The Atherton Tablelands Wildlife and Nature Private Tour is an ideal choice for those seeking a close encounter with incredible wildlife away from the crowds. This exclusive tour takes you to the cooler, refreshing heights of the Atherton Tablelands, sitting 800 meters above sea level, where the air is crisp and the scenery is breathtaking.
Discover the Atherton Tablelands
Spanning over 64,768 square kilometres and home to more than 45,000 residents, the Atherton Tablelands is a region rich in natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The area encompasses charming towns like Malanda, Atherton, Millaa Millaa, Yungaburra, Kuranda, Chillagoe, Dimbulah, Mt Garnet, Mt Molloy, and Tinaroo. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll have access to hidden nature walks where you’re guaranteed to spot unique and fascinating animals.
A Journey of Natural Wonders
Bring your camera, as this tour is full of photo-worthy moments. One highlight is the visit to the Cathedral Fig Tree, an awe-inspiring 500-year-old strangler fig in the Danbulla State Forest. You can stroll along the timber boardwalk that encircles this rainforest giant, allowing you to fully appreciate its vast root system and towering presence.
The adventure continues with a serene boat cruise on Lake Barrine, a freshwater crater lake in a National Park along the Gillies Highway. As you glide across the lake, look for the native wildlife that calls this area home, including Water Dragons, Giant Eels, Snapping Turtles, and various water birds.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Your tour also includes visiting Granite Gorge, a popular spot for encountering the endangered Mareeba Rock Wallaby. These charming creatures can be found basking in the sun among the granite boulders, offering a unique and intimate wildlife experience.
And for a refreshing break, you’ll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of an extinct volcanic crater, surrounded by the lush rainforest of Crater Lakes National Park. As you explore this beautiful region, you might even glimpse the elusive Platypus or the rare Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.
This private tour offers an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of the Atherton Tablelands, providing a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
Professional accredited guide
The incredible Cathedral Fig Tree
Extinct Volcanic Crater Wildlife Cruise
Interpretive rainforest walks
Lunch at Lake Barrine
Malanda Conservation Park
Platypus spotting
Tour Duration is 10 hours
7:30 am Pickup in Cairns. Travel up the panoramic Gillies Range. You will see the dramatic change in habitat as you gain altitude. Enjoy the beautiful views of Goldsborough Valley from Heales Lookout.
8:45 am Arrive at Lake Barrine. An outstanding location for nature activities. Several walks are available offering great wildlife and bird watching. From 30 minutes to two hours. The choice is yours. Enjoy the famous Devonshire Tea at the Lake Barrine teahouse. Excellent lunch options are also available. The view here is amazing. The lake cruise is a highlight. You will see many species endemic to the Wet Tropics.
11:30 am Arrive in Yungaburra. One of the major focus points of the tour. You will see the sought after Platypus in the WILD! Learn all about their secretive behaviour. Take as much time as you need to get the perfect photo. In this location, we often witness a resident Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo.
1:00 pm Arrive at Lake Eacham. A chance to cool down during the hottest part of the day. Swim in an extinct volcanic crater. With pristine clear water. Surrounded by rainforest. If you don’t want to swim, no problem! Other great nature sites are close by.
2:00 pm Arrive at Malanda Conservation Park. This area is critical for the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo. They can be seen on a regular basis in this protected forest. Malanda Falls are a beautiful photo opportunity. Along with several other wildlife opportunities along this walk.
3:00 pm Arrive at Cathedral Fig Tree. One of the most incredible trees you will see in your life. This ancient tree is an epic rainforest survivor with a very complex ecosystem surrounding its lifecycle.
Time to Head Home
4:00 pm Depart Tablelands for Cairns. The Atherton Tablelands Wildlife and Nature Private Tour has come to an end. If time allows, we may stop at the Mountain View Hotel for a beverage and gorgeous river views.
5:00 pm Arrive in Cairns. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation sometime between 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm.
Hat and sunglasses
Good walking shoes
Camera and Water bottle
Day pack for personal items
Towel and spare clothes for swimming
Your enthusiasm!
This tour is not available from Port Douglas. Northern Beaches pickups are from 8:00 am.
Atherton Tablelands Wildlife and Nature Private Tour
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more before departure
25% cancellation fee between 30 days and 7 days before departure
50% cancellation fee between 7 days and 48 hours before departure
100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which FNQ Nature Tours could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire, floods and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure FNQ Nature Tours will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
If a Force Majeure circumstance necessitates cancellation of the tour then:
The traveller must rely upon any travel insurance they hold for compensation; and
Where possible, FNQ Nature Tours will substitute an itinerary with similar experiences.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein.
Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
It is recommended all bookings are confirmed 48 hours in advance of the tour departure by calling +61 7 40372700.
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
• Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done by contacting our friendly reservations team.
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick-up time
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