Wait a While - Afternooon & Evening Rainforest Wildlife Viewing Tour

The TourYour evening wildlife and rainforest viewing tour starts with a pick up from Cairns or Cairns Northern Beaches accommodation before making your way south, to the southern suburbs of Cairns where a mob of Agile Wallabies live within the city, stop for a photo opportunity before departing the city limits! Departing from Cairns, you will drive up the scenic Gillies Range to the Cairns Tablelands (Atherton Tablelands). Climbing up to 800 metres above sea level, the Gillies Highway is one of Australia’s windiest roads. Stop in the Danbulla State Forest to observe a fascinating 800-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree with its giant Cathedral style vaulted root system for amazing photographic opportunities!

Enjoy at delicious afternoon tea at Lake Barrine, a stunningly beautiful volcanic crater lake with crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush, verdant emeral green rainforest. Followed by a walk through the rainforest to see the towering Twin Bull Kauri Pines. Look for wildlife such as the Boyd’s Forest Dragon, the Musky Rat Kangaroo and rainforest birds and learn how the local Aboriginal tribes use some of the plants and vegetation in bush lore and take the time to sample some rainforest fruits (depending on the season).

From Lake Barrine, it’s time to visit another of our stunning crater lakes,with a stop at Lake Eacham, an extinct volcanic lake to look for Saw Shelled Turtles, Archerfish, Eastern Water Dragons and other wildlife.Head onwards to the tour’s ‘private access’ viewing area with the view to catch sight of an active breeding pair of Platypus in their natural habitat. After the afternoon's activities, its time to enjoy dinner at a country restaurant in Yungaburra, from Tuesday through to Sunday, we will dine at Nicks Swiss Inn and on Mondays, we will dine at the Yungaburra Hotel, both iconic Tablelands venues. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate are also provided (other drinks also available at the bar, at own expense).

After dark and armed with a flashlight for the spotlighting part of the tour, you will head back into to the tropical rainforest where the huge Curtain Fig Tree plays host to various species of nocturnal wildlife. As approximately 80% of Australian animals are nocturnal or active at night, the rainforest is a hive of activity after dark. The evenings offer the best chance of viewing our rainforest species in their natural habitat. On clear nights, the minimal light pollution up on the Tablelands will allow avid star spotters the opportunity to enjoy taking in the Southern Cross and Milky Way.

At the end of the eve’s activities it’s time to head back to Cairns. Your tour ends in Cairns at around 10.00am and at 10.30pm for the Cairns Northern Beaches with a drop off at accommodation.
Tour Includes

• Comfortable air-conditioned touring vehicles
• Afternoon pick-ups from Cairns & Cairns Beaches accommodation (Port Douglas transfers available at additonal cost)
• Small groups led by personable, professional guides (11 passengers maximum)
• Stunning rainforest & wildlife touring opportunities with afternoon departure (great for passengers arriving late into Cairns on a limited timeframe)
• All meals including a delicious afternoon tea and evening dinner (Tuesday to Sunday at Nicks Swiss Inn & Mondays at Yungabuarra Hotel) 
• All wildlife viewing equipment including binoculars, rain ponchos & reference materials

Rates - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• Adult AU$199.00
• Child (Child ages 4 – 12 years of age) AU$175.00
• Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4 -12 years of age) AU$680.00

Please Note: Port Douglas (Oak Beach, Turtle Cove & Thala Beach) pick up and drop off is availabe at an additional charge of AU$100.00 per booking (1-11 passengers) 

Important Booking Notes: Please use Booking Form's Comments Box to advise of any special dietary requests 
Rates - Valid 01st of April 2023 to 31st of March 2024

• Adult AU$220.00
• Child (Child ages 4 – 12 years of age) AU$200.00
• Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4 -12 years of age) AU$750.00

Please Note: Port Douglas (Oak Beach, Turtle Cove & Thala Beach) pick up and drop off is availabe at an additional charge of AU$100.00 per booking (1-11 passengers)

Important Booking Notes: Please use Booking Form's Comments Box to advise of any special dietary requests 
What To Bring Wear loose, comfortable clothing, wear footwear suitable for walking, bring personal itemas including cameras, sunglasses, suncreen, water bottle & hat as well as additional spending money for the purchase of drinks and souvenirs