Cairns and Atherton Tablelands

Day/Night Wildlife Tour

Join your experienced guide for an exciting wildlife adventure on the scenic Tablelands.  A chance to see amazing and iconic Australian animals like Platypus and Tree Kangaroos. Venture into the forest at night and discover rarely observed nocturnal fauna including possums, bandicoots and owls.

The tour starts in Cairns mid-afternoon with pickup from your accommodation. On our way to the Tablelands we may spot some Agile Wallaby in the fields and make a stop to observe hundreds of Spectacled Flying-fox at the day roost.

On reaching the plateau we take a short walk in the lush tropical rainforest where we may encounter Musky Rat Kangaroo, Boyd’s Forest Dragon and some of the local bird species. We listen for the harsh call of Victoria’s Riflebird, a Bird of Paradise and may be rewarded with a glimpse of the spectacular courtship display.

Towards dusk we make our way to one of the best places in Australia to see Platypus in the wild. This fresh water system is also home to turtles, water dragons and a good selection of birds.

After dinner we do our spotlighting in the rainforest where the nocturnal animals are becoming active. Several species of possum are possible, including the rare and localised Green Ringtail. Some of the native rodents and geckos like to climb, whilst bandicoots, pademelons and frogs may show on the forest floor.

On the drive back towards Cairns we stay alert for owls perched up along the roadside, and occasionally there will be a python or tree snake getting warmth from the road.