Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns

Lake Barrine, AU
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (419 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Dinner
  • inclusion
    In-vehicle air conditioning
  • inclusion
    Local guide
  • inclusion
    All equipment (binoculars, spotlighting gear, rain ponchos, reference materials)
  • inclusion
    Afternoon tea
  • inclusion
    National Park fee
  • inclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Drinks, unless specified

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Aspect Central Motel
Balinese Motel
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
BreakFree Royal Harbour Cairns
Cairns Aquarius
Cairns City Motel
Cairns City Palms
Cairns City Sheridan
Cairns Motor Inn
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Cairns Queens Court
Cascade Gardens
Comfort Inn Cairns City
Coral Tree Inn
Crystalbrook Bailey
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Riley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Freedom Cairns
Hides Hotel Cairns
Hotel Lake Central
Hotel Tropiq
Il Centro Apartment Hotel
Mantra Esplanade Cairns
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Mercure Cairns
Mid City Luxury Suites
Nomads Esplanade
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Oaks Cairns Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Park Regis City Quays
Pullman Cairns International
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Reef Gateway Apartments
Reef Plaza Hotel
Royal Palm Villas
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Sunshine Tower Hotel
The Benson Hotel
Tropical Heritage Cairns
Tyrconnel Historic Goldmine
We pick up from any location and type of accommodation in and around the city of Cairns. Each location needs its own pick up time. So it is important to call in advance to get your pick up time. You must be ready at the given time or you will miss your tour.

What to expect

1
Lake Barrine

After our drive from Cairns up the scenic but very twisty Gillies Range Road we arrive at Lake Barrine. A beautiful volcanic crater lake surrounded by the Rainforest. Firstly we take a break for afternoon tea and there is no better setting than Lake Barrine to enjoy it. Afterwards we take a slow walk through the surrounding forest searching for Forest Dragons and Musky Rat Kangaroos!

Duration 60 minutes
2

Atherton Tablelands

There is no better place close to Cairns to see some of the rarest animals in Australia in the wild. We spend the majority of our tour exploring the region searching for wildlife. Walking through the oldest tropical rainforest in the world is an amazing experience by itself. You will be immersed with all the sights and sounds within it. In the late afternoon coming up to sunset we then go searching for the Platypus. The thrill of catching sight of this amazing creature will always stay with you. We do not stop looking until we run out of time to make sure you get the best possible chance of success. That is why we really do see them 90% of the time :)

Duration 240 minutes
3

Yungaburra

When it’s time for dinner we go to the beautiful heritage village of Yungaburra. Started in the 1890’s. Many of the original buildings are still in use giving the reel feeling of stepping back in time. The centre piece of the village is our dinner location, the Yungaburra Hotel. Built in 1910 from the timbers extracted from the rainforest. And of an impressive size! It creates a great atmosphere as you mingle with the locals at the bar giving you a glimpse of the rural life in the pioneer days. The food is good and the meals are hearty so you will not be hungry. And you can wash it down with a local beer or wine if you choose. After dinner we relax and get ready for sundown so we can start the nocturnal search.

Duration 60 minutes
4
Curtain Fig National Park

Once the sun goes down we start our search for the nocturnal creatures. This is the time when most animals are active in the Rainforest. The sensation of being surrounded by the sights and sounds and smells of the Rainforest by night is also an amazing experience that will stay with you. The places we go to are all specially chosen to make sure they are safe and easy to navigate by dim light as well. The range of animals includes mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. By the way, mosquitoes are low in numbers where we go. So unless you are a mosquito magnet you do not get eaten alive. The conclusion to the tour is our visit to the incredible Curtain Fig. An amazing natural wonder of the plant world. Reputed to be the largest strangler fig known in the world. We then make our way back down the Great Dividing Range to your accommodation in Cairns. But the sites and sound of the rainforest at night is an experience you will not forget.

Duration 90 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A moderate amount of walking is involve. Low fitness level required
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Additional information
    Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Additional information
    Please bring insect spray as this is not provided
  • Additional information
    Please wear closed toe shoes and a jacket for night time.
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours

What our experts say

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    Bring a jacket; it gets cool at night.
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    Enjoy dinner at The Lake House Yungaburra.
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    Spotting possums is best at Curtain Fig Park.
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    Use insect spray to enhance comfort.
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    Wear closed-toe shoes for the walk.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the wonders of Australia's unique wildlife and lush rainforests on the Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night tour. Led by an expert nature guide, this small-group nocturnal tour takes you on a captivating journey through a variety of breathtaking locations, including tropical rainforests and a volcanic crater lake. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter rare creatures like tree kangaroos, lizards, and musky rat kangaroos in their natural habitat during the day. Then, as the sun sets, embark on a thrilling expedition to spot the elusive platypus.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect a total duration of 510 minutes filled with exciting wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery. The itinerary is carefully designed to ensure you have the best opportunities to spot these unique animals in their natural environment. From a daytime exploration of the region to a mesmerizing night walk through the rainforest, every moment promises to be unforgettable.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this experience offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Australia's rainforests while learning about the incredible creatures that call it home. This tour is designed to be inclusive, allowing anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife to enjoy the wonders of the Atherton Tablelands.

Why book this?

Embark on the Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night tour and discover the magic of Australia's wildlife in its natural habitat. This captivating experience offers a unique opportunity to see some of the rarest animals in Australia up close. Led by expert guides, you'll receive valuable insights and knowledge about the creatures you encounter throughout the tour. From the sights and sounds of the rainforest at night to the breathtaking views of Lake Barrine during afternoon tea, every moment is filled with wonder and excitement. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Australia, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an extraordinary wildlife adventure.

Good to know

During this tour, you'll enjoy afternoon tea at the picturesque Lake Barrine, surrounded by the beauty of the surrounding forest. Take a leisurely walk through the woods, keeping an eye out for Forest Dragons and Musky Rat Kangaroos. As darkness falls, embark on a spotlighting expedition to observe possums, bandicoots, owls, bats, and even tree kangaroos. This tour includes everything you need for a memorable experience, so all you have to do is come prepared with a sense of wonder and a love for nature.

Reviews

Travelers who have participated in the Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night tour have consistently praised the incredible wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides. They have raved about the opportunity to see rare animals in their natural habitats and have remarked on the thrill of the night walk through the rainforest. Overall, reviews highlight the exceptional experience and the chance to create lasting memories in the heart of Australia's natural wonders.

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