On the shore of Moreton Bay between Brisbane and the airport, the Boondall Wetlands spread across a thousand hectares of tidal flat, mangrove, saltmarsh and open forest - a surprising expanse of wild country on the edge of the city. Boardwalks and cycling paths thread the reserve, and an environment centre interprets the migratory shorebirds that fly here each year from as far as Siberia. Egrets stalk the shallows, kangaroos graze the woodland, and the mangroves shelter crabs and mudskippers. Quiet and close to the city, it is a fine place for a morning's birdwatching or an easy ride.