Cairns: Night Wildlife Walk in the Botanic Gardens

4.9
(156 reviews)
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Most people walk through Cairns Botanic Gardens and see plants. Bridgette Gower walks through and sees a thousand tiny creatures.

With over 2,000 hours in these gardens, she knows where White-lipped Tree Frogs shelter, where Net-casting Spiders set up at dusk, and which host plants the caterpillars favour. On this two-hour night walk, she shares all of it, from Striped Possums to Papuan Frogmouths.

The route changes with the season. Frogs are reliable year-round. Expect eyeshines before you see the creatures behind them, and the chance to photograph a Papuan Frogmouth sitting perfectly still.

Groups are capped at eight. Bridgette gives real attention to your questions, interests, and camera settings. Photography guidance is part of the experience.

Camera hire available from A$40 to A$80. Beginner to advanced options. Reserve after booking, pay on the day.

Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and long sleeves.

What's Included

Expert guided nature walk (2 hours)
Camera hire available from A$40-$80 (reserve after booking, pay on the day)
Photography guidance throughout
Safety briefing at meeting point
Head torches provided
Food and beverages
Transport to and from the meeting point
Camera hire (available to add on, not included in the tour price)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Meet at the Cairns Botanic Gardens main entrance on Collins Avenue. Look for the Telstra Public Phone Box. Meet your guide 10 minutes before departure, or 30 minutes if renting camera equipment. Free parking is available on Collins Avenue. The closest cross street is McCormack Street.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Start at Cairns Botanic Gardens main entrance, Collins Avenue. Look for the Telstra Public Phone Box at the entrance. Free parking on Collins Avenue. Meet your guide 10 minutes before departure or 30 minutes if renting camera equipment. Your guide runs a short briefing at the meeting point covering the route, what to expect, and how to move quietly around wildlife. The walk begins along the boardwalk, following a route adapted for the season. Your guide leads you to the host plants and habitats most active for nocturnal wildlife. Stop at each sighting for as long as you need. Photography guidance is given on the spot. Common sightings include Frogs, Huntsman spiders, Net-casting Spiders, and Garden Orb-weavers, Stick Insects, Bugs and Beetles. Depending on the season, expect possible sightings of Striped Possums, Papuan Frogmouths, Speckled Flying Foxes, Geckos, snakes, and eels in the garden waterways. The walk returns to the main entrance at approximately the 2-hour mark. Your guide is available for questions before you leave.

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not suitable for children under 8 years of age
  • Not suitable for guests with limited mobility on uneven terrain
  • There are water stations throughout the walk
  • There is no obligation to take photos and we welcome all guests to enjoy the walk through nature
Supplied by Aussie Macro Photos
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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Photography Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Wildlife Watching
Photo Shoots
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Involves Animals
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 156 156 reviews
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