Atherton Tablelands Night Wildlife Tour from Cairns — Platypus, Tree-Kangaroos & Curtain Fig
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — short, sometimes uneven walks and periods of standing or crouching at dusk; suitable for most travelers who can handle stairs and gentle trails.
Overview
Ride the Gillies Range to volcanic lakes, dine in historic Yungaburra, and then head into the world of nocturnal rainforest life. This small-group evening tour from Cairns specializes in close-up encounters with platypus, tree-kangaroos and other rare wildlife.
Atherton Tablelands Night Wildlife Tour from Cairns — Platypus, Tree-Kangaroos & Curtain Fig
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The van peels away from Cairns at midday and the city’s humidity thins as the road climbs the Gillies Range. You feel the rise before you see it: the air cools, eucalypts give way to broad-leaf rainforest and the world narrows to the hiss of tires and the guide’s low commentary. By afternoon the group is sitting on the verandah at Lake Barrine, tea steaming in hand, watching a glassy volcanic crater reflect the understorey light. This is the slow breath before night—when the Tablelands rearrange their order and the animals that avoid daytime crowds begin to move.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Call for pickup time
Pickup windows vary across Cairns—call the operator the morning of your tour to confirm and be ready 60 minutes before departure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop on the Tablelands after sunset—bring a warm jacket and closed-toe shoes for slippery boardwalks.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes are generally low but protection helps during dusk spotlighting near water.
Low-light photography
Use a fast lens and high ISO; guides provide spotlights but keep flash off to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Platypus
- Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo
History
The Tablelands’ crater lakes are relics of volcanic activity; towns like Yungaburra grew with timber and agricultural settlement in the late 1800s.
Conservation
Platypus and many rainforest species depend on clean waterways; stick to trails, avoid contaminating streams and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Grippy shoes protect on muddy boardwalks and uneven rainforest trails.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Necessary for dusk hours near streams during the wet season.
summer specific
Headlamp or compact torch
Hands-free light for moving between cars and trails after dark; guides also use spotlights.
Light fleece or rain jacket
Nights on the plateau can be cool and wet—layers keep you comfortable.
winter specific