Wooroonooran Rainforest Safari

Full day, daily departures from Cairns and beaches.
10 hours relaxed sightseeing around World Heritage listed Wooroonooran (Bellenden Ker) National Park south of Cairns.
6 hours out of the vehicle in spectacular locations without time pressure.
Suited to nature lovers at all ages who want to escape the crowded mass-tourism areas.

Pick-up time is 07.30am from the Northern Beaches and 08.00am from Cairns.

The mysterious Babinda Boulders are located between Queensland’s two highest mountains Mt. Bartle Frere (1622 m) and Mt. Bellenden Ker (1592 m). In this area several rainforest creeks form a spectacular gorge, alongside cascades, waterfalls and swimming holes. We begin with a walk to the Boulders Lookout and the bottom of the Boulders Gorge where the scenery is overwhelming in its beauty and diversity. The reflections of the sky and the rainforest result in beautiful water colours. At the lookout our experienced guide tells the mysterious Aboriginal legend about the creation of the Boulders. This area contains the most complex and diverse type of rainforest in Australia and our guide explains many facets of the fauna and flora.

After the walk everybody can cool down and swim in the crystal-clear water of the main swimming lagoon. The more adventurous can swing "Tarzan-style" into the water with the help of a rope hanging from a tree.

Among the wildlife regularly spotted are: turtles, kingfishers and several fish species.

Eubenangee Swamp is surrounded by rainforest, grasslands and paperbark forest. These different habitats attract a wide range of bird species; about 200 have been officially recorded which is approximately ¼ of the entire Australian bird population. Here we observe, with telescope and binoculars, a large number of different birds. Our guide helps in spotting and identifying different species.

An Italian-Australian buffet lunch is served at Roscoe's Restaurant offering a great variety of exquisite dishes.

The exciting Johnstone River Crocodile Farm near Innisfail houses the largest collection of big Estuarine Crocodiles in North Queensland. Many are former problem crocodiles from the wild which have attacked or threatened humans. They were caught by the owner of the farm, Mick Tabone, who is a well-known character in the area. The biggest crocodile, called Gregory, is responsible for the death of about 50 head of cattle. Gregory is 5.2 m long and weighs 1200 kg.

Other animals include Freshwater Crocodiles, many different kangaroo species, Southern Cassowaries, Emus and a Dingo. We hand-feed the kangaroos and emus.

Josephine Falls are located at the foot of Mt Bartle Frere. We take a short walk to this impressive series of falls which cascade into large pools surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The constant moisture has encouraged a strong growth of mosses, lichens and orchids on the massive boulders and trees. Take the plunge from the exciting natural rockslide (life vests are provided for children).

The picturesque Goldsborough Valley is situated at the inland site of the Bellenden Ker Range. The valley was the former site of a gold rush and the former home of the Yidindji-Aborigines. Here we walk to the impressive Kearney’s Falls lookout and explain about the lifestyle of Aborigines in the rainforest and the impact of the white settlement.
This area is also the home of the Buff-Breasted Paradise Kingfisher which we frequently encounter.

We arrive in Cairns at approx. 6.00pm and at the Northern Beaches at 6.30pm.

Features

• Birdwatching in Eubenangee Swamp National Park (binoculars provided)
• Cuddle a crocodile or a python at the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm
• Sumptuous buffet lunch at Roscoe's Restaurant
• Swimming in crystal clear lagoon at the mysterious Babinda Boulders
• Fun & excitement on the rock slide of thundering Josephine Falls
• Learn about Aboriginal culture in the secluded Goldsborough Valley
• Departs: From Cairns at 08.00am, Northern Beaches at 07.30am
• Returns: To Cairns at 6.00pm, Northern Beaches at 6.30pm
  

Note: Out of 6 locations a minimum of 5 are visited according to weather conditions.

This is one of Cairns best day tours. The areas visited do not have the international fame of the Daintree area and are therefore much less visited by tourists. The variety of habitats and wildlife that you can see on this tour is extraordinary. The tour is arranged by an excellent tour company with a view for real nature experiences.