Nearly half of all Australian bird species call Tropical North Queensland home, making it something of a birders’ paradise. If you’re new to birding, a guided birdwatching tour in the wet tropics is a great option, with over 300 species to discover. Here’s a list of the best guided birdwatching tours to join in Tropical North Queensland (TNQ).
#1 — Explore Michaelmas Cay with Seastar Cruises
- Explore Tropical North Queensland’s gem, Michaelmas Cay, departing from Cairns Marina.
- Seastar Cruises is your exclusive ticket to this seabird haven, where Brown Boobies, Common Noddies, and other species await.
- In November, witness the peak of the Common Noddy breeding season with around 20,000 pairs and their adorable chicks. Only 50 visitors are allowed on the cay, so tread lightly to protect the new growth.
- The boat departs Cairns Marlin Marina around 7:30 am and returns at 4 pm. Meals are provided, but don’t forget to pack water, hats, and sunscreen for the hot weather. And if you’re up for it, there’s a snorkelling option to cool off.
#2 — Go for a guided stroll through Cairns Botanic Gardens
- You can join the Friends of the Botanic Garden in Cairns for a guided stroll through the park every Tuesday.
- Get ready to embark on a two-hour adventure filled with flora, fauna, and fascinating facts. And guess what? It won’t cost you a cent!
- Keep your eyes peeled because you might catch a glimpse of some fabulous feathered friends like the Pacific Baza, Spectacled Monarch, Grey Whistler, or even the elusive Pheasant Coucal.
- With over 50 species recorded in the area, you never know who might make a special appearance.
#3 — Cruise the Daintree River
- Head north to the Daintree/Port Douglas area for an unforgettable wildlife encounter on the Solar Whisper Crocodile and Wildlife Tour. This unique boat glides silently with zero carbon emissions, allowing you to get up close to the incredible creatures of the Daintree River.
- Whether you’re traveling solo or with a small group, there are cruise options throughout the day to suit your schedule. Keep your eyes peeled for feathered celebrities like the Great-Billed Heron, Papuan Frogmouths, Little Kingfishers, Shining Flycatchers, and the elusive Black Bitterns. And who knows, a Southern Cassowary might make a grand entrance!
- Another great option in the region is FNQ Tours. With options for 2-7 guests, they offer a variety of tours that will leave you wanting more.
- Experience the magic of the rainforest with their afternoon and nocturnal tours. Capture stunning shots on their photography tours or join conservationists on citizen science tours. With access to private land and limited reserves, you might spot rare species like Lewin’s Honeyeater, Bowers Shrikethrush, Chowchillas, Tooth-billed bowerbirds, and Pied Monarchs.
#4 — Spot up to 120 bird species in the Atherton Tablelands with Eyes on Wildlife
- If you find yourself in the Tablelands, Eyes On Wildlife is the go-to for an extraordinary adventure. With small group tours catering to 4 to 6 people, you’re in for a personalised and immersive experience.
- Their full-day tour promises up to 120 bird species sightings, including the magnificent Golden Bowerbirds, Macleay’s Honeyeater, Cryptic Honeyeater, and the elusive Lesser Sooty Owls. You’ll also have the chance to encounter unique sub-species like the charming Little Red Boobook and the vibrant Macleay’s Fig Parrot, exclusive to the wet tropics.
- As avid conservationists, Eyes On Wildlife includes a carbon offset contribution in the tour price, supporting local environmental organisations. They’ll even pick you up from your accommodation or a designated meeting point, making your journey hassle-free.
- Brace yourself for a menagerie of incredible creatures beyond birds – from adorable Tree Kangaroos and playful Platypus to the whimsical Peeping Whistlefrogs and the mesmerising Boyd’s Forest Dragon.
More information: tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
