Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Experience one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife moments on this small-group eco tour from Airlie Beach to Cape Hillsborough National Park.
Before most people are awake, you’ll be standing on the sand watching wild kangaroos and wallabies move along the shoreline as the sun comes up over the Coral Sea. No fences, no crowds, no feeding shows. Just a quiet beach, soft morning light, and animals going about their dawn routine while you watch from a few metres away.
We handle the 3 am start and the 1.5‑hour drive each way, so you don’t have to. Travel in a modern air‑conditioned vehicle with an eco‑certified local guide, arrive at the right time for sunrise, and warm up with coffee and an Aussie drover’s breakfast before heading back to Airlie Beach.
With small groups, comfortable transport, and one of the most photographed wildlife experiences in the country, this morning is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to see the “real Australia” beyond the islands.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will collect you from the front of your accommodation. The driver will have a sign and be wearing a green shirt.
If you are not at your pickup location stated in the booking, the driver will call the number used to make the booking. Please ensure this phone number is active and switched on to avoid missing the tour.
Itinerary
-
1Airlie Beach
The Drive Down (approx. 1.5 hours) We head south from Airlie Beach in the early hours, so this is your chance to rest up before the magic happens. Get comfortable, close your eyes, and let us take care of the driving. Bring a pillow if you can — you'll thank yourself later.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Cape Hillsborough National Park
Wild kangaroos and wallabies come down to the beach at first light. You'll stand a few metres away, watching them move through the low morning light — no fences, no feeding, just wildlife doing what it does at dawn. Cape Hillsborough National Park sits 1.5 hours south of Airlie Beach, where rainforest meets the Coral Sea. It's quiet, it's beautiful, and most visitors have never heard of it. We keep groups small — maximum 10 guests per guide — so there's no jostling for position and no rushing. Our guides are fully eco-certified and know this park well. They'll give you context without over-talking the moment. After the wildlife encounter, we sit down together for a homemade breakfast. Guests talk about it long after the tour. Return transport from Airlie Beach is included, so you don't need a car. If you want a genuine wildlife experience — not a performance — this is it. Book your spot before it fills.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Airlie Beach
The Drive Back (approx. 1.5 hours) The world looks very different in the daylight. As we make our way back to Airlie Beach, keep your eyes on the window — ancient granite-topped mountains dating back millions of years rise up from the landscape, alongside pockets of lush rainforest and sweeping sugar cane fields. It's a beautiful end to the morning, and a reminder that the scenery here is special long after you leave the beach.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
