Rainbow Beach and its environs offer abundant and diverse birdwatching opportunities with over 250 species identified.
Every year thousands of migratory shorebirds visit the Great Sandy Strait from destinations as far away as Japan, Alaska and Siberia. The sand and mudflats are important feeding grounds for nearly twenty different species of long distance fliers. In fact, the Great Sandy Strait is recognised as a Wetland of International Import. The range of habitats within close proximity of Tin Can Bay will ensure that even the keenest birdwatcher will be amazed at the variety of bird life in the area.
The waterways are home to many species, from the striking black and white jabiru, and the graceful silver-grey brolga, to the distinctive brahminy kite with its deep chestnut wings and white head, neck and breast of the amazing comb-crested jacana that seemingly walks on water thanks to its incredibly long toes.
The crazy antics of the galah with its pale grey and rose pink colouring are sure to illustrate the origin of that common Australian expression 'the silly galah'.
The undergrowth below trees can be protection for so many of those little jewels of nature that live on insects, small fruit and grass-seeds, and are always an enjoyment to observe.
The Cooloola Region is a hive of activity and has such diverse habitats suitable for different bird species. While the shrieking of the rainbow lorikeet as it feeds in the eucalypts and flowering street trees may be commonplace to Gympie residents, international visitors are bewitched with its vivid blue, green and orange-red plumage.