Australian Wildlife Journeys is pleased to announce FNQ Nature Tours, as the latest operator to join the member-based consortium. James Boettcher established the Cairns based tour company three years ago, driven by the belief that responsible tourism is an integral component of conserving the world famous Wet Tropics World Heritage area.
The region is one of the world’s most important areas for biodiversity, with 2800 plant species, 663 vertebrate animal species, including 65 percent of Australia’s fern species, 30 percent of Australia’s orchid species and 35 per cent of Australia’s mammals, including two species of tree kangaroo.
“We are delighted that FNQ Nature Tours has joined the collective, allowing integration of this extraordinary part of Australia into itineraries for the Australian Wildlife Journeys group. James and his team have an infectious passion and thorough knowledge of the area’s natural history,” said Craig Wickham, Chair of Australian Wildlife Journeys.
Being home to the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world, the landscapes provide living examples of some of the earliest flowering plants. It’s a mecca for birdwatchers, as this region is where the world’s songbirds emerged, currently home to forty percent of Australia’s bird species, including bowerbirds, kingfishers, riflebirds, fruit doves and the endangered Southern Cassowary.
Managing Director of FNQ Nature Tours, James Boettcher said, “It’s an incredible opportunity for the organisation to join a group of world-class experiences and guides across the entire country, passionate about sharing and protecting natural habitats.”
There are several small group tours available for guests to learn more about the impressive array of flora and fauna in the region. The spectacular ‘Two Day Daintree & Cape Tribulation’ tour showcases the only place on earth where two World Heritage Sites meet; the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
The adventure includes a ‘river drift’ snorkel, where guests can search for over 33 species of fish, turtles and eels, along with a snorkel of the Great Barrier Reef to spot sea turtles and myriads of tropical fish.
An interpretative guided nocturnal walk provides a unique insight into the wildlife of the Daintree Rainforest for guests, with opportunities to spot the Daintree River Ringtail Possum, Northern Long-nosed Bandicoot and Northern Bettong.
Not to be missed is a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River, with prime viewing for Saltwater Crocodiles, along with iconic species such as the Boyd’s Forest Dragon, Ulysses Butterfly, Spectacled Flying-fox, White-lipped Tree Frog, Azure Kingfisher and Wompoo Fruit Dove.
Recently added to the portfolio, is the opportunity to take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour to observe and interact with wild tree kangaroos. Researcher, Justin McMahon, will join guests to check camera traps, catalogue sightings, document food sources, log GPS locations and record behaviours to assist in the quest to understand more about these fascinating creatures.
For more information, please contact:
John Daw
Executive Officer
john@australianwildlifejourneys.com
+61 438 454 259
