Destination: Atherton Tablelands & Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights Tour Start & Finish: Cairns Best Time to Visit: April - December
The Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland is one of Australia’s most rewarding birding destinations, protecting the largest remaining area of tropical rainforest on the continent and supporting an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. This 6-day / 5-night tour explores a wide range of habitats, from coastal mangroves, wetlands and paperbark forests to the cool upland rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands and the lush lowland forests surrounding Cairns.
Our primary objective is to locate all of the region’s Wet Tropics endemic birds, while also searching for many of Australia’s most sought-after rainforest birds, colourful parrots, honeyeaters, kingfishers and raptors. With careful planning and an intimate knowledge of local bird movements, flowering events and fruiting trees, we maximise opportunities to encounter both the region’s resident specialities and seasonal visitors.
Wildlife is equally impressive. Evening spotlighting sessions provide excellent chances of seeing some of Australia’s most iconic mammals, including Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, Green Ringtail Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Coppery Brushtail Possum, Striped Possum and, with a little luck, Daintree River Ringtail Possum, while quiet streams and waterways offer opportunities to find the elusive Platypus. Reptiles, frogs and butterflies also add to the remarkable biodiversity of this internationally significant region.
Led by one of our experienced local guides, this tour combines exceptional birding with outstanding wildlife viewing, comfortable accommodation and access to some of the Wet Tropics’ finest birding locations, making it an ideal introduction to one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures.