DAY 1 – Daintree River/Cape Tribulation

Heading north from Cairns, our first birdwatching experience will be a private wildlife cruise on the Daintree River. This is one of the best examples of a tropical river with rainforest growing right to the water’s edge, which provides for some great birding. The river is most famous for the great-billed heron and little kingfisher. The heron, one of the world’s largest, was always a ‘phantom’ bird for birdwatchers. Twenty years ago, it was rarely seen. Once birding tours commenced on the river, exploring the small rainforest and mangrove creeks that ran from it, the bird was seen more regularly. Even now, however, it remains elusive and can melt into the shadows of the rainforest or mangroves right before your eyes.

Referred to in many ‘birding’ reference books, this famous cruise has been the highlight for many birdwatching enthusiasts in Far North Queensland. Key target species include Great-billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black Bittern, Saltwater Crocodile, Green Tree Snake, Eastern Water Dragon and butterflies.

Lunch will be held at the Daintree Tea House. With 30 years in operation, they have mastered the art of perfection. Lunch has an exotic theme with the outside dining area secluded in the rainforest with beautiful views of tropical rainforest and continuous sounds of birds and nature. A fruit tasting presentation is often a part of their wonderful service.

A trip to the Daintree is not complete without visiting the famous beach where the “Rainforest meets the reef”. This famous valley resembles a giant amphitheatre with a semicircle of hills dominated by Mt Sorrow (850m) and Mt Hemmant (1000m). The south-eastern rainfall trapped by this valley results in a lush tropical climate with high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. Renowned for its scenic landscape, remote beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities!

Several mangrove and rainforest boardwalks are available to allow us the maximum opportunity to observe birds. Cape Tribulation is one of the best spots to obverse the iconic Southern Cassowary as well as the Leaden flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Pied Monarch, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Shinning Flycatcher, Azure Kingfisher, Pacific Heron, White-bellied Sea-eagle and Little Shrike Thrush

A late afternoon arrival at our accommodation for the next two evenings. Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge is a small family-run business set in an internationally renowned sanctuary. The property is owned and operated by professional guides and naturalists Carol and Andrew Iles, who have worked in the area since 1999. Set in Tropical Far North Queensland, one of the best birding areas in Australia. There are many resident birds at the lodge including Noisy Pitta, Red-browed Finch, Macleay’s, Yellow-spotted and Graceful Honeyeaters, Pale-yellow Robin, Little Shrike-thrush, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Black-faced & Spectacled Monarch, Cicadabird and Spotted Catbird

Overnight accommodation at Kingfisher Park

DAY 2 – Julatten/Mt. Lewis/Kingfisher Park

This morning will be spent exploring the Julatten surrounds, including the lodge itself.

The Lodge is a Land for Wildlife sanctuary with good populations of birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. Around 230 bird species have been recorded within a 1½ km radius of the Lodge and its grounds and all of the 13 Wet Tropics endemic birds can be found within a 15km travel distance.

They are also famous for the Red-necked Crake which can often be seen down near the creek or Crake Pond, they also have Pale-vented Bush Hen on the property that can be found near any long grass in the area. They also have a resident Platypus in the stream at the bottom of the property.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the area of Mount Lewis. A 30-minute drive from the lodge is perhaps the best place in Australia to see the magnificent Blue-faced Parrot Finches which can be found during the wet season months from November to April. The mountain is also a great place to see Victoria’s Rifiebird, Bower’s Shrike-thrush, Bridled, Lewin’s Honeyeaters, Mountain Thornbill, Topknot Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo and Superb Fruit-Doves.

Optional Spotlighting

Spotlighting can also be very rewarding with Barking, Sooty (Lesser) and Barn Owls, Papuan Frogmouths are usually heard Calling and Boyd’s Forest Dragon and Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko are also common. Also keep an eye out for Striped & Green Ring-tailed Possum, White-tailed Tree rat and also Long-nosed and Northern Brown Bandicoot.

Overnight accommodation at Kingfisher Park

DAY 3 – Mareeba/Granite Gorge

Checking out of the lodge, we move on toward the Atherton Tablelands.

The transition from Highland Rainforest through Savannah Woodland to eventually Mabi Forest, offers impressive contrast for birdwatching and wildlife experiences. On this morning you will explore all the backroads, farms, and fields around the Mareeba township. There are various swamps, billabongs, and creeks to investigate.

The diverse range of birdlife and wildlife might include Magpie Geese, Black-necked Storks (Jabiru), Cranes including Brolga, Sarus Crane, Bustards, Jacanas which thrive on the water lilies. Both the Laughing Kookaburra and Blue Winged Kookaburra are regularly seen, as well as numerous Honeyeaters, Robins, Thrushes, Monarchs, Fly Catchers and Wagtails are seen throughout the area.

Granite Gorge is a famous sight to witness the endemic Mareeba Rock Wallaby. The granite outcrops abound riparian grasslands encompassing more interesting birding opportunities such as the Red-backed Fairywren, Squatter Pigeon, Crested Pigeon, Rainbow bee-eaters Dollarbirds, Tree Creepers and Pardalotes

Overnight accommodation at Chambers Wildlife Lodge

DAY 4 – Atherton Tablelands/Hasties Swamp/Mt. Hypipamee

The Atherton Tablelands is the high-altitude counterpart of the coastal Daintree Rainforest. Offering freshwater creek trails and walking tracks into mesophyll vine forest and outstanding remnants of the regions volcanic history

Hasties Swamp is a large seasonal wetland renowned for its diverse range of resident and migratory birds. Over 220 species have been identified and a large bird hide, with informative identification signs, offers excellent waterbird viewing opportunities.

One of the highlights of the Atherton Tablelands is Mount Hypipamee National Park, this is one of the best places to see the magnificent male Golden Bowerbird which have Bowers in the area. It’s also a great place for Southern Cassowary. Other birds that can be found in the general area are Eastern Spinebill, Grey-headed and Pale-yellow Robin, Lewin’s and Bridled Honeyeater, Chowchilla, Spotted Catbird and Tooth-billed Bowerbirds.

Mount Hypipamee is also great for spotlighting. We have encountered Green Ringtail, Herbert River Ringtail, Lemuroid Ringtail and Brushtail Possums here. Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos too if you’re lucky!

Overnight accommodation at Chambers Wildlife Lodge

Day 5 – Crater Lakes/Yungaburra

Lake Barrine and Yungaburra are outstanding locations to visit for all nature lovers. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching opportunities. From 30 minutes to two hours, tailored to our target species of the day.

These include Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Spotted Catbird, Victoria’s Riflebird, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Australian King Parrot, White-throated Treecreeper, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Bridled honeyeater, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Macleay’s Honeyeater, Chowchilla, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. Barred Cuckoo-shrike. Pale-yellow Robin, Grey-headed Robin, Black-faced Monarch, Spectacled Monarch and Grey Fantail.

Peterson Creek Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track is located in the heart of Yungaburra where we may be able to view platypus or the rare Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo

Return to Cairns

What’s Included:

• 5 days exclusive touring
• 4 night’s accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals included: morning tea while on tour, 4 x breakfasts, 5 x lunches, 4 x dinners
• Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Passionate interpretive guide throughout days 1–5
• Pre-dawn cruise on day 2
• Photography support
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• First-aid kit on board
• Umbrellas provided for rainy days

What to bring:

• All luggage’s can be accommodated in the vehicle
• Good walking shoes
• Light, natural coloured clothing
• Large water bottle
• Day pack for carrying personal items
• Birding/Camera gear – Tripods, binoculars 
• Wet weather gear (for expected rainy days)
• Swimming gear, towel and spare clothes

What’s not Included:

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/beverages other than specified
• Optional tours/services

DAY 1 – Cairns to Daintree and Cape Tribulation

0730 Pickup from Cairns Accommodation. Witness the magical Great Barrier Reef Drive as we head north on the scenic coastal highway. Learn about the unique habitats within the local environment and observe the changes in biodiversity as we get closer to the Daintree Tropical Rainforest . Cruise the beautiful Daintree River spotting wildlife on a quiet, clean solar electric boat with zero impact on the environment. Get closer to nature… hear, smell & experience without noise & fumes. We have a 99% success rate for spotting crocodiles, excellent bird watching opportunities and other wildlife possibilities such as snakes, frogs and fish and bats. Lunch will be held at the Daintree Tea House. With 30 years in operation, they have mastered the art of perfection. Lunch has an exotic theme with the outside dining area secluded in the rainforest with beautiful views of tropical rainforest and continuous sounds of birds and nature. A fruit tasting presentation is often a part of their wonderful service. The Daintree is an area of ancient tropical rainforest spanning 120,000 hectares, making it the largest portion of tropical rainforest in Australia Walk the quiet tracks to witness the complex ecosystems in this World Heritage Area. Jindalba nature trail offers unique and remarkable opportunities to experience the natural scenery and endemic wildlife within the National Park. Several walks, scenic lookouts and beach areas are located in the coastal community. We often spend up to an hour exploring the natural assets if this area. Lodging tonight will be in beautiful rainforest clad accommodation. Heritage Lodge is an environmentally friendly resort set back in the heart of a lush coastal rainforest, a short stroll from Cooper Creek. Enjoy a dip before settling in for dinner and accommodation for this evening. Accommodation: Heritage Lodge in the Daintree Includes Lunch and dinner

DAY 2 – Daintree to Atherton Tablelands

After an early Continental Breakfast at Heritage Lodge, we will depart for another adventurous day. We arrive at Cape Tribulation – where the rainforest meets the reef. This famous valley resembles a giant amphitheatre with a semicircle of hills dominated by Mt Sorrow (850m) and Mt Hemmant (1000m). The south-eastern rainfall trapped by this valley results in a lush tropical climate with high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. Renowned for its scenic landscape and remote beaches. Lunch will be served at Beechwoods Café in Mossman, before we continue our journey. Next stop, the almighty Curtain Fig Tree. One of the most incredible trees you will see in your life. This ancient fig tree is an epic rainforest survivor with a very complex ecosystem surrounding its lifecycle. The birdlife that can be heard in the surrounding forest is quite amazing here. Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges is hidden in 1200 acres of Lake Eacham’s lush, tropical highland rainforest in the beautiful Waterfalls and Crater Lakes district of the Atherton Tablelands. As pioneers in eco-tourism the lodge specifically caters for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and photographers. Dinner is at Yungaburra Hotel. After dinner, we go Night spotting (optional). A wildlife tour in the Far North Queensland is not complete without a night walk. A large portion of the local wildlife has adopted a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid the heat of the day in the tropical climate. We often visit 2 sites to experience the overall diversity of nocturnal wildlife in the Wet Tropics. You can opt out of the night activities and be returned to the lodge before-hand. Accommodation: Chambers Wildlife Lodge

DAY 3 – Atherton Tablelands and surrounds

After Breakfast in Malanda, we will visit the Malanda Conservation Park. This conservation park is invaluable to the elusive Mapee ( Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo). They are seen on a regular basis in this small patch of protected forest. Malanda falls is a beautiful photo opportunity on the walk and several other wildlife opportunities are available here, such as the Freshwater Snapping Turtle and the Grey-headed Robin. We continue our journey to lake Barrine. The famous volcanic crater lake is an outstanding location for nature activities. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching opportunities. The lake is a big highlight to spot reptiles such as water dragons, birds, eels, fish, and other Wet Tropics endemic species. When available, our group may also be offered a cruise around the lake, an activity operated by the owners of the Lake Barrine Tea House. At 12.30 we enjoy a Lakeside lunch at Lake Barrine. Have you ever looked a flying-fox in the eye? Seen and heard the echolocation calls of a microbat on a bat detector? The Tolga Bat Hospital is a wildlife experience based in the Atherton Tablelands. They have been awarded Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, for offering one of Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism experiences. A visit to this site to observe this community group that works for the conservation of bats and their habitat through rescue and land care work, advocacy, education, and research. Our tour will return to Cairns at about 5.30pm

Wildlife opportunities may include:

MAMMALS: Platypus, Spectacled Flying-fox, Northern Quoll, Agile Wallaby, Mareeba Rock-wallaby, Musky Rat-Kangaroo, Red-legged Pademelon, Green Ringtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Red-legged Pademelon and possibly Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. 

REPTILES & FROGS: Boyd’s Forest Dragon, Saltwater Crocodile, Eastern Water Dragon, Lace Monitor, Green Tree Snake, Australian Scrub Python, Jungle Carpet Python, Leaf-tailed Gecko and perhaps a Frill-necked Lizard. White-lipped Tree Frog, Green-eyed Tree Frog, Orange-thighed Tree Frog, Dainty Tree Frog, Stoney Creek Frog, Northern Barred Frog

BIRDS: Forest, Azure and Little Kingfisher, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Brolga, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Yellow Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Bridled honeyeater Spectacled & Pied Monarch, Bower’s Shrikethrush, Chowchilla, Tooth-billed Bowerbird, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Great-billed Heron, Barred Cuckooshrike, Olive-backed Sunbird, Eastern Spinebill, and possibly a Southern Cassowary

What’s Included:

• 2 nights accommodation as per itinerary
• Local experienced wildlife guide throughout
• Sightseeing as per itinerary by private & modern air-conditioned vehicle in a very small group environment
• Boat cruise on Daintree River
• All meals provided – 2x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner

What to bring:

• All luggage’s can be accommodated in the vehicle
• Good walking shoes
• Light, natural coloured clothing
• Large water bottle
• Day pack for carrying personal items
• Camera gear
• Wet weather gear (for expected rainy days)
• Swimming gear, towel and spare clothes

What’s not Included:

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/beverages other than specified, alcohol
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional tours/services