SMALL GROUP. BIG EXPERIENCE.
TABLELANDS EXCLUSIVE TOUR
LENGTH: FULL DAY TOUR
Total capacity 11 Passengers
DEPARTS: CAIRNS AND NORTHERN BEACHES
Far North Queensland Tablelands Exclusive Tour:
A short one hour drive from Cairns and we’re exploring an extinct volcanic crater filled with rainwater and surrounded by rainforest and wildlife!
After morning tea and a beautiful rainforest trail, we’re off to find a Platypus, and sometimes even a Tree Kangaroo in the nearby town of Yungaburra.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS TOUR
PERSONALISATION
Our groups are small, amplifying the quality of our nature and wildlife interaction.
MORE TIME IN NATURE
We have access to multiple nature walks to ensure the greatest outcome for nature observations.
CATHEDRAL FIG TREE
This ancient Rainforest Giant is off the beaten path and is tremendously emphasized by the surrounding forest. Hope you have a wide angle lens!
TOUR SUMMARY
ITINERARY
7:30am Pickup in Cairns
Travel up the panoramic Gillies highway while witnessing the dramatic change in habitat as we gain altitude. Enjoy beautiful views of Goldsborough Valley from Heales Lookout.
8:45am Arrive at Lake Barrine
An outstanding location for nature activities. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching opportunities. From 30 minutes to two hours, tailored to your desires. Let’s toast our wildlife spotting achievements over some local tea/coffee and the famous Tea House scones with jam and cream. Lake Barrine is a big highlight to spot reptiles such as water dragons, birds, eels, fish, other reptiles and several Wet Tropics endemic species. Lunch options are brilliant and the view is pretty special too!
11:30am Arrive in Yungaburra
One of our major focus points of the day, spotting WILD Platypus! Learn about their elusive behaviour and take as much time as you need to get that perfect photo! We often witness a resident Tree Kangaroo family at this location also.
1:00pm Arrive Lake Eacham
A chance to cool down during the hottest part of the day; swim in an extinct volcanic crater with pristine clear water surrounded by Rainforest. For our guests who would prefer not to swim, other nature sites are available close by!
2:00pm Arrive at 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 pr otected 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.
3:00pm Arrive at Cathedral 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.
4:00pm Depart Tablelands for Cairns
Time permitting, we may stop at the Mountain View hotel for a beverage and lovely views of the Little Mulgrave River and possibly a drive through Gordonvale to view the Sugar Refinery.
5:00 / 5:30pm Arrive Cairns
We’ll drop you back to your accommodation in Cairns between 5:00pm – 5:30pm.
MORE DETAILS
What’s included:
- Passionate interpretive guide
- Morning tea
- Lunch
- Sunscreen and Insect repellent
- First aid kit on board
- Umbrellas provided for rainy days
- Binoculars
What to bring:
- Sun protection advised: hat, sunglasses
- Good walking shoes
- Camera and water bottle
- Day pack for carrying personal items
- Towel & spare clothes for swimming
- Your enthusiasm!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Professional accredited guide
- The incredible Cathedral Fig Tree!
- Lake Barrine
- Malanda Conservation Park
- Platypus spotting
- An optional swim at Eacham Crater