Behind the Scenes with Researchers: Quolls

Full Day - Research & Conservation

This program offers you an exclusive opportunity to work alongside industry experts and assist in conducting valuable research that will aid in the preservation of Far North Queensland’s endangered wildlife! The rainforests of the Tablelands provide habitat for a rich array of marsupials, reptiles, invertebrates and over 320 birds, but one of the iconic species of the region is the Spotted-tailed Quoll.

You will join the researchers and other team members as they check camera traps and motion detection areas to catalogue sightings, document food sources, locations and behaviours and search for evidence of visits form the Spotted-tailed Quolls. We kindly ask that our guests keep all research locations confidential. This will protect the success of our future research. 

This tour is not for profit with all proceeds going directly to The Australian Quoll Conservancy (AQC). If you would like to give the Spotted-tailed Quoll an extra helping hand and you wish to support the Australian Quoll Conservancy "Species Recovery Teams" you can do it online, with donations fully tax deductible.

About the Researchers

Justin McMahon

My love for Australia’s unique ecology from Deserts to Savanah, Rainforest to Reef has kept me busy in every facet of my life for many years. Australian Tree Kangaroos to Crocodiles, Koalas to Quolls. By working with the great diversity of Australian fauna in captivity and also in the wild, it has help to understand the threads of connectivity between life in our very unique Australian ecology.

The Northern sub-species of Spotted Tail Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) is North Queensland’s largest marsupial carnivore and a very important part of our Wet Tropics fauna. A lot more is to be discovered about its very cryptic lifestyle and distribution of their population through the forest clad mountains of the Wet Tropics in North Queensland. It’s a privilege to be a part of it's very secretive life journeys and a joy to share with others.

Alberto Vale

Alberto Vale, born in Lisbon, Portugal has made Australia his home. His passion for the great outdoors and the myriads of surprises held within these world heritage tropical rainforests are now his passion, from conducting personally for 16 years, his successful wildlife spotlighting tours, to becoming an established and recognised producer/director of Australian natural history documentaries.

Back in 2014 with another co-founder, Alberto started the Australian Quoll Conservancy. Now and exclusively in North Queensland, Alberto wishes to bring to the world, in an amateur biologist hands- on approach like Charles Darwin, his spotted-tailed quoll field survey projects. He'd like to share with overseas, environmentally minded visitors to Australia, a genuinely remarkable experience of becoming a valuable volunteer Citizen Researcher for a Day with the Australian Quoll Conservancy and FNQ Nature Tours.

Key Details

Private Group Size: Maximum of 4 guests
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Cairns/Northern Beaches/Port Douglas
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: Cairns 7:30am/Northern beaches 08:00am/Port Douglas 8:30am (location dependent), Drop off approximately 5:00pm

Responsible Tourism

As part of our commitment to sustainability we have developed a Code Of Practice relating to our wildlife interactions which is available for your reference. Our river affiliates are using only solar powers vessels, clean, quiet and zero impact on the environment during wildlife cruises. 

As our way of contributing to the local wildlife community, we are heavily involved with FNQ Wildlife Rescue. Our organisation attends rescues and is active in sharing stories that may help educate our guests on safe and helpful practises for supporting injured or orphaned wildlife. 

Bookings & Enquiries

The tour is not currently available to be booked online, as our team customises the itinerary according to your interests, accommodation preferences and transport/logistics into Cairns. Please contact our friendly team via the Enquire Now button below - there are some essential details to help us provide the best options for you. We will be in touch via your preferred contact method.

Recent Testimonials

"While visiting Australia I did five different tours and this one was by far the best. To say that James is a knowledgeable guide is to put it lightly. He is a legend. Our tour was packed full of information, and the sights we saw were top notch. I can't recommend it enough. If I'm ever in Cairns again, I will certainly be looking to take another tour with James." - Jake, Colorado

"What can I say, other than if you're a lover of all things nature and have a love of photography, then DO THIS day tour with James. He has a wealth of knowledge and has such a passion for nature that makes the trip incredibly fun and educational. We all had such a wonderful time, and got to see so many amazing things (flora and fauna) that we'd have all missed out on, had it not been for James. Thank you for giving us one of the best days in FNQ yet! It's a day I will treasure forever." - Jessica, Sydney

"James was a really terrific guide, bringing enthusiasm and knowledge that really enhanced our day. He clearly loves what he does, and that made for a great day for our group of five. We learned a lot, and had a truly fun and relaxing time. Doesn't get better than this!." - Dianne, New York City

"If you want personal service from a passionate and professional guide then you must book James. I was travelling with two teenage boys and from the moment they stepped into his vehicle they had a smile on their faces and I knew I made the right decision booking him. He is like an encyclopaedia of animals and plants... Because of James expertise, we saw things others before us walked or drove past. Lizards, birds, crocodiles, plants - he knows them all and what an incredible photographer....I doubt you will find a better tour in the Daintree." - Nickle 27 - UK