Australian Birds: A Gallery of Native Birds

A personal collection of Australian bird photography, captured across Queensland and beyond.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most striking birdlife. This photo gallery of Australian birds captures everything from colourful parrots and honeyeaters to elegant brolgas and iconic emus, photographed over several years.

From vibrant lorikeets and cockatoos to waterbirds like pelicans and ducks, Australia’s native birdlife is as diverse as its landscapes. Even the flightless emu holds its own as one of the country’s most recognisable species.

For many Australians, birds are more than wildlife. They’re part of everyday life… the magpie at the back door, the cockatoo on the fence, the sound of birds calling at dusk.

Don’t forget our native performers. Brolgas dance with remarkable grace, while bowerbirds create intricate displays, building and decorating their bowers to attract a mate. There’s creativity and character in the natural world, if you stop long enough to notice it.

If this gallery has you thinking about your next getaway, I’ve included a small selection of trusted travel and lifestyle partners below, from accommodation and car hire to practical travel essentials.

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Birds in Culture

Birds have long held meaning across cultures, symbolising freedom, renewal and connection to something beyond the everyday.

From ancient Egypt to modern Japan, birds have appeared in mythology, art and storytelling. In some traditions, they represent immortality; in others, they’re seen as messengers between worlds.

Science adds another layer to the story. It’s widely accepted that modern birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs.

A Symbol of Freedom and Reflection

No matter your perspective, birds are most often seen as symbols of freedom and lightness.

Their hollow bones allow them to lift effortlessly into open skies, moving above the noise and busyness of everyday life.

Watching them leaves me with a sense of how good it feels to step away from routine, even briefly, and see where the day leads.

A Personal Note

My late husband, Don Watts, was an avid birdwatcher. Not for any symbolic or cultural reason; he simply loved watching them.

Since his passing in 2013, our family has marked special occasions by scattering bird seed. It’s a simple tradition that keeps his memory present in a meaningful way.

Here, I’ve brought together a selection of bird photographs taken over several years. Moments of flight, colour and stillness; small observations that, in their own way, feel connected to him.