The Wet Tropics is the richest avifaunal region in Australia, with 12 endemics and over 400 species recorded. On this tour we hope to find all of the endemics, including 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, Great-billed Heron, Sarus Crane, Red-necked Crake, Superb Fruit-Dove, Papuan Frogmouth, Little Kingfisher, Lovely Fairy-wren, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Mangrove Robin, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Spotted Catbird and Blue-faced Parrot-Finch.
Day 1 - The tour begins with birding around Cairns and the tropical lowlands. We visit a number of the best sites including Centenary Lakes and 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.
Day 2 - Cassowary House is famous for (you guessed it), the Southern Cassowary which often visit the grounds in the mornings. There is also a good selection of local rainforest endemics in the area, including Victoria's Riflebird. Late in the afternoon we make our way to the village of Daintree and we stay overnight at Red Mill House.
Day 3 - We take an early morning boat trip on the Daintree river, in search of Great-billed Heron, Black Bittern and many others. After lunch we visit ancient high elevation rainforest for many endemics and the Blue-faced Parrot Finch. Stay Kingfisher Park, Julatten.
Day 4 - In the morning there is excellent birding around the grounds of Kingfisher Park, with the chance of Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Noisy Pitta and many other specials. Later we seek open country species such as Australian Bustard and Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. Stay Kingfisher Park, Julatten.
Day 5 - In the afternoon we bird our way across the Atherton Tablelands to Lake Eacham. Later in the evening there is an opportunity to go spotting for owls. Stay Chambers Rainforest Wildlife Lodge.
Day 6 - We have a full day to explore the richest parts of the Atherton Tablelands in search of Chowchilla, Bower's Shrike-thrush and others. There will be another chance at the high elevation specials such as Golden Bowerbird and Fernwren. Stay Chambers.
Day 7 - There may be a very early search for crakes before we make our way back towards the coast, visiting many good habitats along the way to mop up any missed species. Tour ends late afternoon in Cairns.
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.
Crimson Finch
Tooth-billed Bowerbird
Comb-crested Jacana
Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
