sari80

We are planning a trip in September 2006 and plan on spending at least a week in northern Queensland. We will, of course, go snorkeling on the GBR, but also plan to spend time in the tablelands and the Daintree/Cape Tribulation area. I was wondering which area would be best for nocturnal wildlife viewing. I have read some very good reviews of the tablelands. Would it be redundant if we did nighttime tours in both areas? Also, would appreciate any tips on guides to use.

Thanks.

Sara

Tassietwister

I don't really know, I only ever went on one guided nocturnal wildlife tour in the Daintree and saw nothing.

However I do recommend staying at Yungaburra, though a small town on the tablelands, has a nice restaurant and some history. Also nearby is the curtain fig, though not uncommon at this size wow!

In the town is a creek with platypus viewing platform which can be seen early morning or evening. The one we saw was actually when we were walking along the creekside away from the platypus viewing area. It is cool because hardly any Aussies have ever see a platypus in the wild.

I would suggest do only one night tour but do get some good feedback before selecting it. Sorry I cannot recommend the one I went one (near Coconut resort)

pat_woolford

Without doubt, Jonathan Munro, Wildwatch - www.wildwatch.com.au. Jonathan takes small personalised trips in 11 habitats from rainforests to reef, just in FNQ. But you do need to book him well in advance - he's often away on multi night trips.

Wait a While does small group trips to both tropical highland rainforest of Tableland and Mt Lewis in remoter part of Daintree (separate trips of course)-Mt Lewis is more for target species for enthusiasts. You are more likely to see a larger variety of species on Tableland trip, but no guarantees. www.waitawhile.com.au

Not exactly a nocturnal trip, but accommodation in a wildlife sanctuary, (birds are in aviaries) where the animals "come alive" at night is Daintree Mangroves. One of the most comprehensive collections of Australian cockatoos and finches as well as crocodiles, dingoes, kangaroos, cassowaries, quolls, emus, sugar gliders. www.daintreewild.com.au

Tassietwister

I had a read of wildwatch website site that Pat mentions and they do also say the tablelands are best for viewing nocturnal wildlife. It is where you see more dead animals on the side of the road, a sure sign of nocturnal activity.

I would focus on trying to see cassowary in the rainforest areas but for night tours select a tableland tour.

pb_and_j

I did a noctural spotlighting tour with Alan on the tablelands and I definitely recommend it. You meet in Yungaburra.

http://users.qldnet.com.au/~spotlighting/

pat_woolford

Jonathan will pick up in Cairns and surrounds - his own property, "Warrigal" on Tableland is unique wildlife habitat with both cassowaries and emus (as well as many other native animals) on same habitat -unusual combination. There's a few good recommendations here if you do a search on his name.

sari80

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I've read a couple of trip reports mentioning Jonathan Munro's guided trips and they sound wonderful. It is also nice to know that there have been positive experiences with other guides.

Sara

TreeRoo

Alan's website is now www.alanswildlifetours.com.au and he can do day tours for birds, mammals and most fields of natural history.

pat_woolford

Old post I know, but for others to come: Because of the diversity and amount of wildlife in Far North Queensland, the area is well serviced with knowledgeable guides.

On a recent evening we met Alan at Yungaburra on Atherton Tableland where in no time flat he led us to animals which most Australians have never seen in the wild - a Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo, Green Ring-tail possums (if you think a koala is cute, wait until you see this), the beautiful Coppery Brushtail Possum and other creatures of the night. We'd have never found these animals without Alan's guidance and his prices are extremely reasonable.