Free festival to welcome weary travellers

We’re rolling out the red carpet to hundreds of migratory shorebirds as they make their way back to our coastline after completing one of nature’s more remarkable journeys.

Sunshine Coast Council is celebrating the arrival of these impressive birds with two free fun-filled events.

Fraser Park, Golden Beach – Saturday, September 26, 8-11am.
Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore (pool end) – Sunday, September 27, 8-11am.

Festival program

The program for this year’s festival is packed with live music from Hayden Hack and Adam James, face painting, arts and clay craft, shorebird exhibits and hands-on games.

There will be a special Welcome to Country with didgeridoo and storytelling from Kerry Neill, wildlife information, research freebies, education stalls, charity sausage sizzle and more.

What makes shorebirds so special

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the Sunshine Coast was so lucky to have these feathered travellers join us for the season.

“This fun event is a wonderful way to learn more about these amazing birds and why giving them room to rest and recover is so important,” Cr Suarez said.

“Living in a wildlife-friendly biosphere, it’s so important to give all species the chance to thrive.

“Migratory shorebirds are among the world’s most threatened bird species, flying over 10,000km from Siberia and Alaska to reach our shores.

“They rely on the sandbanks of the Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy River to feed and build up energy for their return journey.”

How you can help

The Sunshine Coast Shorebird Conservation Action Plan guides Council’s efforts to protect these species as part of global conservation initiatives.

If you can’t make the event, remember these tips to help share our shores with the shorebirds by:

watching from a distance with binoculars
choosing activity spots away from bird habitats
keeping dogs under control
taking your rubbish home.

Follow the event on council’s Facebook page for updates.

Golden Beach event listing and Cotton Tree Facebook Event Listing