Tropical Wetlands Birdwatching

Full Day Birdwatching

The early morning is invaluable for birdwatches. Our morning will focus on the Tropical Wetlands and Shared Earth Reserve which is home to over 220 recorded bird species and an exclusive site for us to explore.

After a short 90 minute drive we will arrive at Clancy’s lagoon. This open expanse of water has comfortable walking tracks surrounding the perimeter, providing guests with the opportunity to observe the resident birdlife.

After a short break for morning tea we 4WD to our second location, Pandanus Lagoon. Here we find a large diversity of waders and waterbirds including a massive population of Black Swan. It is also home to kangaroos, echidnas, dingos, snakes and scores of other reptiles. You can explore over 12km of walking trails which criss-cross the wetlands.

A break from the binoculars while we enjoy a picnic style lunch under a shady billabong during the heat of the day. To further our bird watching prospects, we venture into the nearby Atherton Tablelands for the last couple of hours. Locations such as Lake Barrine and Yungaburra have afforded our customers amazing birdlife encounters and opportunities for photographs over the years.

Birding Opportunities

The diverse range of birdlife and wildlife include 6 different Quail species, Magpie, Geese, Black Swans, 11 different duck species and three different Grebes, Darters and Cormorants, Pelicans, Crakes, Rails, Swamphens, Moorhens, Coots, Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, Ibis, Spoonbills, Storks (Jabiru), Cranes including Brolga, Sarus Crane, Bustards, Sandpipers, Godwits, Common Greenshank, Stints, Jacanas which thrive on the water lilies, Curlews, Stills, Avocets, Lapwings, Plovers, Dotterels & Terns.

Birds of Prey including Osprey, Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Harriers and Falcons. Five different pigeons and doves have been recorded and of course the famous Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo.

We have great sightings of Black Cockatoos at the Wetlands and on the road into Mareeba Wetlands. Parrots including Lorikeets, Rosellas & Red Wing Parrots. With 9 different varieties of Cuckoos, Keels and Coucals not to mention a great location if you wish to see owls; five different species, 3 different Frogmouths and Night jars.

One of the most beautiful birds to see are the Kingfishers especially the Azure Kingfisher, a delight to see around the lagoons. Both the laughing Kookaburra and Blue Winged Kookaburra are regularly seen. Bee eaters, Rollers,Tree Creepers and Pardalotes are well represented as well as numerous Honeyeaters, Robins, Bee Eaters, Thrushes, Monarchs, Magpie Larks, Fly Catchers and Wagtails are seen throughout the Wetlands.

One to look out for is the fascinating Great Bowerbird, a delight to watch. The open savannah and eucalypt habitats within the Mareeba Wetlands give great opportunities to observe Finches, Fairy Wrens and Manikins. The Wetlands is also famous for the Gouldian Finch program.

* NOTE - Each private tour can be tailored to suit certain species found throughout the Tablelands and Savannah region.

Group Size: 7 guests
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Cairns/Northern Beaches/Port Douglas
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: Cairns 6:30am, Drop off approximately 4:30pm

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.  

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