The Wet Tropics is the richest avifaunal region in Australia, with 13 endemics and over 400 species recorded. On this tour we hope to find all of the endemics, including Lesser Sooty Owl, Fernwren, Atherton Scrubwren, Mountain Thornbill, Bridled Honeyeater, Mcleay's Honeyeater, Grey-headed Robin, Chowchilla, Bower's Shrike-thrush, Pied Monarch, Victoria's Riflebird, Tooth-billed Bowerbird and Golden Bowerbird.
We also hope to see a number of the specials found in the Northern Tropics, such as Southern Cassowary, Black-necked Stork, Great-billed Heron, Red-necked Crake, Superb Fruit-Dove, Papuan Frogmouth, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher, Lovely Fairy-wren, Yellow Spotted Honeyeater, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Mangrove Robin, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Spotted Catbird and the Blue-faced Parrot-Finch.
Our trip into the outback gives us the chance to view many interesting species not found on the coast, including Diamond Dove, Cockatiel, Budgerigar, Red-backed Kingfisher, Red-browed Pardalote, Yellow-tinted Honeyeater, Rufous-throated Honeyeater, Ground Cuckoo-shrike, Zebra Finch, and Masked Finch.
Michaelmas Cay is a seabird breeding sanctuary with easy access. On a trip to the cay it is possible to see Crested Tern, Lesser-crested Tern, Sooty Tern, Bridled Tern, Black-naped Tern, Roseate Tern, Little Tern, Common Noddy, Brown Booby, Great Frigatebird, and Lesser Frigatebird.
The tour begins with a days birding around Cairns and the tropical lowlands. We visit a number of habitats, including the Cairns Esplanade which is famous for migratory waders. In the afternoon we travel to Kuranda, in the coastal ranges, and stay overnight at Cassowary House.
Cassowary House is famous for (you guessed it), the Southern Cassowary which often visits the grounds in the mornings. There is also a good selection of other rainforest species in the area. In the afternoon we bird our way across the Atherton Tablelands. At dusk we look for the platypus and in the evening there is an opportunity to go spotting for owls. Overnight at Chambers Wildlife Lodge.
After a morning around the lodge, where Victoria's Riflebird is common, we visit many of the best birding sites on the tablelands. Later we start heading West into much drier habitats. Late afternoon finds us in the Georgetown area where we search for the Australian Bustard, Ground Cuckoo-shrike and other dry land species. We stay 2 nights at the Latara Resort Motel, Georgetown.
The main birding spots in this dry outback region are dams which attract a number of finches, honeyeaters, parrots and cockatoos. We visit a selection of dams in the morning before heading down the Forsyth Road in the afternoon to look for other outback specials. Overnight at the Latara Resort Motel.
Early morning sees us heading back towards the coast. We bird along the way for Spinifex Pigeon and others. Late afternoon we arrive at Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge where we stay the night. There will be owl spotting in the evening.
In the morning there is excellent birding around the grounds of Kingfisher Park, with the chance of Red-necked Crake and many other specials. After lunch we visit ancient high altitude rainforest for many endemics and the Blue-faced Parrot Finch. Late in the afternoon we make our way to the village of Daintree and we stay overnight at Red Mill House.
We take an early morning boat trip on the beautiful Daintree river, in search of Great-billed Heron, Mangrove Robin and many others. During the day we bird our way back to Cairns, visiting many coastal habitats along the way. Overnight at Club Crocodile, Cairns.
There is a full day boat trip to Michaelmas Cay and the Great Barrier Reef. Many seabirds breed on the cay and can be approached quite closely. There are great photographic opportunities. In the afternoon the boat visits the outer reef and the snorkelling is fantastic.
Accommodation is in birding or wildlife lodges where possible, or in hotels, on a twin share basis. All meals, accommodation and boat trips are included. Travel is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Conditions in the outback can be extremely hot and dry. It is recommended that you bring a water bottle, hat, sturdy covered footwear, insect repellent and sun block. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers give good protection from the sun and biting insects.
Crimson Finch
Tooth-billed Bowerbird
Comb-crested Jacana
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
Pied Imperial Pigeon
Double-eyed Fig Parrot
Willie Wagtail
Northern Fantail
