oxley creek common Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Smoke Haze From Sherwood Vegetation Fire Impacts Brisbane Suburbs

A vegetation fire near Sherwood has generated smoke haze across parts of Brisbane, prompting an avoid smoke warning for several southern suburbs.

Sherwood Vegetation Fire Prompts Warning

The fire was reported near Sherwood Road at Oxley Creek Common, close to the Brisbane Markets precinct at Rocklea.

Queensland Fire Department issued an Advice-level “Avoid Smoke” warning at 5:11 a.m. on Monday, 9 February 2026, for Sherwood, Rocklea, Oxley, Tarragindi and surrounding areas. The department advised residents to remain indoors where possible, close windows and doors, keep respiratory medication nearby if required, and avoid driving through smoke.

Queensland Fire Department stated no properties were at risk. However, smoke was expected to make breathing difficult for some residents and reduce visibility on local roads. Authorities also advised motorists to watch for firefighters operating in the area and not to fly drones near the fire.

It was also reported that the area was backburned around 8:30 a.m. to protect nearby factories. It was understood the fire was not planned, and firefighters said it did not pose a risk to infrastructure.

Earlier Fire Near Park Ridge

A separate vegetation fire was reported near Talinga Drive, close to the Mount Lindesay Highway at Park Ridge, just after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Queensland Fire Department said about 10 crews responded at the height of the incident.

That fire was contained around midnight, with crews remaining on patrol until 2:00 a.m. on Monday.

Sherwood vegetation fire — *Photo Credit: Viz-O-Kn33/Reddit*

Air Quality And Visibility Impacts

Bureau of Meteorology said light winds across the city allowed smoke to drift and linger. Visibility at Brisbane Airport dropped to about 2 kilometres during the morning.

Air monitoring data showed Brisbane CBD recorded PM2.5 levels of 124 micrograms per cubic metre at 7:00 a.m., while South Brisbane recorded 76.8 micrograms per cubic metre.

Residents across suburbs including Woolloongabba, Morningside, New Farm, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Kangaroo Point, Newstead and Annerley reported waking to a strong smoke smell and visible haze. Some initially believed there was a nearby structure fire before learning of the Sherwood vegetation fire.

Queensland Fire Department advised residents to monitor official warning channels for updates. Further information will be issued if conditions change.

Published 9-Feb-2026

Oxley Creek: A Haven for Brisbane’s Growing Birdwatching Community

Photo Credit: Ausbird

Oxley Creek Common, a sprawling green space in Brisbane’s south, is attracting a new generation of bird enthusiasts. Once considered a hobby for older generations, birdwatching is experiencing a surge in popularity, with people of all ages flocking to areas like Oxley Creek to observe the diverse avian life.

This inner-city oasis, home to over 200 bird species, has become a prime location for experienced and novice birdwatchers.

It’s difficult to quantify the exact number of birdwatchers in Australia, but anecdotal evidence suggests a significant increase in recent years. Sean Dooley, a former national birdwatching champion and current senior advisor for Birdlife Australia, attributes this rise to the pandemic. He notes that many people turned to birdwatching during lockdowns to connect with nature while adhering to restrictions.

This trend is mirrored in the experiences of Brisbane locals. During the pandemic, Kate McKay, a 28-year-old PhD graduate, was drawn to birdwatching. Initially surprised by the abundance of birdlife in her city, she soon became an avid enthusiast, even venturing on pelagic trips to observe seabirds.

For others, like graphic designer Chris Ahern, birdwatching began closer to home. The 44-year-old discovered the joys of bird photography in his backyard. He explained that the accessibility of birds as subjects, coupled with the challenge of capturing them on camera, drew him to the hobby. Ahern emphasised the importance of understanding bird behaviour to improve his photography skills.

With its rich variety of birdlife, Oxley Creek Common has become a focal point for this burgeoning community. Professor Hugh Possingham, a former Queensland chief scientist and vice president of Birdlife Australia, has been observing birds at Oxley Creek for over twenty years and has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of birdwatchers in the area.

This growth is supported by data from Birdlife Australia’s Great Aussie Bird Count. Participation in the annual event has skyrocketed from 8,000 people in 2014 to almost 70,000 in 2024, with over 4.3 million birds counted this year. Sean Dooley believes the quieter environment during the pandemic heightened people’s awareness of birdlife.

The changing demographics of birdwatching are also noteworthy. Professor Possingham noted a shift from the traditional image of birdwatchers as “old white men wearing suits and ties.” Today, the birdwatching community is more diverse, with people of all ages and backgrounds participating.

Published Date 12-December-2024

Two Different Paths, Two Exciting Destinations at Oxley Creek Common in Rocklea

If you are in Rocklea and you’re looking for a place where you can really get close to nature whilst the birds chirp above you in different colours and aesthetics, the best place for you to go to is the Oxley Creek Common.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, the area has two easy walking trails and picnic amenities, perfect for those who really want to take some time off and just be in peace.

Discover the Secret Forest

The area isn’t just for bird-watching, although the presence of over 180 species of birds is certainly a good reason to do so.

There is actually a secret forest, just a short way from the Red Shed along the main walking path that hugs Oxley Creek. Walk through the main walking path and you will notice more vegetation as you walk further. Consider this a good sign. Whilst there, you might just spot the Eastern Yellow Robin, the Varied Triller or the Fairy Wren here.

As you walk along, the path will curve via the creek and loop back on itself. You will find eventually find yourself at the hoop pine grove, which is The Secret Forest.

Here you can enjoy more peace and see the pied butcherbirds as this is where they live.

Watch Them Fly

Another walking trail that you can go for is the Pelican Island Walk. Depart from the Red Shed also but after 1.3km, turn off to the left to Pelican Island. You will pass by Jabiru Swamp, which is where you can see the Great Egret and the rare urban dwelling Jabilu. The Pelican Lagoon is known for its biggest variety of grassland and waterbirds.