Accommodation

Queensland based Tour Operators & Tours

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Accommodation

Birding Specific Accommodation

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge

Is a birdwatchers and naturalists paradise situated on 12 acres of rainforest in Julatten, one and a half hours north of Cairns, Nth. Queensland at 440m altitude. We provide a range of accommodation from spacious self-contained units and two bedroom villas, to budget bunkhouses, powered caravan sites and camping in our lush tropical rainforest. We are also able to cater for groups, meals by arrangement and guiding with professional local guides. Up to date local birding information plus self guided bird route maps. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded within 1.5km of the lodge including Red-necked Crake, Lesser Sooty Owl, Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher (Nov-April) and Noisy Pitta. Many mammals such as Platypus, Short-beaked Echidna, 2 species of Bandicoot and Prehensile-tailed Rat are within the lodge grounds.

Your hosts at Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge are Keith & Lindsay Fisher.

Address: RN 6 Mt. Kooyong Road, Julatten QLD 4871, Australia

Phone Intl: 61 7 4094 1263 Within Australia: 07 4094 1263
Fax Intl: 61 7 4094 1466 Within Australia: 07 4094 1466

email sootyowl@bigpond.com or visit our web site http://www.birdwatchers.com.au

Red Mill House, DAINTREE VILLAGE

Long established Daintree birdwatching accommodation, Red Mill House in Daintree Village is owned and operated by two enthusiastic birdwatchers with good local birding knowledge.

Deluxe accommodation is offered in modern ensuite rooms with wide verandahs overlooking the garden and the famous Red Mill House full breakfast is included in the tariff.
The large tropical garden is regularly home to Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Emerald Dove, Gould's Bronze Cuckoo, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Forest Kingfisher, Yellow-spotted, Dusky, McLeay's and Graceful Honeyeaters, Yellow Oriole, Black Butcherbird, Mistletoebird, Yellow- bellied Sunbird and many more.
Seasonal variations include, at various times of the year, Red-necked Crake, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Rainbow Bee-Eater, Leaden and Satin Flycatchers, Spangled Drongo, Black-faced and Spectacled Monarchs, Victoria's Riflebird, Spotted Catbird and Metallic Starling.

Easy access to the Daintree River and a short drive to Daintree National Park. Excellent birdwatching opportunities, either escorted or independent, in a well known birding area. Expert birdwatching river cruises available locally.

Contact
Andrew and Trish Forsyth at
info@redmillhouse.com.au
or visit
http://www.redmillhouse.com.au

Cassowary House

Cassowary House is a small family run guest house situated in one of Far North Queenslands best birding locations. We are some 27 km and 35 minutes drive north west of Cairns, beautifully sited in World Heritage tropical rainforest.

We offer comfortable accommodation, excellent food and fantastic birding. Cassowaries, Victoria Riflebirds, Red-necked Crakes, Superb Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Pigeons, Chowchilla, Spectacled, White-eared and Pied Monarchs, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Spotted Catbird may all be seen around the property. Platypus are sometimes seen in our creek as well, and musky rat-kangaroos feed each day by the house, with the large white-tailed uromys and two species of bandicoot at night.

We are conveniently located as a centre for the Atherton Tableland and Cairns area in general. The 14 Tablelands bird endemics are all accessible during day trips from Cassowary House as is a wide selection of Australian wildlife. We offer expert guiding services if required and have great experience of birding in Australasia. We can help you make the most of your trip by arranging spotlighting, reef or river trips and are happy to recommend other great places to visit in Far North Queensland or elsewhere in Australia.
Please contact us or take a look at our web site for further information and do come for a memorable stay.
http://www.cassowary-house.com.au

Phil and Sue Gregory,
Cassowary House, PO Box 387, Kuranda, Queensland 4881

Phone Intl: 61 7 4093 7318 Within Australia: 07 4093 7318
Fax Intl: 61 7 4093 9855 Within Australia: 07 4093 9855
Eddress:sicklebill@optusnet.com.au

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat

On the unique Atherton Tablelands in tropical North Queensland. Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat has very private pole and timber chalets on a 230 acre property with rainforest and eucalypt forest which borders World Heritage Wet Tropics forest.

There are over 160 species of birds recorded. Some specialities are Blue-faced Finches (summer months), Chowchillas, Victoria's Riflebirds, King Parrots and Lesser Sooty Owls. Australia's smallest kangaroo the Musky rat kangaroo are here all year.

We have private bush walking tracks through the forests to rainforest streams with swimming holes and platypus viewing. We are centrally located on the Atherton Tablelands and an easy half hour's drive from the major natural attractions of the area.
http://www.rosegums.com.au
PO Box 776 Malanda 4885 Queensland Australia
Phone: (07) 4096 8360 International Phone: +61 7 4096 8360
Fax: (07) 4096 8230 International fax: +61 7 4096 8230

Pteropus House

Offers quiet self-contained accommodation in a valley of eucalypt / upland rainforest near Atherton.
Ideally situated for the rich birdwatching experience of the Atherton Tablelands Hastie Swamp and the Birds Australia information display are only 5 kms away. Pteropus means flying fox.

The onsite bat hospital offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these endearing animals. Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, an ability shared only with birds and insects. We coordinate the local rescue, rehabilitation and release work of the 5 local species of fruit bats and over 30 species of insectivorous bats. Your stay at Pteropus supports their survival.

Two private apartments are attached to the main house by verandahs each apartment is a double room with modern kitchen and ensuite, TV, and outside sitting area. Relax amid 5 acres of landscaped gardens, enjoy organic garden produce and the company of chickens and kelpies.

Wheelchair access. Venture out to experience the incredible diversity of landscape and wildlife of the Atherton Tablelands.
bed & breakfast ...budget ...birds ...bats
Ph/Fax 07 4091 2683
email: jenny.maclean@iig.com.au
PO Box 685 Atherton 4883 Australia
www.athertontablelands.com/bats

Fur 'n' Feathers Rainforest Tree Houses
 

Crater Lakes Rainforest Cottages, Lake Eacham, Nth Qld

Daintree Valley Haven

Sanctuary Retreat is an affordable accredited eco-tourism rainforest sanctuary at Mission Beach, North Queensland, half way between Townsville and Cairns. Set on over 50 acres of lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea, Sanctuary is as much a refuge for travellers as it is for wildlife. Designed to minimally impact on the outstanding natural values of the environment, Sanctuary offers guests an intimate, yet comfortable rainforest experience in a unique setting.

Sitting high on a hill to catch the cooling breezes and views across the forest to the Coral Sea beyond, the Sanctuary long house captures the essence of the tropics. Polished hardwood floors, high ceilings with fans lazily shifting the balmy air and a balcony situated perfectly to watch the sunrise heralded by a dawn chorus or a full moon appear out of the sea at sunset.

Accommodation is in secluded forest huts and cabins nestled under the rainforest canopy. Sanctuary offers guests a unique insight into the ecology of a tropical rainforest along with the knowledge that by staying at Sanctuary, they are contributing to the conservation of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Probably the best place in Australia to observe Cassowaries in their natural environment, Sanctuary Retreat offers a comprehensive bird list of birds seen on the property as well as birds frequenting the local area.

Sanctuary Retreat
72 Holt Rd
Bingil Bay

PO Box 398
Mission Beach
Qld 4852
Australia

Ph: +61 (0)7 4088 6064
Fax:+61 (0)7 4088 6071

Email:     seek@sanctuaryretreat.com.au
Website: http://www.sanctuaryretreat.com.au/

 

Cedar Park Resort

is situated in a picturesque setting on the edge of Ganyan Creek near Kuranda. Our lush rainforest features an impressive array of local flora and ancient trees and abundant wildlife.

If you love Nature this is the place to be! It is a perfect place to enjoy one of the best location within a short distance of Cairns. We provide a unique style of accommodation, featuring Gothic arches reminiscent of an old European monastery or castle.

Our 6 rooms are decorated individually and provide an interesting experience that is not found anywhere else.

Our al fresco Restaurant provides breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner for our in-house guests and is also open for the public on weekends ( Friday, Saturday and Sunday ). We are fully licensed and have a cosy Bar next to the fireplace.

Here are some special birds found at our place:

Double-eyed Fig-Parrot

Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher (summer migrant)

Rufous Owl

Wompoo Fruit-Dove

Square-tailed  Kite

Victoria's Riflebird

For more information: http://www.cedarparkresort.com.au/

Ph: +61 (0)7 4093 7892 

E-mail: cedarparkresort@bordernet.com.au

 

Honeyeater Homestay

is a tropical retreat styled within the rainforest and close to the beach. Our open plan living area overlooks our award winning garden which is a haven for birds and butterflies alike. We have many different fruit bearing trees in the garden including the Quandong tree which has a vital relationship with the Cassowary. We attract a variety of birds to the garden as it backs onto a creek and nature corridor. You can expect to see amongst other birds, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Spotted Catbird, Yellow-bellied sunbird and a variety of Honeyeaters….obviously.

Our ensuite accommodation offers the weary birdwatcher a relaxing and tranquil place to enjoy themselves. We cater for your taste buds with a mouth watering tropical breakfast with home made muffins and toasted muesli along with our freshly prepared fruit salads. All this on the veranda overlooking the local birdlife.

Nina and Luke share the same love for birds that you do and their passion for wildlife is addictive. They have between them travelled Europe, Southern Africa, USA and Asia on bird watching trips so are a good source of knowledge.

Since Luke discovered Digiscoping recently his passion for birds has transcended into photography further fuelled by the numerous birding experts who visit the area.

The Honeyeater is conveniently located close the 14-kilometer long beach (less than a minutes walk) and within easy reach of a number of good restaurants and shops.

Honeyeater Homestay

53 Reid Road

Mission Beach, QLD 4852

Tel: +61 7 40688741

e--mail: enquiry@honeyeater.com.au

Web site:  http://www.honeyeater.com.au

 

 

Jabiru Camp at the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve

Jabiru Safari Camp lies in the heart of the 5000 acre Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve -  a sanctuary for the wildlife of the Australian savannas and a haven for the nature lover. African style safari tents with en suite bathrooms and timber verandahs provide visitors with a touch of comfort whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the Outback. Each tent is fully insect screened with tea and coffee making facilities, queen or twin beds, and BBQ facilities are provided for overnight guests.  Guests at Jabiru Camp have exclusive access to the Reserve walks and wildlife at dawn and dusk, (the Reserve has a bird species list of 206 as well as many mammal species) and may also join one of the many tours from the Visitor Centre overlooking Clancy’s Lagoon.  Camp fires, bbq suppers, timber canoes and  resident wildlife experts complete the experience.  Jabiru Camp provides an ideal base from which to enjoy many of the Tableland attractions including local coffee plantations and wineries, the amazing regional birdlife, and is just an hour by car from Cairns or Port Douglas.  The Reserve is run by the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland and all income from sustainable tourism is reinvested into the Conservancy’s ongoing education, land management and conservation programmes.  By visiting the Reserve you are contributing to the protection of Australia’s precious natural heritage.

Web: www.mareebawetlands.com  Tel: ++7 4093 2514  Email:  info@wildlifequeensland.com.au

 

 

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Local Guides, Day Tours and Charters

 

Chris Dahlberg's Specialised River Tours, Daintree N. Qld

Daily dawn river tours starting from the Daintree Village Jetty for two hours. The emphasis is on birds with the Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Black Bitterns (Nov - Apr) and other local specialities like Papuan Frogmouths and Double-eyed Fig-parrots as target species.

This operation allows the guests to get closer than normal (1 meter) to difficult birds especially Shining Flycatchers, Azure Kingfishers and Nankeen Night Herons.
Phone/Fax: (07) 4098 7997 International: 61 7 4098 7997
http://home.austarnet.com.au/chrisld

Email: chrisld@austarnet.com.au

 

 

Fine Feather Tours

established in 1995 by Del & Pat Richards features a choice of three tours through all seven local habitats.

Tour 1. Full Day Bird Safari for keen dedicated birders. Starts in Wet Tropics lowlands, the afternoon is spent west of the Great Divide in dry woodland at the edge of the Outback.

Tour 2. Morning Bird/Wildlife Tour from lowlands to mountain rainforest around Julatten. We encounter many birds and some marsupials.

Tour 3. Afternoon Tour of lowland areas and experience the birds and wildlife of the Daintree River. Fully guided tour locating riverine bird species and Estuarine Crocodiles.

http://www.finefeathertours.com.au
Email: info@finefeathertours.com.au
P.O. Box 853 Mossman QLD 4873 Australia
Ph/Fax:(07) 4094 1199 International: +61 7 4094 1199

 

 

Kirrama Wildlife Tours Japoonvale, south of Cairns.

Owner/operators, Klaus and Brenda Uhlenhut have run fully accommodated birdwatching tours in tropical north Queensland since 1988. We are also available for charters (min. 2 days).
http://www.kirrama.com.au

Email: info@kirrama.com.au

P.O. Box 1400 Innisfail QLD 4860 Australia
Ph: (07) 4065 5181 Fax:(07) 4065 5197 International fax: +61 7 4065 5197

 

WILD WATCH AUSTRALIA

Specializing in Birdwatching, Wildlife Viewing, Nocturnal Wildlife 'Spotlighting', Platypus Viewing.

Personalised birding and wildlife excursions from one day to any duration, either fully accommodated or with guiding only. Wild Watch Australia offers the visitor an unparalleled opportunity to observe some of tropical North Queensland's unique birds and other wildlife in a diversity of habitats ranging from the high altitude rainforests of the Misty Mountains to coral cays of the Great Barrier Reef.

Operating mainly in the Cairns, Tablelands, Misty Mountains, Daintree and Great Barrier Reef  regions we also lead tours to most other notable birding and wildlife destinations around Australia.  

Wild Watch Australia owns a significant tract of highland rainforest and tall eucalypt woodland in the Misty Mountains. Listed as endangered and 'of concern' forest types, our 300 acre preserve provides excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. The preserve is situated at 1000 meters elevation and adjoins the largest single tract of tropical rainforest remaining in Australia. Two hundred and thirty-eight species of birds have been recorded from within the preserve including Golden Bowerbird, Victoria's Riflebird, Chowchilla, White-throated Nightjar, Blue-faced Finch, Cassowary, Emu, Squatter Pigeon, Bush Hen, Red-backed Button-quail, Square-tailed Kite and 5 species of owls.  In addition, the preserve provides habitat for 12 species of possums and resident populations of Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo, Platypus, Red-legged Pademelon, Swamp and Pretty-face Wallabies, Common Wallaroo and Dingo. Representatives of 11 of the world's 19 primitive plant families and a number of rare plants also occur within the preserve.

Jonathan Munro

Wild Watch Australia
http://www.wildwatch.com.au/
 

email: info@wildwatch.com.au
or      munro.jonathan@gmail.com.
or      jmunro@wildwatch.com.au
or      jmunro@austarnet.com.au


P.O. Box 707, Ravenshoe,
Queensland 4888
Australia
Phone/fax: (07)  4097 6747 or 4097 7408
International: +(617) 4097 7408
Mobile: 0429 438 064


 

Wait-A-While Rainforest Tours

Specialists in Australian soft adventure, wildlife and bird viewing experiences in small groups. On our Birding and Wildlife Tour, we experience a day full of adventure. The tour takes in the birding hotspots in Cairns itself, before heading to the Atherton Tablelands. We visit a variety of habitats, such as rainforest, woodland, wetland, grassland, and mangroves. This is the richest avifauna region in Australia. Expect to see between 90 and 110 species of birds in the day. Man of the birds, such as parrots and Kingfishers, are very colourful, while others exhibit bizarre behaviour, such as the courtship display of the Victoria’s Riflebird. In addition, we see a selection of other wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, reptiles and butterflies.


Kerryn and Ben

Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours


Ph: 07 4034 1202

Fax 07 4034 1202

P.O.Box 1471, Cairns

QLD, 4870


Web page: www.waitawhile.com.au

Email: bookings@waitawhile.com.au

 

Sicklebill Safaris at Cassowary House

We offer expert guiding around the local area based at Cassowary House, our naturalists guest house set within the rainforest. We can make an itinerary to suit your wishes whether you are a specialised twitcher or the most general of naturalists. We can offer pick up from other hotels and will do full or half-day trips as required. We also offer longer trips to Cape York and Iron Range, over to the dry country around Georgetown and to most other areas of Australia. Phil is also available for private tours to most areas of Australia.
He is a well-known tour leader for some of the international birding companies, and when he is not available we have other excellent local guides to assist. We have recorded some 328 species within a 2-hour drive of Cassowary House, and would expect well over 200 in a week.
Please contact us with your requirements and we will be happy to help. Why not visit our web site for more details?
www.cassowary-house.com.au
or contact us at:
Phil and Sue Gregory
Cassowary House, PO Box 387, Kuranda, Queensland 4881

Phone Intl: 61 7 4093 7318 Within Australia: 07 4093 7318
Fax Intl: 61 7 4093 9855 Within Australia: 07 4093 9855
Eddress:sicklebill@optusnet.com.au

 

"Wild Wings and  Swampy Things"

A two-hour guided walk on our privately owned Nature Refuge in the Daintree Valley provides some excellent birding opportunities. This is not a physically demanding tour; as we walk through several different habitats we are able to take time to enjoy the bird life.  More than 125 birds have been recorded so far with many species increasing in number as their habitat is enriched with vast areas of revegetation backing onto established forest.  Our long frontage on Barratt Creek affords some good views of rainforest edge and the extensive wetlands are easily enjoyed from a comfortable bird hide as well as from various other vantage points.

Tour times are flexible and can be arranged when you make a booking.  We can give you a good introduction to the natural world in the wet tropics that we hope you will find a very rewarding experience. 

For more details on our property and current bird news, please visit our web-site.
http://www.wildwings.com.au/

Personalised tours by prior appointment only.

Barbara Maslen and Allen Sheat