SMALL GROUP. BIG EXPERIENCE.
meet our team
Our guides here at FNQ Nature Tours are passionate about delivering quality interpretation, not just guiding tours. Interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings which help people enrich their understanding and appreciation of their world, and their role within it.
JAMES
Owner & Nature Guide
Inspired by the rich natural beauty of Australia, James established FNQ Nature Tours in 2016. The beginning of a dream, creating unforgettable and life-changing connections with the natural world and inspiring the preservation and support of native flora and fauna through responsible eco-tourism.
With 17 years of field experience leading safaris in Australia, James provides every tour with his exceptional knowledge of the region’s ecology which in turn, provides an outstanding customer experience.
James has an endless passion for the environment and all things wild, especially birdwatching and nature photography.
Join James on a tailored Wildlife Adventure!
Melanie
Nature Guide
Born & raised in Cairns, Melanie has an infectious fascination for the ancient and diverse areas of Tropical North Queensland. Her love for nature and wildlife is unwavering and fosters great opportunity to connect people to this bountiful region.
Melanie spent her youth well, immersed in the rainforest surrounding Cairns. Typically exploring up creek beds, waterfalls and observing wildlife. Her passion for connecting with the natural world led her to joining FNQ Nature Tours in 2023, where she is continuing to expand her knowledge and love for wildlife and conservation. Melanie’s interactive personality and high level of customer service has fast become the major highlight for many of our guests.
DAVID
NATURE GUIDE
My love for nature started young, sparked by the discovery of glowing sand in a cave on the beach where I grew up. That fascination grew through travels across Outback Australia, sailing adventures to Spain, and countless David Attenborough documentaries. I went on to study Ecology at James Cook University and worked as a Biologist on the Great Barrier Reef, creating quirky field guides and wildlife programs for kids.
Now, I guide with FNQ Nature Tours and the Botanic Gardens, sharing the magic of the Daintree and watching curiosity come alive in others. For me, it’s not just about the places—it’s about the wonder in every moment.
Mossman is my favourite place on Earth. I’ve explored it with friends and my son, and it’s where I feel most grounded and connected.
MATT
NATURE GUIDE
Living in the biologically rich Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland, Matt specialises in multi-day Photography, Conservation and Bird Watching tours.
Working as a guide for internationally recognised companies, Matt leads multi-week conservation focused tours around almost every corner of Australia with a strong focus on interpretive storytelling.
Having worked in the wildlife industry for over 19 years, Matt’s deep fascination with the natural world is contagious and will leave guests with a rich connection to the diverse Australian environments.
Over the years, Matt’s working history also includes, Police Officer, Remote First Aid instructor and Wildlife educator.
LATEST NEWS
2020 Big Year Bird Challenge UPDATE
The Backstory Matt and Andre embarked on their inaugural "Big Year" challenge in 2019. Their goal was to learn more about the birds of North Queensland, have fun and of course WIN!! The aim of the competition is to sight as many birds within Queensland as possible,...
Bloodwood in the Tropics
Bush Medicine Have you ever had a small cut that didn’t heal as well as you remember it should?? “Why is this taking so long!” “Last time I had a cut, it was gone in a couple of days?” Often in the tropics we experience great diversity in healing length depending on...
Curlews don’t belong in storm drains!
At FNQ Nature Tours, we do our best to support local organisations such as FNQ Wildlife Rescue, to promote the health and wellbeing our our sick and injured natives!
BED & BREAKFAST
People often mistake them for burls, bee hives or ants nest but in fact they are far more interesting. Of the many species of Termite in Australia, this variety choose to live primarily off grass. It would certainly be no benefit living in a tree while eating it too!...
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