Lake Murphy Conservation Park is located about 31km by road north-west of Taroom and about 490km by road north-west of Brisbane. Nestled beneath Murphy’s Range in the central highlands, Lake Murphy is a perched lake that fills only when nearby Robinson Creek overflows. When full it provides a seasonal refuge for waterbirds.
There are basic camping facilities at the lake with toilets, picnic area, and tables. When I stayed there was no one else around. The place was very neat and tidy. Apart from the wildlife lovers there is not that much to bring people to this location which makes it great.
I only had one night on my visit to the lake. The lake only had a little bit of ankle deep water near the middle but still lots to see. My best viewing was around the actual lake area itself. I did the circuit walk in the morning with out seeing very much at all. A short night walk spotlighting was worth the effort with Greater Glider and Brush-tailed Possum common. More variety could be seen with time and experience.
I really feel I only just touched on the potential of what could be seen at Lake Murphy.
Birds
Red-rumped Parrot – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWeebill – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDGrey-crowned Babbler – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDRestless Flycatcher – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDApostlebird – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWhistling Kite – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDAustralian Bustard – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWillie Wagtail – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWhite-faced Heron – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWhite-breasted Woodswallow – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDPlum-headed Finch – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDPeaceful Dove – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDNankeen Kestrel – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDBlack-faced Cuckoo-shrike – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWhite-throated Gerygone – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDDouble-barred Finch – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWhite-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDStriated Pardalote – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDJacky Winter – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDRufous Whistler – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDWedge-tailed Eagle – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDMagpie Lark – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDCrested Pigeon – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDBlack-shouldered Kite – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDBrolga – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDAustralasian Pipit – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDPied Butcher Bird – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDPale-headed Rosella – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDNoisy Miner – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDCockatiel – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLD
Mammals
Greater Glider – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDSwamp Wallaby – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDRed-necked Wallaby – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDEastern Grey Kangaroo – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLD
Reptiles
Lace Monitor – Lake Murphy Conservation Park, QLDEastern Long-necked Turtle – Broadmere, QLD