Nature and Wildlife Tours in Queensland
Nature and Wildlife Tours in Queensland
Important Information
Returning to Cairns approximately 10:30pm
Shared tour
Tour Code: NC1DA
Daintree Afternoon & Evening Wildlife Tour – from Cairns
This special afternoon-into-evening tour offers a rare chance to experience the Daintree Rainforest – the world’s oldest continually growing rainforest – at its most atmospheric: as the sun dips and the nocturnal world begins to stir.
Departing Cairns in the early afternoon, we follow the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive north, passing through changing landscapes and increasingly lush vegetation. The dramatic scenery of this coastal highway – often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Australia – offers a memorable introduction to the region.
Our first stop is a peaceful wildlife cruise on the Daintree River aboard a quiet, solar-powered boat. With no engine noise or environmental impact, we drift slowly along the river's edges, scanning for Saltwater Crocodiles, White-lipped Tree-frog, Azure, Little and Sacred Kingfishers, and other wildlife that thrive in the mangroves and waterways.
Crossing the Daintree River via cable ferry, we continue north to Cape Tribulation – a World Heritage-listed area where reef meets rainforest. With time to explore the coastline on foot, we take in the forest-fringed beaches, clear mountain-fed streams, and rich diversity of the surrounding rainforest habitat.
Dinner is a highlight in itself. Settle in for a relaxed meal at Whet Restaurant, tucked within the rainforest, where the food and setting are equally memorable.
As darkness falls, we embark on a guided night walk. Many of the Daintree’s creatures only emerge after sunset, having adapted to avoid the intense tropical heat. With an experienced guide leading the way, we search for eye-shine and subtle movement in the undergrowth, learning about the rainforest’s lesser-seen inhabitants and their curious night-time behaviours. Highlights might include Daintree River Ringtail Possum, Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot and Northern Bettong.
Returning across the river and back to civilisation, you'll have time to reflect on – and share – a truly unique rainforest experience.
Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour - from Cairns
This immersive full-day nature safari takes you into the cool highlands of the Atherton Tablelands in search of wild Platypus, Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos, ancient rainforest giants and the unique wildlife of the Wet Tropics.
Departing Cairns in the morning, we travel the winding Gillies Highway – a dramatic ascent through shifting habitats with stunning views across the Goldsborough Valley. Our first major stop is Lake Barrine, a pristine volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush rainforest. Here we explore the lakeside tracks, keeping an eye out for Victoria’s Riflebird, Eastern Water Dragon, Grey-headed Robin, Musky Rat Kangaroo, and other endemics. Over morning tea, we’ll sample the famous locally made scones at the historic Tea House.
Next, we head to Yungaburra, one of the best-known sites in Australia to search for the elusive Platypus in the wild. With patience and a little luck, we often enjoy excellent views — and occasionally encounter a resident Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo family in the surrounding trees.
At Lake Eacham, another crater lake nestled in rainforest, we take a break from wildlife watching for a swim in the crystal-clear waters – or simply relax and explore the peaceful surroundings. Those keen to stay dry may visit nearby forest trails or look for more reptiles and birds.
In the afternoon we visit Malanda Conservation Park, a small but reliable stronghold for the Mapee – the local name for Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. These cryptic marsupials are frequently seen here, along with Saw-shelled Turtle, and rainforest birds. A short walk also takes us to the picturesque Malanda Falls.
We round off the day with a visit to the towering Cathedral Fig Tree – an 800-year-old strangler fig with an awe-inspiring presence and complex ecological relationships. This is one of the Wet Tropics' most remarkable living relics.
We’ll return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Important Information
Shared or private tour available - please enquire
Tour Code: NC1HC
4 Day Daintree & Tablelands Wildlife Tour - from Cairns
Explore the extraordinary biodiversity of Far North Queensland on this four-day safari from the Daintree Rainforest to the Atherton Tablelands. This carefully paced itinerary offers superb opportunities to observe wild Platypus, Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, Boyd’s Forest Dragon, Saltwater Crocodile, cassowaries and dozens of tropical bird species, both diurnal and nocturnal.
Day 1 – Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
Departing Cairns, we head north along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive, where the forested hills plunge into the Coral Sea. As we pass through changing habitats, your guide will interpret the shifts in biodiversity as we approach the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. Our first stop is the peaceful Jindalba Rainforest Trail, where we stretch our legs on a quiet interpretive walk through ancient forest filled with endemic flora and fauna.
After lunch at Heritage Lodge, we continue to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Set between rugged mountain peaks and palm-lined beaches, the area offers several short walks and lookouts with a real sense of remoteness.
Overnight: Heritage Lodge
Day 2 – Daintree to Atherton Tablelands
An early start sees us travelling to the Daintree River for a private dawn wildlife cruise aboard a solar-electric boat – completely silent and fume-free. This is one of the best chances in Australia to spot Saltwater Crocodile, along with a rich variety of birdlife including Azure, Little and Sacred Kingfisher, Papuan Frogmouth, and Shining Flycatcher.
After a tropical lunch at the Daintree Tea House, we visit Wildlife & Raptor Care Queensland, a rehabilitation centre in Julatten. Here you'll meet founder Amber Dahlberg and learn about the incredible work being done to rescue and release injured raptors, owls and other wildlife.
In the afternoon we stop at the majestic Curtain Fig Tree, before continuing to Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge, nestled in highland rainforest near Lake Eacham.
Overnight: Chambers Wildlife Lodge
Day 3 – Atherton Tablelands
This morning we visit Yungaburra, one of the best-known sites for wild Platypus. With luck, we’ll enjoy close views and may also spot a nearby Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo family. We often return again later if needed to improve sightings.
After lunch, a visit to Lake Eacham offers the chance for a swim in a crystal-clear volcanic crater lake, or simply enjoy the cool air and surrounding birdlife. In the afternoon we visit the Tolga Bat Hospital, a world-renowned conservation centre dedicated to flying-foxes and microbats. Learn about bat echolocation, megabat rescues, and habitat protection from passionate local carers.
After dinner, those who wish may join an optional night-spotting walk. Many Wet Tropics species are nocturnal – and this is a fantastic opportunity to search for Sugar Glider, Striped Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Queensland Barred Bandicoot, frogs and owls. Guests not joining the night activity can return to the lodge early.
Overnight: Chambers Wildlife Lodge
Day 4 – Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
We begin with a visit to Malanda Conservation Park, where Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo is often seen in the forest canopy. Malanda Falls offers excellent photo opportunities and chances to see a range of Wet Tropics wildlife.
Next we visit Lake Barrine, a large crater lake surrounded by cool upland rainforest. Here, birding is excellent, and reptiles such as Eastern Water Dragon are often spotted sunning themselves by the shore. Time permitting, we may join a lake cruise. Descending from the Tablelands, we detour to Etty Bay – a picturesque beach where Southern Cassowary is regularly seen wandering the forest edges, often in the late afternoon.
We return to Cairns around 5:30pm, completing a journey through one of Australia’s richest and most biologically diverse regions.
Important Information
Shared or private tour available - please enquire
Tour Code: NC4AT
Great Barrier Reef Tour – from Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system – a living masterpiece stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline. Home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and countless other marine creatures, it offers one of the richest and most accessible wildlife experiences on Earth.
For your reef day, you can choose from two curated cruise options:
Option 1 - Frankland Island’s Cruise
A classic full-day reef experience, cruising to a premium outer reef pontoon. Spend your day snorkelling amongst colourful coral formations, joining guided marine biologist presentations, viewing the reef from a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible, or simply relaxing on deck. Ideal for those wanting a broad reef experience with great facilities, excellent snorkelling and access to deeper coral systems.
Option 2 - Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Travel by catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a remote sandy island surrounded by shallow reef. A nationally protected seabird sanctuary, the cay hosts thousands of nesting terns, noddies and occasional frigatebirds. Snorkel straight off the beach in warm, shallow waters rich with marine life, or explore by semi-submersible. A great choice for birders.
Important Information
Shared tour
Tour Code: NC1GB
Both cruises include all equipment, lunch, and expert guidance. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Australia's Leading Birding, Nature Spotting & Aboriginal Cultural Travel Specialist
Australia-Naturally Travel coordinates your custom tour arrangements with Specialist Guiding, Touring, Transport & Accommodation all set to your time-line and requirements.
Top End
Birding
Comb Crested Jacana
Victoria
Birding
Buff-Banded Rail
Central Australia
Birding
Spinifex Pigeon
Western Australia
Birding
Red-capped Parrot
South Australia
Birding
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Queensland
Birding
Scarlet Honeyeater
Tasmania
Birding
Hooded Plover
Australia Naturally Travel
Australia-Naturally Travel brings over 20 years of experience to bear on designing special-interest tours.
Full Day Royal National Park Birdwatching Tour – ex Sydney
A full day tour that includes four of Sydney’s best sites and incorporates subtropical, warm temperate and littoral (coastal) rainforest, wet eucalypt forests, grassy woodlands, heathlands and freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Depart from central Sydney with your ornithologist leader and receive an introduction to Australian birds in Centennial Park.
Continue to the Royal National Park which is the world’s second oldest national park - after Yellowstone in the USA. Regarded as a premium birding location, the Park offers excellent opportunities to view a wide variety of bird species in a range of habitats, from rainforest to heathland. With expert guiding and spectacular scenery, this is a very special day which should produce a good list of interesting species.
Tour Cost: Please enquire about availability and costs as this tour generally operates on a private basis, from one person, to many.
Tour Code: BS1RP
To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
Birding Highlights
Sydney Olympic Park – Water-birds such as Chestnut and Grey Teal, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt.
Euroka Clearing – Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the wild – Kookaburra, Australian Raven, Eastern Yellow Robin, Australian Magpie, Satin Bowerbird.
Kings Tableland – White-throated Treecreeper, New Holland Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Beautiful Firetail.
The Three Sisters – King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Pied Currawong.
Govetts Leap – Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Red-browed Finch, Eastern Spinebill.
Top End - Northern Territory
Home of eleven endemics and we find them all plus many other birds temperate rainforests, national parks, tall cliffs, low bushland you find birds anywhere. Well worth a visit for both birds and the scenery.
Full Day Birdwatching in Darwin, Fogg Dam & Surrounds
This Full-Day Tour is the best way to see some of the 300-plus recorded birds of Darwin and surrounds. The tour ventures beyond Darwin and visits the bird-rich wetlands of Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. You also visit the Adelaide River and Mary River regions for a chance to see species not found in Darwin such as the endangered Gouldian Finch.
Whether you’re a beginner, an enthusiastic twitcher or a qualified ornithologist your birding guide will show you some of the 300-plus species recorded of Darwin and surrounds - from the Red-necked Avocet to the Zitting Cisticola and everything in between.
The Full-Day Tour takes you to habitats rich in bird-life within and outside Darwin. You will visit monsoon rainforest in search of the endemic Rainbow Pitta and colourful Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove; coastal foreshores in search of shorebirds, Sacred Kingfisher and Beach Stone-curlew; mangroves for Redheaded Honeyeater, Collared Kingfisher and Chestnut Rail; wetlands and billabongs for a variety of water birds including the iconic Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) and Brolga; and savannah woodland for Blue-winged Kookaburra, Red-backed Kingfisher and the endangered Gouldian Finch.
Tour Cost: From AUD $245.00 per person (shared tour) with min 2 & max 6 passengers. Private tour – from AUD $750.00 for 1 or 2 people.
Tour Code: BD1DS
To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
Important Information
Hotel Pick-up: 7 am / Hotel Drop-off: 6 pm
Inclusions: Use of binoculars and spotting scope, sunscreen & drinking water, morning tea, lunch & afternoon refreshments.
Each tour involves some driving in a comfortable, fully equipped 4WD as well as short walks and requires a good level of mobility and moderate fitness. Due to the seasonal nature of the Top End some habitat types may not be accessible on the day of your tour.
Important Information
Inclusions: Road transportation, expert bird guiding of the region, Kakadu National Park entry fee, accommodation, breakfast. Yellow Water cruise, morning tea, cold drinks and drinking water.
Accommodation: from 3 star to 4.5 star.
2 Day / 1 Night Kakadu Birdwatching Tour - from Darwin
Depart Darwin early this morning on a private birding tour to Kakadu National Park. Travel from Darwin to the Mary River region where we have a chance to see the rare and endangered Gouldian Finch. Additional species include Black Bittern, Crimson, Masked, Long-tailed and Double-barred Finches, Rufous Whistler, Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Great Bowerbird.
We cross over the South Alligator River floodplains on the lookout for Yellow Chat, Spotted Harrier, Letter-winged Kite and Zitting Cisticola. Then to Mamukala wetlands for wetland birds including Plumed and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Magpie Goose, Green Pygmy-goose and Comb-crested Jacana, and woodland birds such as Buff-sided Robin and Black-eared Cuckoo and birds of prey such as Black-breasted Buzzard and Square-tailed Kite.
After lunch (own expense), a walk on the Manngarre Walk on the East Alligator River in search of rainforest species such as Rainbow Pitta, Little Shrike-thrush and Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove.
We then drive to Ubirr in search of the sandstone endemics of the Arnhem escarpment. On the way we hope to encounter Partridge Pigeon crossing the road. Walk atop Ubirr in search of Whitelined Honeyeater, Sandstone Shrike-thrush and Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon. We have the opportunity to view and learn about the ancient Aboriginal rock art at this site. Continue to Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk to increase our chances of the sandstone endemics. Rainbow Pitta also resides in this area.
A morning Yellow Water Cruise (2 hrs) gives us the chance for wetland birds such as the secretive Great-billed Heron and Black Bittern, Flycatchers and Azure and Little Kingfishers. The rare and endangered Red Goshawk has been seen in this region. Morning tea at Nawurlandja lookout. This is another great place to spot Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon, Sandstone Shrike-thrush, White-lined Honeyeater and Banded Fruit-Dove.
Visit Nourlangie Rock to view an ancient Aboriginal shelter and Aboriginal rock art. This is another great area for the sandstone endemics including the ‘Sandstone Friarbird’ – a sub-species of the Helmeted Friarbird. Other notable species here include Emerald Dove and Northern Rosella.
Lunch at your own expense. After lunch depart for Darwin.
After lunch, we depart Kakadu National Park and visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve for an abundance of waterbirds including Brolga, Jabiru, White-browed Crake and Buff-banded Rail.
Return to Darwin at around 6.30pm.
Tour Cost: from AUD $1,699.00 per person, twin share (2 people); AUD $995.00 per person, twin share (4 people). Cost valid from April to October 2016. Tour departs daily on request.
Tour Code: BD2KF
To Book or Enquire: Email (Please include Tour Code)
Birdwatching in other States & Territories
Top End
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Victoria
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Central Australia
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Western Australia
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South Australia
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ACT
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Tasmania
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Queensland
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