that you can't see the water and waders at the moment but if you walk along the tree line there are loads of fairywrens, tawny grassbirds, golden-headed cisticola and silvereye.
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living
Tuesday 21st of October 2014
I used to live right near here and loved taking my dog along this walk and around the wetlands. The Wynnum/Manly area is such a great place for walking or bike riding, so flat and beautiful outlooks towards the islands. Great spot!
twoaussietravellers@yahoo.com
Wednesday 22nd of October 2014
Thanks Ashlea, we are so lucky to have so many beautiful and interesting places in SE Queensland.