Australian Geographic Travel - QLD

Explore Far North Queensland's wildlife paradise on our small group tour, focusing on endemic species in the rainforest. Our passionate guides share their knowledge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, emphasizing wildlife observation and photography. Spot Southern Cassowaries, Tree Kangaroos, and Platypuses on our extensive trails and boardwalks, with exclusive access to private reserves for optimal wildlife viewing.

The Wet Tropics stretch from Townsville to Cooktown, covering approximately 9,000 square kilometres of rainforest interspersed with farmland, rivers, tropical savannah, as well as coastline and coral cays. This diverse array of habitats contributes to the region’s high biodiversity of flora and fauna. With over 450 recorded avian species, including 13 endemics, it is Australia’s premier bird-watching destination. You don’t have to travel far from Cairns to experience rich bird-watching opportunities in a variety of environments.

Join us on this journey as we explore a wide range of birding hotspots in Far North Queensland.

This tour can be booked in combination with our "Cape York Birdwatching Safari".

This Australian Geographic exclusive tour offers an immersive exploration of Heron and Wilson Island, famed for their vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. Led by a marine conservationist and naturalist, you'll gain a unique insight into island ecology and the critical conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef. Despite its small size, Heron Island hosts a significant portion of the reef's fish and coral species. The tour includes participation in the CoralWatch citizen science program and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ongoing research at the Heron Island Research Station.

Join us on an exciting expedition with Project Manta, led by Dr. Asia Haines, where you'll participate in manta ray conservation through photo-ID data collection. Learn about the population biology and ecology of manta rays while contributing to citizen science efforts. Enjoy relaxation on a magnificent island and gain insights into the "Leaf to Reef" project, exploring the island's revegetation impacts on groundwater, nesting birds, and coral health. Make a difference and give back to nature on this unforgettable journey!

Offered in partnership with Ancient Odysseys, this Australian Geographic Travel expedition will take you deep into the outback of Queensland, where you’ll join a palaeontology dig experience like no other. In the remote southwest town of Eulo, some ten species of extinct megafauna have been found. These animals lived around 150,000-50,000 years ago and included the world’s largest marsupial—the giant bear-shaped Diprotodon. And as with any palaeontology excavation, there is always the possibility of finding new species!

A 7-day birding and wildlife tour through the wild and remote Cape York Peninsula - a must see for all nature lovers and birders. We travel in comfortable 4x4 vehicles with only three guests and one guide per vehicle, ensuring window seating for all passengers.

Cape York has two true endemic birds - Golden-shouldered Parrot and White-streaked Honeyeater - which we hope to find. There are many other range-restricted bird species, including Spotted Whistling-duck, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Spotted Catbird, Frill-necked Monarch, Trumpet Manucode and Magnificent Riflebird.

The region also provides an opportunity of seeing other bird species that occur more widespread, like Red Goshawk, Sarus Crane, Bridled Tern, Lesser Frigatebird, Beach Stone-curlew, Eastern Grass Owl, Marbled Frogmouth, several fruit-doves and honeyeaters, and Black-throated and Star Finch.

Please note, departure 5-11 June & 19-25 August 2025 operate from Cairns to Lockhart River (Drive/Fly) and the departure 11-17 June & 25-31 August 2025 operate in reverse itinerary (Lockhart River to Cairns (Fly/Drive). Flights are NOT included, please contact us on travel@australiangeographic.com for more information.

This tour can be booked in combination with our North Queensland Tropical Birding Tour.

Spend 10 days exploring the vast, remote Channel Country, spread over 200,000km2 we’ll visit sweeping grassy plains, rocky spinifex outcrops and what can seem like endless red sand dunes. The very definition of Australia’s boom and bust cycle, we will cross areas that can be dry and desolate or green and lush depending on the last sporadic rainfall. Some of Australia’s most sought-after birds can be seen in this area such as 2 of Australia’s rarest raptors, the Grey Falcon and Letter-winged Kite. Budgerigars, Halls Babblers, Chestnut-breasted Quailthrush, Australian Bustard, 3 species of Grasswren and the gorgeous Rufous-crowned Emu-wren along with many other mammals, reptiles and flora will ensure a trip full of fantastic wildlife.