Wildlife Locations

The Atherton Tablelands and regions beyond have some of the best locations for spotting wildlife in its natural habitat.

The diverse landscapes contribute to the exciting range of animals present in our area.  Here are some of the locations you can spot our wildlife:

Northern Region:

Kuranda - In the areas around Kuranda you may spot the elusive Cassowary (try a quite walk down Black Mountain Road).  In Kuranda itself there are wildlife parks where you can see the animals up close, such as Rainforestation, Birdworld, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird Aviary, Australian Venom Zoo, Koala Gardens and Bat Reach. By doing the Kuranda Riverboat Cruise, you can also see plenty of turtles, lizards and a variety of large fish.

Mareeba Wetlands - As well as the many bird species, the areas around the wetlands is home to numerous kangaroo and wallaby species and the endangered Northern Bettong.

Granite Gorge - The granite boulders are a perfect backdrop to a colony of rock wallabies.  The wallabies are very tame, and you can get very close.  There is a small entrance fee to enter the gorge.

Central Region:

Tolga Scrub - in this remnant of Mabi Rainforest, you can see the Spectacled flying foxes in resident.  The Tolga scrub is right on the Kennedy Highway just outside the township of Atherton (heading towards Mareeba).  Entrance to the scrub is near the playground area, opposite the "Humpy" fruit and vege shop.

Crater Lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine - as well as the birds, you can spot the Musky Rat-kangaroo as you walk around the lakes during the day.  Turtles and fish can be seen in the waters.  If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful Amethystine python (harmless) sunbaking at the watersedge, or a water dragon on a branch overhanging the water.  The Boyds Forest Dragon may also be seen.  The Brush Turkeys scratch around the area, building huge mounds of leaf litter to lay their eggs. At lake Barrine you can also see eels.

Peterson Creek in Yungabura - the viewing platform and along Peterson creek is very good for spotting the elusive platypus.  Also tree kangaroos and wallabies are spotted here.

Malanda Falls - This is a good place to see tree kangaroos.  There is a walking path through the forest opposite the carpark.  It follows the river, where you can see turtles and platypus, and the brush turkeys and scrub fowls are in resident.  Go spotlighting at night time to see possums and a possiblity of the rare tree kangaroo.

Wongabel State Forest - There is a self guiding walk through rare Mabi-type rainforest.  You may spot the Lumholtz tree kangaroo, as well as possums and birds.

Southern Region:

Mt Hypipamee National Park - As well as a good range of birds, this upland rainforest supports eight possum species and the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo. This is a great location to go spotlighting at night.

Outback Region:

Undara National Park - the open woodland and savanna grass lands are a good location for spotting kangaroos, wallabies and emus.  You can take a spotlighting  tour that features thousands of  bats leaving their lava tube homes in the evening.

Images from top: Southern Cassowary (Holmes), Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo, Red Legged Pademelon, Hercules Moth (JWright).  All images are copyright and not to be reproduced.