A platypus swims in greenish water, showing its flat bill, webbed feet, and brown fur—an unforgettable sight often encountered on a wildlife tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
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Atherton Tablelands Nature and Wildlife Tour

from A$450
9 hours
Cairns
All Ages (7+)
Free Cancellation (7 days prior)

Spend a day on the Atherton Tablelands with FNQ Nature Tours, in a small group of up to 11. Look for wild platypus near Yungaburra and tree kangaroos at Malanda, walk the rainforest at Lake Barrine, swim at Lake Eacham and finish at the 800 year old Cathedral Fig Tree. Morning tea and lunch included.

  • A platypus swims in greenish water, showing its flat bill, webbed feet, and brown fur—an unforgettable sight often encountered on a wildlife tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A calm lake reflects green trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds, with dense foliage visible along the water’s edge—a picturesque scene typical of the Atherton Tablelands, perfect for a relaxing nature tour.
  • A turtle swims near the surface of clear blue water, with its legs and head visible above the surface—an enchanting moment often witnessed during a Wildlife Tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A green and yellow bird with a slender black beak is perched on a bare, curved branch against a blurred green background, capturing the vibrant beauty often admired on an Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour.
  • A white boat with a red roof travels across calm blue-green water, leaving a small wake behind—a perfect setting for a nature tour. The green shoreline of the Atherton Tablelands is partially visible on the left.
  • Two scones topped with red jam and whipped cream sit on a white plate, placed on a glass table with blurred dishes and cups in the background—an inviting treat to enjoy after a day exploring the Atherton Tablelands on a wildlife tour.
  • Aerial view of a waterfront house with a jetty, small boats moored, and a larger boat nearby on a body of water surrounded by the lush greenery reminiscent of the Atherton Tablelands—perfect for inspiring your next nature tour or wildlife tour adventure.
  • Two people stand smiling in front of a calm lake, surrounded by green trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds—capturing the serene beauty of an Atherton Tablelands nature tour.
  • A man in outdoor clothing and a hat sits cross-legged on a grassy hill in the Atherton Tablelands, pointing towards distant mountains under a cloudy sky, capturing the spirit of a true nature tour.
  • Table set with tea, cups, cream-topped scones, and condiments beside a tranquil lake framed by trees—an idyllic setting for a nature tour through the picturesque Atherton Tablelands.
  • A platypus swims near the surface of murky water in the Atherton Tablelands, creating ripples around its body—an enchanting sight often experienced on a wildlife tour.
  • A lizard sits on a partially submerged log in a green, leafy river environment—an idyllic scene you might encounter on an Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour—with water and lush vegetation visible in the background.
  • A brown and black tree kangaroo climbs among leafy branches in a forested area of the Atherton Tablelands, gripping a branch with its front paws—a remarkable sight often encountered on a wildlife tour or nature tour in this lush region.
  • A black cormorant with a white patch on its face stands on a partially submerged branch above the water, with tall green grass in the background—a serene moment often encountered during a Nature Tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
  • Three adults stand in a forest in the Atherton Tablelands looking up; one woman holds binoculars, while two men behind her observe the trees during their nature tour.
  • A person walks on a path through dense green trees, with large exposed roots visible to the right, viewed from above—capturing the tranquil beauty of a wildlife tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • Three people stand on a suspended bridge in a lush forest of the Atherton Tablelands, looking up at the towering trees. The group, enjoying a nature tour, includes two men and one woman, all dressed in casual outdoor clothing.
  • A person wearing a hat photographs a large black snake coiled in tall grass near a metal railing, capturing a moment typical of an Atherton Tablelands wildlife tour.
  • Two people interact near a wooden fence under a large tree, overlooking the scenic landscape of hills and fields characteristic of the Atherton Tablelands, beneath a partly cloudy sky.
  • Two people stand close together and smile on a narrow path surrounded by dense, green tropical forest vegetation during the daytime, capturing the essence of an unforgettable Nature Tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A person wearing a hat stands on a wooden boardwalk taking a photo in the dense, green forest of the Atherton Tablelands during a nature tour.
  • Two people walk along a wooden boardwalk beneath a large tree with extensive aerial roots in a dense forest, immersing themselves in the wonders of an Atherton Tablelands Nature Tour.
  • A person wearing a hat and light clothing walks away on a narrow wooden suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by dense green foliage—an inviting scene reminiscent of a tranquil Nature Tour through the lush Atherton Tablelands.
  • Person wearing a hat stands on a wooden platform, looking up at two tall trees surrounded by dense green forest in daylight—a perfect moment on a Nature Tour through the lush Atherton Tablelands.
  • Buildings and boats are visible along a tree-covered shoreline beside a calm body of water under daylight, offering a picturesque setting ideal for a relaxing Nature Tour or Wildlife Tour in the scenic Atherton Tablelands.
  • A person in outdoor clothing stands on a wooden walkway, looking up at a large tree with sprawling roots and branches in the dense Atherton Tablelands forest—a perfect moment captured during a Nature Tour.
  • A platypus swims in greenish water, showing its flat bill, webbed feet, and brown fur—an unforgettable sight often encountered on a wildlife tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A calm lake reflects green trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds, with dense foliage visible along the water’s edge—a picturesque scene typical of the Atherton Tablelands, perfect for a relaxing nature tour.
  • A turtle swims near the surface of clear blue water, with its legs and head visible above the surface—an enchanting moment often witnessed during a Wildlife Tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A green and yellow bird with a slender black beak is perched on a bare, curved branch against a blurred green background, capturing the vibrant beauty often admired on an Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour.
  • A white boat with a red roof travels across calm blue-green water, leaving a small wake behind—a perfect setting for a nature tour. The green shoreline of the Atherton Tablelands is partially visible on the left.
  • Two scones topped with red jam and whipped cream sit on a white plate, placed on a glass table with blurred dishes and cups in the background—an inviting treat to enjoy after a day exploring the Atherton Tablelands on a wildlife tour.
  • Aerial view of a waterfront house with a jetty, small boats moored, and a larger boat nearby on a body of water surrounded by the lush greenery reminiscent of the Atherton Tablelands—perfect for inspiring your next nature tour or wildlife tour adventure.
  • Two people stand smiling in front of a calm lake, surrounded by green trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds—capturing the serene beauty of an Atherton Tablelands nature tour.
  • A man in outdoor clothing and a hat sits cross-legged on a grassy hill in the Atherton Tablelands, pointing towards distant mountains under a cloudy sky, capturing the spirit of a true nature tour.
  • Table set with tea, cups, cream-topped scones, and condiments beside a tranquil lake framed by trees—an idyllic setting for a nature tour through the picturesque Atherton Tablelands.
  • A platypus swims near the surface of murky water in the Atherton Tablelands, creating ripples around its body—an enchanting sight often experienced on a wildlife tour.
  • A lizard sits on a partially submerged log in a green, leafy river environment—an idyllic scene you might encounter on an Atherton Tablelands Wildlife Tour—with water and lush vegetation visible in the background.
  • A brown and black tree kangaroo climbs among leafy branches in a forested area of the Atherton Tablelands, gripping a branch with its front paws—a remarkable sight often encountered on a wildlife tour or nature tour in this lush region.
  • A black cormorant with a white patch on its face stands on a partially submerged branch above the water, with tall green grass in the background—a serene moment often encountered during a Nature Tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
  • Three adults stand in a forest in the Atherton Tablelands looking up; one woman holds binoculars, while two men behind her observe the trees during their nature tour.
  • A person walks on a path through dense green trees, with large exposed roots visible to the right, viewed from above—capturing the tranquil beauty of a wildlife tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • Three people stand on a suspended bridge in a lush forest of the Atherton Tablelands, looking up at the towering trees. The group, enjoying a nature tour, includes two men and one woman, all dressed in casual outdoor clothing.
  • A person wearing a hat photographs a large black snake coiled in tall grass near a metal railing, capturing a moment typical of an Atherton Tablelands wildlife tour.
  • Two people interact near a wooden fence under a large tree, overlooking the scenic landscape of hills and fields characteristic of the Atherton Tablelands, beneath a partly cloudy sky.
  • Two people stand close together and smile on a narrow path surrounded by dense, green tropical forest vegetation during the daytime, capturing the essence of an unforgettable Nature Tour in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • A person wearing a hat stands on a wooden boardwalk taking a photo in the dense, green forest of the Atherton Tablelands during a nature tour.
  • Two people walk along a wooden boardwalk beneath a large tree with extensive aerial roots in a dense forest, immersing themselves in the wonders of an Atherton Tablelands Nature Tour.
  • A person wearing a hat and light clothing walks away on a narrow wooden suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by dense green foliage—an inviting scene reminiscent of a tranquil Nature Tour through the lush Atherton Tablelands.
  • Person wearing a hat stands on a wooden platform, looking up at two tall trees surrounded by dense green forest in daylight—a perfect moment on a Nature Tour through the lush Atherton Tablelands.
  • Buildings and boats are visible along a tree-covered shoreline beside a calm body of water under daylight, offering a picturesque setting ideal for a relaxing Nature Tour or Wildlife Tour in the scenic Atherton Tablelands.
  • A person in outdoor clothing stands on a wooden walkway, looking up at a large tree with sprawling roots and branches in the dense Atherton Tablelands forest—a perfect moment captured during a Nature Tour.

Quick read before you book.

  • Search for wild platypus near Yungaburra
  • Spot Lumholtz's tree kangaroos at Malanda
  • Swim in the volcanic crater lake at Lake Eacham
  • Stand under the 800 year old Cathedral Fig Tree
  • Small group of 11 guests at most

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.9 Stars|41 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom so you don't miss a thing.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Pick up and drop off from Cairns, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove
  • Interpretive nature guide
  • Morning tea with tea, coffee and scones at Lake Barrine
  • Lunch
  • Binoculars and umbrellas
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Entry to Malanda Conservation Park

Commonly asked questions.

Pick up is from Cairns, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove from 7:30am. You'll be back between 5:00 and 5:30pm.

Your guide takes you to spots where wild platypus and Lumholtz's tree kangaroos are regularly seen, but they're wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed. Binoculars are supplied to help.

Yes, there's time to swim at Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake. Bring a towel and spare clothes.

Expect around 3 to 4 km in total, spread across several short rainforest walks. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Yes, rainforest tours aren't cancelled for rain. The guide carries umbrellas and adjusts the itinerary. Tours may be cancelled if a cyclone is approaching.

Yes, the minimum age for this tour is 7. A minimum of two guests is needed for the tour to run.

Morning tea with tea, coffee and scones at Lake Barrine and lunch are included. Let the operator know about dietary needs when you book.

The vehicle has a step entry with no wheelchair ramp, and most stops don't have accessible bathrooms. Please contact the operator before booking to discuss your needs.

Yes. If you'd like to see nocturnal animals, the Daintree afternoon and nocturnal tour heads out after dark. Group nocturnal tours aren't suitable for children under 14.
Most visitors want at least one reef day and one rainforest day. Our guide to how many days to spend in Cairns helps you plan the split.

More about this tour.

Most Tablelands day trips are built around waterfalls and lookouts. This one is built around animals. FNQ Nature Tours keeps groups to a maximum of 11, travels with binoculars on board, and plans the day around the places where wild platypus, Lumholtz's tree kangaroos and rainforest birds are most likely to show themselves.The day starts with the view from Heales Lookout over the Goldsborough Valley, then a rainforest walk at Lake Barrine with tea, coffee and scones by the water. Near Yungaburra your guide goes looking for wild platypus, before you can take a swim in the crater lake at Lake Eacham. At Malanda Conservation Park you'll search the canopy for tree kangaroos near Malanda Falls, and the day ends beneath the 800 year old Cathedral Fig Tree.Expect around 3 to 4 km of easy walking across the day, with morning tea and lunch included. If birds are your thing, the Cairns to Tablelands birdwatching tour goes deeper, and our guide to eco tours in Australia explains what to look for in a responsible operator.Pick up is from Cairns, Trinity Beach or Palm Cove from 7:30am. Check availability for your dates.

Additional info.

Pick up: From 7:30am in Cairns, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. The tour runs for around nine hours, returning between 5:00 and 5:30pm.Group size: Minimum 2 and maximum 11 guests. Minimum age is 7.Walking: Around 3 to 4 km in total, spread across several short walks.Weather: Tours run in the rain, with umbrellas supplied and the itinerary adjusted to suit conditions.What to bring:
  • Hat, sunglasses and good walking shoes
  • Water bottle, camera and a small day pack
  • Towel and spare clothes for swimming
  • A light jacket for cool Tablelands mornings
The tour vehicle has a step entry, so please contact the operator before booking if you have mobility needs.