Atherton Tablelands Birdwatching

Atherton Tablelands birdwatching is world famous, with many sites ranging across a wide diversity of habitat. From upland rainforests, wet sclerophyll forest and eucalypt woodlands, to wetlands and farmlands. Of the 760 or so bird species in Australia, more than 300 can be found on the relatively small area known as the Atherton Tablelands, also known as the Cairns Highlands.
Atherton, situated in the centre of the Atherton Tablelands, is a haven for bird watching, photographers, artists and natural history enthusiasts.

Positioned at the summit of Hallorans Hill Conservation Park, (an extinct “rain forested” volcanic crater), at an altitude of approx 800m, with panoramic 180 deg views, from the towns highest point. The Summit Rainforest Retreat provides an ideal base for daily visits to all Atherton Tablelands bird watching sites in the region, as well as your own rainforest walks on site. Bird watching species include the Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Pacific Baza and Macleay’s Honeyeater.
The Summit Rainforest Retreat is also centrally located for easy access to the other attractions of Tropical North Queensland, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree, Mission Beach and Cairns.
Atherton Tablelands birdwatching sites within a short 10 min drive include: Malanda Falls Environmental Park, Bromfield Swamp, Lake Barrine National Park & Lake Eacham National Park, Curtain Fig State Forest, Hasties Swamp National Park, Wongabel State Forest, Mt Hypipamee National Park, Lake Tinaroo, Danbulla State Forest and Nardello’s Lagoon.

A highlight for the Atherton Tablelands bird watcher, is the Mareeba Wetlands. This is the Atherton Tableland's most comprehensive, purpose built, bird watching facility. The Reserve is located 35 minutes drive from The Summit and currently boasts a species list of 204! The Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve is situated on the East Asian/Australasian flyway and provides a unique environment in which to enjoy Australia’s tropical wetland and savannah birds. The 5,000 acre Reserve has sweeping views from the wide verandah of the Visitors Centre, across Clancy’s Lagoon to the mountains beyond. The lagoons, which range in size from several hundred acres to much smaller intimate habitats, attract a rich and diverse bird life and provide a sanctuary for almost all of Australia’s tropical waterbirds.

From the Visitors Centre, take one of the marked interpretive walks or join a paid tour of the Wetlands with a Savannah Guide. The Reserve also has some excellent examples of open tropical savannah woodland and closely related regional ecosystems, where many species of bushland birds, including such rarities as Black-throated Finches and Buff-breasted Button-quail, have been recorded. It is also the location for a landmark Gouldian Finch reintroduction programme.

A visiting bird watcher can expect to get up to 60 species during a day’s visit. Special opening times may be organised for bird watching groups by prior arrangement only. The resident wardens can provide up to date information on the birds and where to locate them. The wetlands are closed from January to April.


GUIDING SERVICE
Alan Gillanders (Atherton Tablelands naturalist expert), provides a personalised, birding guide service for half, full day and longer periods as required. This service is available throughout the Tablelands for birds and other native animals. Please contact John and Helen at Summit Rainforest Retreat, if you require Alan's rates or more information. Bookings are essential for this service.
Alan is a local tablelander who grew up on western Cape York Peninsula. His interest in natural history has been life long. While earning his living as a teacher Alan lead botanical, geological and birding tours for various local, interstate and international interest groups and operators. Alan has been a national park volunteer for a decade, leading many public activities including spotlighting tours.

So how do you get to the Atherton Tablelands ??

The nearest airport is Cairns International. To head straight for the Tablelands from the airport, head north along the Captain Cook Highway, and take the Kuranda Range Road which takes you all the way to Mareeba. Follow the signs south to Atherton. There is an alternative route to the Tablelands from Cairns, which is the Gillies Highway. This highway is some 30 kms south of Cairns, starts at Gordonvale and leads all the way into Atherton via Yungaburra. This route is not recommended unless you particularly like motion sickness - there is a 20 km stretch that has over 300 bends !! However, if you do take this route, you will be rewarded with the following points of interest :-
The Cathedral Fig Tree - over 500 years old
Lake Barrine - has a lovely historical Tea House....the scones and tea are legendary, and then take a 45 minute cruise around the lake
The historic village of Yungaburra
The Curtain Fig Tree - also over 500 years old

PORT DOUGLAS/DAINTREE -
ATHERTON TABLELANDS

From the Port Douglas and Daintree areas, travel up the Rex Range towards the small town of Mt Molloy. You are now at the Northern end of the Atherton Tablelands. Follow the signs to Mareeba and then onto Atherton.
On the way there are numerous things to do including :-
Golden Drop Mango Winery - This plantation has approximately 19,000 mango trees.
Mareeba Wetlands - Conservation Wetlands with visitors centre and Rangers cruise
The "Coffee Works" at Mareeba - Coffee Interpretative and Tasting Attraction.
Granite Gorge - Walk this unique gorge and feed the native rock wallabies.
Nardello's Lagoon
Tolga Woodworks – local wood craftsmen as well as art and sculptures.

MISSION BEACH - ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Travel North along the Bruce Highway, and just after Innisfail, turn left onto the Palmerston Highway. Follow the raod to Millaa Millaa, then Malanda and finally follow the signs to Atherton. Places of interest along the way include

Crawfords Lookout - Looking down on the Wooroonooran National Park, spectacular walking tracks
The 'Waterfall Circuit' - including the famous Millaa Millaa Falls
The Malanda Dairy Centre - take tour round the Dairy and visit their museum

John and Helen at Summit Rainforest Retreat

John and Helen at Atherton Blue Gum

Mick and Sue at Licuala Lodge

Keith and Lindsay at Kingfisher Park

Andrew and Trish at Red Mill House
 

Atherton Tablelands birdwatching - as good as it gets in Queensland