Bowra Visitor Program - AWC - Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Bowra remains closed to public visitors for the remainder of 2020 due to ongoing risk management concerns related to COVID-19. Visitation to Bowra for 2021 will be considered prior to the commencement of the next visitor season in March 2021.

Please click here for more information

Bowra is usually open to visitors from 1 March to 31 October. Visitors are welcome to travel about the sanctuary on well-maintained designated dirt tracks seeking birds or other wildlife. During August and September the sanctuary can be alive with wildflowers if the region has received rain. Bookings are essential.

Reasons to Visit Bowra

Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary has a long reputation as a reliable birding site with a bird list of more than 200 species, including nine threatened species. Three species of Australian Babblers are present and the rare Grey Falcon has been known to breed on the sanctuary.

A number of bird monitoring programs are in place at Bowra and all visitors are encouraged to assist. The main program is a Daily Bird Call which records the species seen each day and fixed route survey forms are available for those who wish to assist in bird monitoring. Bird lists and maps are supplied for all visitors. Our volunteers and other visitors are also a wonderful source of bird information.

Built Accommodation

The Shearers’ Quarters accommodates eleven people, in seven bedrooms. The Quarters share the kitchen, common dining and meeting area. The showers and toilets for the Quarters are in adjoining buildings.

The building has 240 volt power, hot water, kitchen with a stove, microwave, toaster, cooking pots and utensils, crockery and cutlery. Detergents and tea towels are supplied. All beds have sheets, blankets, pillows, doonas and electric blankets for cold winter nights. Towels are provided.

All visitors must take their rubbish off the property when they leave.

Camping Facilities

Camping is in open areas adjacent to the buildings and around a nearby lagoon. There are facilities for a few caravans or camper trailers to access 240 volt power. This power is quite limited and not suitable for air conditioning, heating, cooking or other power-hungry uses. Campers use the same showers and toilets as those staying in the Quarters. The water supply is from the Great Artesian Basin and safe to drink.

Open fires of any type are not permitted.

Pricing

2020 rates:

Shearers’ Quarters Twin room: $74 per room per night
Shearers’ Quarters Single room: $37 per room per night
Camping & Caravans: $12 per person per night
Power: an extra $5 per day per van (limited sites)
Day visitors: $10 per person per day

Bookings are essential. Please refer to the  Conditions of Entry  prior to arriving at Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bookings

Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary remains closed to public visitors for the remainder of 2020 due to ongoing risk management concerns related to COVID-19.

Visitation to Bowra for 2021 will be considered prior to the commencement of the next visitor season in March 2021.

Please click here for more information.

Getting There

Bowra is in south-west Queensland about 16 kilometres north-west of Cunnamulla.

Directions from Cunnamulla:

Head west from town across the Warrego River and after about 200 metres turn right at the sign (Humeburn Rd, Golf Course, Bowra).
Head north about nine kilometres until you see the Bowra gate on the left. There is a a white letterbox (fuel drum) with Bowra painted on it.
The house and accommodation area are six kilometres along the dirt road. This road can be rough (particularly for vehicles towing) and slippery when it is wet so ring ahead for advice if you have any doubts.
The office is in the large house. Report there when you arrive.

Important Information before Visiting

All roads on the property are dirt and can be dusty in dry conditions and very muddy and at times impassable when wet. When it is wet all vehicles are banned from the roads to prevent damage. 4WD vehicles have no difficulties getting about in dry times and most roads are accessible to normal vehicles, although a few spots may cause a problem. Take advice from the volunteers on site.