Overview

Escape the crowded tour buses and embark on an intimate, boutique safari into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest and the biodiverse Atherton Tablelands. Your journey begins in the afternoon with convenient hotel pickup from Cairns or the Northern Beaches, taking you through vibrant landscapes, volcanic crater lakes, and lush tropical canopies. By daylight, keep your eyes peeled for rare species like the elusive platypus, Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, musky rat-kangaroo, Boyd’s forest dragon, rainforest birds, and flying foxes. This tour is usually led personally by Paul - author and veteran wildlife guide - or occasionally by one of his esteemed partner guides who share his deep passion for North Queensland’s ecosystems. After a relaxing afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and a hearty local dinner in historic Yungaburra, your adventure continues as darkness falls. Equipped with specialized spotlights, you will step under the night stars into the ancient rainforest to watch the canopy come alive with nocturnal possums, gliders, geckos, frogs, and owls. Highlights: 🌳 World Heritage Rainforest Exploration: Discover the ancient Wet Tropics by both daylight and darkness on an uncrowded, small-group safari. 🦦 Wild Platypus Spotting: Visit quiet riverbank locations with an incredible 90% statistical chance of spotting wild platypuses in their natural habitat. ☕ Lake Barrine Afternoon Tea: Enjoy delicious tea and coffee beside a pristine volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush rainforest canopy. 🍽️ Historic Yungaburra Dinner: Relish a hearty, local restaurant dinner in a historic country town before setting off into the night. 🔦 Nocturnal Spotlighting Safari: Venture into the night forest with specialized equipment to spot endemic species like tree-kangaroos, gliders, leaf-tailed geckos, and owls.