Nature Guide around Port Douglas
Jan 7th, 2012, 08:29 PM
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Nature Guide around Port Douglas
Greetings!
I'm looking for some recommendations for a guide for a couple of days in the Port Douglas area in August. We are a family of four (two adults, two boys, ages 12 and 8), and we are interested in area flora and fauna (with an emphasis on fauna). When my husband and I were in the area 12 years ago, we made our way to the Daintree and did one of the croc tours without any sort of guide, and we're thinking that we could probably do the same again this year. But it seems as though there's much more to see and that we'll have a higher likelihood of actually seeing it if we have some experienced eyes with us. We're interested in the Daintree area and also the Atherton Tablelands, perhaps one day in each.
I have found all sorts of guide services online, of course, and our hotel has recommended one, but I'm curious about anyone's personal experience, balancing price/value and the experience itself.
Any suggestions? Anyone to stay away from?
Thanks!
I'm looking for some recommendations for a guide for a couple of days in the Port Douglas area in August. We are a family of four (two adults, two boys, ages 12 and 8), and we are interested in area flora and fauna (with an emphasis on fauna). When my husband and I were in the area 12 years ago, we made our way to the Daintree and did one of the croc tours without any sort of guide, and we're thinking that we could probably do the same again this year. But it seems as though there's much more to see and that we'll have a higher likelihood of actually seeing it if we have some experienced eyes with us. We're interested in the Daintree area and also the Atherton Tablelands, perhaps one day in each.
I have found all sorts of guide services online, of course, and our hotel has recommended one, but I'm curious about anyone's personal experience, balancing price/value and the experience itself.
Any suggestions? Anyone to stay away from?
Thanks!
Jan 8th, 2012, 07:07 AM
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This is not exactly what you are looking for, but if you are visiting the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas, be sure to take advantage of one or more of their free guided tours. I've been there a number of times and always take at least one of the guided tours because I learn so much about the animals. The guides they have there are really knowledgeable and will enthusiastically answer any questions from you or your kids.
http://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/presentations.html
The Breakfast with the Birds was also a big hit with our kids.
http://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/breakfast.html
http://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/presentations.html
The Breakfast with the Birds was also a big hit with our kids.
http://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au/breakfast.html
Jan 8th, 2012, 01:54 PM
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I would recommend Ellen Terrell [email protected] Not only is she a more than competent guide she is a wonderful person. She wrote the Wet Tropics Management Authority resource book for guides. Ellen is based in Daintree, just out of the village, and is quite capable of guiding up here on the Atherton Tablelands where most of the endemic wildlife is to be found. Your advantage of having Ellen on board is that you'll have the one guide for both areas rather than picking up another guide on the Tablelands.
Definitely include the Atherton Tablelands in your plans. Is there a reason you would not spend even one night there to enable you to see the nocturnal mammals? Remember most of our mammals are nocturnal or at least crepuscular. August is a great time for the gliding possums as they are forced to visit sap trees for feeding. This is because the number of insects is low and there is not a lot of blossom around.
Definitely include the Atherton Tablelands in your plans. Is there a reason you would not spend even one night there to enable you to see the nocturnal mammals? Remember most of our mammals are nocturnal or at least crepuscular. August is a great time for the gliding possums as they are forced to visit sap trees for feeding. This is because the number of insects is low and there is not a lot of blossom around.
Jan 8th, 2012, 08:12 PM
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AlanJG - Thank you for the recommendation!
How long would it take to drive from the Tablelands back to Port Douglas? (I'm wondering if it's possible to see some noctural animals and still sleep in PD.) A late night is not a problem, but schlepping a lot of stuff for a night might be.
How long would it take to drive from the Tablelands back to Port Douglas? (I'm wondering if it's possible to see some noctural animals and still sleep in PD.) A late night is not a problem, but schlepping a lot of stuff for a night might be.
Jan 9th, 2012, 08:38 AM
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When I was in the area in September, I was able to take a small tour with Juan Walker, who works out of Daintree Eco Lodge but also runs his own private tours. He's good, a young aboriginal "elder" and knows the Daintree. His company is Walkabout Cultural Adventures. He focuses more on cultural, aboriginal experiences than on wildlife per se, but wildlife is a big part of what he knows.
There's a nigttime experience in the Port Douglas area, but I can't remember what it's called. You go off into the forest and experience a cultural show and have dinner at night--and it's not far from Port Douglas, so I'm sure one of the hotels or tour agencies there can help you. Some people in my group went and saw koalas in the bush, which I'm told in that area is fairly rare.
There's a nigttime experience in the Port Douglas area, but I can't remember what it's called. You go off into the forest and experience a cultural show and have dinner at night--and it's not far from Port Douglas, so I'm sure one of the hotels or tour agencies there can help you. Some people in my group went and saw koalas in the bush, which I'm told in that area is fairly rare.
Jan 9th, 2012, 01:13 PM
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That would be Flames of the Forest, Doug. www.flamesoftheforest.com.au It certainly would be rare to see koalas in the bush there though!
Jan 9th, 2012, 02:46 PM
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From Mount Hypipamee to Port Douglas would take a little over two hours so if you left at 10 you'd be home by midnight. Arrange to list Ellen as one of your drivers and she could drive you back while you rest. She does not operate a commercial vehicle but is small and would not take much space in yours.
Doug, koalas in that area would be a really significant find and should be reported to EPA. It would be beyond rare; at least since the last ice age. I would be happy to pass the contact on if you have found the details of these people. I would suggest that some one saw an arboreal termite mound and their guide was too kind to disillusion them when they insisted that they had seen a koala. ( I once had a guest who threatened a tantrum if I did not acknowledge that she had seen a koala. That I said that I had 'not seen that she had not seen a koala,' was not good enough. She wanted me to confirm her sighting which I could not and would not do.) Alternatively, they did not mention the sighting to a local at all.
Doug, koalas in that area would be a really significant find and should be reported to EPA. It would be beyond rare; at least since the last ice age. I would be happy to pass the contact on if you have found the details of these people. I would suggest that some one saw an arboreal termite mound and their guide was too kind to disillusion them when they insisted that they had seen a koala. ( I once had a guest who threatened a tantrum if I did not acknowledge that she had seen a koala. That I said that I had 'not seen that she had not seen a koala,' was not good enough. She wanted me to confirm her sighting which I could not and would not do.) Alternatively, they did not mention the sighting to a local at all.
Jan 9th, 2012, 07:07 PM
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Since I didn't see these koalas, I don't feel that I'm in the position to say one way or the other. But Flames of the Forest (yes, I now remember the name) does sound like a nice rainforest experience.
The one thing that I'd caution anyone regarding a rainforest trip is that one might or might not see wildlife of the non-winged variety. But it's entirely possible one would not. The critters are there, but it's not a done deal that you might see them. If you want to see animals, go to one of the wildlife parks in the area.
The one thing that I'd caution anyone regarding a rainforest trip is that one might or might not see wildlife of the non-winged variety. But it's entirely possible one would not. The critters are there, but it's not a done deal that you might see them. If you want to see animals, go to one of the wildlife parks in the area.
Jan 9th, 2012, 08:21 PM
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Doug,
My first reaction to your second paragraph was one of hostility but of course you are right. I am sorry if you had a poor wildlife experience in north Queensland. You should have come to the Tablelands with a guide who knows their stuff.
There are operators at resorts on the coast who should be shamed for their manner of taking people's money when there is very little chance of them finding an endothermic vertebrate! That is why one should do one's homework, go to the right area (the Atherton Tablelands, not the coastal Daintree) and with a competent guide. [see my offer to the OP below]
Pat, there are Koalas on the Tablelands but very few. The closest I've come to one is a skull and a probable faecal pellet. For people who want to see wild Koalas in north Queensland I would only send them to Magnetic Island. Here is the response to my enquiry of Flames of the Forest.
"Hi Alan
"Thank you for your enquiry
"I'm not sure where they would have seen koalas on our property, we certainly haven't . There are none this far North unless they're in a zoo.
"We do have a few friendly bandicoots that frequent the site though!
"Hope this helps!
"All the best
"Jandi"
miamatusow, if you spend half a day including 3 hours after dark in the forest on the Tablelands at that time of year with Ellen (or another one of the nature guides form this area who I am prepared to endorse) and she does not show you at least half a dozen mammal species I'll refund you $100 through her or that other guide. All you have to do is post on this board who you are booked with and I'll set it up.
Fodorites, lots of American zoos hold Australian animals so you could save the airfare. I've nothing against zoos, I patronise them myself and the Habitat (above) is a good one, but much of the wildlife is accessible to those with the skills and knowledge. Not always and no guarantees but worth the adventure.
Doug, if you ever come back, contact me and I'll make sure you see lots more than this. Winter is the best time for mammal spotting but October for birds. Give me a day and an evening, June - September and I would guarantee you at least Platypus, three macropods and four possum species in a total of no less than ten mammal species, all in the wild.
My first reaction to your second paragraph was one of hostility but of course you are right. I am sorry if you had a poor wildlife experience in north Queensland. You should have come to the Tablelands with a guide who knows their stuff.
There are operators at resorts on the coast who should be shamed for their manner of taking people's money when there is very little chance of them finding an endothermic vertebrate! That is why one should do one's homework, go to the right area (the Atherton Tablelands, not the coastal Daintree) and with a competent guide. [see my offer to the OP below]
Pat, there are Koalas on the Tablelands but very few. The closest I've come to one is a skull and a probable faecal pellet. For people who want to see wild Koalas in north Queensland I would only send them to Magnetic Island. Here is the response to my enquiry of Flames of the Forest.
"Hi Alan
"Thank you for your enquiry
"I'm not sure where they would have seen koalas on our property, we certainly haven't . There are none this far North unless they're in a zoo.
"We do have a few friendly bandicoots that frequent the site though!
"Hope this helps!
"All the best
"Jandi"
miamatusow, if you spend half a day including 3 hours after dark in the forest on the Tablelands at that time of year with Ellen (or another one of the nature guides form this area who I am prepared to endorse) and she does not show you at least half a dozen mammal species I'll refund you $100 through her or that other guide. All you have to do is post on this board who you are booked with and I'll set it up.
Fodorites, lots of American zoos hold Australian animals so you could save the airfare. I've nothing against zoos, I patronise them myself and the Habitat (above) is a good one, but much of the wildlife is accessible to those with the skills and knowledge. Not always and no guarantees but worth the adventure.
Doug, if you ever come back, contact me and I'll make sure you see lots more than this. Winter is the best time for mammal spotting but October for birds. Give me a day and an evening, June - September and I would guarantee you at least Platypus, three macropods and four possum species in a total of no less than ten mammal species, all in the wild.
Jan 14th, 2012, 03:11 PM
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miamatusow, as Alan mentiond, Ellen Terrell is a really wonderful guide. You would enjoy going out with her I believe. As an aside, she's also a talented artist and you can find some of her work in the shops in Daintree Village (at least you could when I was last there.
Alan probably can't tout himself here, but I can as someone who went out with him and wishes I had had more time. If you go to the Atherton Tablelands (and I do hope you don't miss it, it's yet another completely different experience) I would recommend engaging him for either day OR night tours. I'm still thrilled about seeing platypus when out and about with him.
I've gone and found his web site: http://www.alanswildlifetours.com.au/
We mostly went out with birding guides, so I don't have a lot of other recommendations. Wait, we had really fabulous guy take us out on the Daintree River. I can't remember his name but will look it up and come back.
Alan probably can't tout himself here, but I can as someone who went out with him and wishes I had had more time. If you go to the Atherton Tablelands (and I do hope you don't miss it, it's yet another completely different experience) I would recommend engaging him for either day OR night tours. I'm still thrilled about seeing platypus when out and about with him.
I've gone and found his web site: http://www.alanswildlifetours.com.au/
We mostly went out with birding guides, so I don't have a lot of other recommendations. Wait, we had really fabulous guy take us out on the Daintree River. I can't remember his name but will look it up and come back.
Jan 14th, 2012, 03:20 PM
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Okay, this is up on the Daintree River, but this guy was just so much fun. We were staying in Daintree Village at the time, and went out with "Sauce" three times! He and my husband went out alone one other time, just for fun. http://www.daintreeriverwildwatch.com.au/
Jan 14th, 2012, 04:37 PM
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Yes Sauce is a lot of fun. He now operates from the village.
For serious birdwatchers I'd recommend Murray Hunt http://daintreerivertours.com.au/
Ellen is also a talented blues singer but I doubt you'll get her to sing for you. It is not fair that some people have so many skills.
Toucan, here is a link which I have just received. Thought you might like to relive your platypus experience which comes towards the end. Of course the underwater shots were taken in a captive situation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoLxW9BEDpk
For serious birdwatchers I'd recommend Murray Hunt http://daintreerivertours.com.au/
Ellen is also a talented blues singer but I doubt you'll get her to sing for you. It is not fair that some people have so many skills.
Toucan, here is a link which I have just received. Thought you might like to relive your platypus experience which comes towards the end. Of course the underwater shots were taken in a captive situation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoLxW9BEDpk
Jan 16th, 2012, 12:23 PM
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Several years back we used Jonathan Munro and he found us tree kangaroos, platypus, cassowaries and lots of other great stuff. He is passionate about the rainforest and we had a great time. I can't remember the name of his website but is it something like WildWorld. Google him and see if he is still doing tours.
Jan 16th, 2012, 11:55 PM
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Jonathan's website is http://www.wildwatch.com.au/ and he is still doing tours.
Jan 24th, 2012, 02:19 PM
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Some more notes on Golden Bowerbirds.
Yesterday, I spent a wonderful morning with a Danish birder at Mt Hypipamee watching a very active Golden Bowerbird at his bower. The bird was bringing sticks of inordinate size, either in length or thickness but not both to his bower. He did this on five occasions while we were there and also visited one other time with no decoration. When we arrived he was not seen but soon showed up and complained about us being right beside his bower. We backed off. He flew away and came back with a twig about 600 mm long, breaking off a third of it on a branch as he flew in. He then left the bower and performed a few short displays similar to those conducted for females but in a directionless manner and without the nape and crown erected. Wondering if there was a female around I took my guest further away. He displayed briefly on and off over a period of half an hour but it all seemed to be 'practice,' not directed at another bird or at us. I have never seen so much action at a bower with only the owner present.
This bird only came to my attention late last year but one friend thinks that it has been known for some time. My impression is that it is a rather naive bird. Until Christmas it only had a maypole with a display perch on a leafy low side branch of one of the support saplings. His decorations have always been rather jumbled but now he has added more than the half dozen sticks to leafy side of the cross and is more organised with his decorations. Lichens are now only placed on the leafy side but Melicope fruit on both. About Christmas a small branch fell close to the base of the bower about 70* angle to his current display perch. This branch links the bower to a small sapling a bit over a metre from the bower and he has now started adding twigs along that branch and around the sapling. On one recent visit there was a single piece of lichen on the twigs on this sapling and so I suspect it may be the beginnings of a tower for next season.
Yesterday, I spent a wonderful morning with a Danish birder at Mt Hypipamee watching a very active Golden Bowerbird at his bower. The bird was bringing sticks of inordinate size, either in length or thickness but not both to his bower. He did this on five occasions while we were there and also visited one other time with no decoration. When we arrived he was not seen but soon showed up and complained about us being right beside his bower. We backed off. He flew away and came back with a twig about 600 mm long, breaking off a third of it on a branch as he flew in. He then left the bower and performed a few short displays similar to those conducted for females but in a directionless manner and without the nape and crown erected. Wondering if there was a female around I took my guest further away. He displayed briefly on and off over a period of half an hour but it all seemed to be 'practice,' not directed at another bird or at us. I have never seen so much action at a bower with only the owner present.
This bird only came to my attention late last year but one friend thinks that it has been known for some time. My impression is that it is a rather naive bird. Until Christmas it only had a maypole with a display perch on a leafy low side branch of one of the support saplings. His decorations have always been rather jumbled but now he has added more than the half dozen sticks to leafy side of the cross and is more organised with his decorations. Lichens are now only placed on the leafy side but Melicope fruit on both. About Christmas a small branch fell close to the base of the bower about 70* angle to his current display perch. This branch links the bower to a small sapling a bit over a metre from the bower and he has now started adding twigs along that branch and around the sapling. On one recent visit there was a single piece of lichen on the twigs on this sapling and so I suspect it may be the beginnings of a tower for next season.
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