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Osprey House Environmental Education Centre, Griffin

For those interested in wildlife and the great outdoors, a trip to the Osprey House Environmental Education Centre at Griffin is a must-do outing.

A series of wheelchair-accessible boardwalks provide great views over the North Pine River, leading visitors safely and comfortably through the mudflats, mangroves, and open eucalypt forest. The best part is - it is an adventure you can do at your own pace.

Your first stop is the Environmental Centre, where you will meet the friendly staff and be given a pair of complimentary binoculars to use on the day. Your ‘checklist’ includes a variety of birds to find, including local and migratory waders, sea birds, and bush birds. Look up and you may even spot a koala hiding in the eucalypt trees.

Along the way, you can take a rest at the ‘Bird Hide’, a wooden building with cut-out windows at varying heights so budding birdwatchers can look out across the water.

Osprey House has a shaded picnic area
Osprey House has a shaded picnic area

The Amphitheatre is also accessed via the boardwalks, and includes tiered seating. Here, groups of up to 25 people can gather for informal talks and presentations. Space for wheelchairs and walkers is available at the front or the sides of the spacious wooden deck.

The walk is mostly shaded and can be completed within 15-20 minutes (including stopping at the Bird Hide and other accessible viewing spots). There is no designated ‘route’. Visitors are able to move freely along the boardwalks at their own speed, and opt for a quieter experience away from the crowds if desired. You can also easily backtrack if you need to return to the indoor Environmental Centre.

From within the comfort of the Centre you can view live footage of the ‘Raptor Pole’, where the ospreys nest. There is also a ‘touch table’, books, arts & crafts, pamphlets and more.

Finish your outing with a packed morning tea or BBQ lunch in the shaded picnic area.

It is a fun and educational day for all, where you can get up close with nature in a controlled environment.

Osprey House has accessible boardwalks for nature exploration
Osprey House has accessible boardwalks for nature exploration

Facilities:

  • Outdoor wooden boardwalks with side rails (accessible to wheelchair and walker users)
  • Indoor information centre, including covered veranda and seating
  • Picnic area with shaded table and seats
  • BBQ
  • Carpark with accessible parking bays
  • Accessible toilets (Centre opening times only)
  • Free entry (includes binoculars to view birds while on-site)
  • Free arts & crafts activities (painting, drawing, fact sheets)
  • ‘Touch table’ with microscopes

Accessible equipment/areas:

  • Boardwalks accessible to wheelchair and walker users.. Some mild inclines, but mostly flat.
  • Indoor information centre with polished floorboards and carpet
  • BBQ area and picnic tables

Nearby Venues/Food & Drink:

Be sure to pack your own food and water, or bring along supplies for a BBQ. Westfield North Lakes shopping centre is just a 10-minute drive away.

The viewing deck at Osprey House overlooks the Pine River and is an excellent spot to bird watch
The viewing deck at Osprey House overlooks the Pine River and is an excellent spot to bird watch

Sensory Considerations

Tactile:

  • ‘Touch tables’ – snake skins, shells, seedpods, leaves and other items from the natural environment
  • Microscopes and slides.

Visual:

  • Birdwatching is a primary activity at Osprey House. Binoculars are supplied for use when on the boardwalks, however, they are not compulsory to enjoy the walk and scenery
  • Visual story – There is a strong sense of a ‘visual story’ at Osprey House. The boardwalks offer a peaceful trip through the mangroves and trees, with plenty of fresh air and water views. There is lots of signage, informative pamphlets with pictures, and activity sheets so guests can tick-off their finds and document their visit.

Auditory:

  • Due to the nature of this venue, there are regular ‘bird calls’ and other wildlife/outdoor sounds. There can occasionally be sudden or unexpected animal noises, but it is generally a calm and peaceful environment.

NOTE: The outdoor areas (BBQ and picnic table) do not have to be booked, but please refrain from using balloons or plastic straws to help preserve the environment and keep wildlife safe. Toilet facilities are available during regular Centre opening hours.

Explore the educational information at Osprey House, the volunteers can tell you all about the local osprey and dugong population
Explore the educational information at Osprey House, the volunteers can tell you all about the local osprey and dugong population

Address:

Dohles Rocks Rd, Griffin QLD 4503

Hours:

The Environmental Centre is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Sunday. Outdoor areas including the boardwalks, BBQ and picnic facilities are accessible at any time. Admission is free.

Share your experience:

Share your accessible travel experience at Osprey House Environmental Centre by guest posting on our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/visitmoretonbayregion

Or share as a post into our "Accessible 'Things to do' in Moreton Bay Region" Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AccessibleMoretonBayRegion