Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
See Australia's unique animals and birds in their natural environment on a rainforest wildlife-spotting tour in the Atherton Tablelands. Led by an expert nature guide, your small-group nocturnal tour visits a number of locations including lush tropical rainforest and a volcanic crater lake. See tree kangaroos, lizards and musky rat kangaroo by day, and search for platypus at dusk. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant, then go spotlighting for possum, bandicoots, owls, bats and tree kangaroos by starlight on this fascinating nocturnal wildlife tour.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please wear closed toe shoes and a jacket for night time.
A moderate amount of walking is involve. Low fitness level required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please bring insect spray as this is not provided
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Barrine
After our drive from Cairns up the scenic but very twisty Gillies Range Road we arrive at Lake Barrine. A beautiful volcanic crater lake surrounded by the Rainforest. Firstly we take a break for afternoon tea and there is no better setting than Lake Barrine to enjoy it. Afterwards we take a slow walk through the surrounding forest searching for Forest Dragons and Musky Rat Kangaroos!
Atherton Tablelands
There is no better place close to Cairns to see some of the rarest animals in Australia in the wild. We spend the majority of our tour exploring the region searching for wildlife. Walking through the oldest tropical rainforest in the world is an amazing experience by itself. You will be immersed with all the sights and sounds within it. In the late afternoon coming up to sunset we then go searching for the Platypus. The thrill of catching sight of this amazing creature will always stay with you. We do not stop looking until we run out of time to make sure you get the best possible chance of success. That is why we really do see them 90% of the time :)
What‘s Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Afternoon tea
All equipment (binoculars, spotlighting gear, rain ponchos, reference materials)
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
National Park fee
Drinks, unless specified
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
RainForest by Night ex Cairns
RainForest by Night Cairns: Atherton Tablelands Rain Forest by Night from Cairns
Pickup included
Reviews
422 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
amazing night tool full...
Wenjiao G,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00amazing night tool full exploration of rainforest by day and night. the guide Paul is super knowledgable and give us lots of fun facts of queensland. the afternoon tea and dinner is also very decent. A great experience overall and recommend to everyone who want to explore the rainforest.
We searched for platypus and saw natural wonders as well as other animals. It was a twisty turning drive up into the mo
OnAir826847,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the guide Paul very much. He was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Amazing tour to explore...
Weronika K,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour to explore the oldest rain forest. Paul was a passionate and very experienced guide, and made sure we saw lots of wiildlife, including platypus.
Amazing Atherton Tablelands
Jennifer D,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide, Paul was experienced and knowledgeable. He took us to a number of places and on short hikes through the Rainforest that we would never have found on our own. A highlight was spotting the platypus after a bit of a wait and walking along a road after dark to spot a tree kangaroo, paddymelons, and possums. It was a very interesting experience. Paul drove up and down the twisty, winding Gillies highway with expertise. Dinner in Yungaburra was delicious.
Animals in nature...
Julie B,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We searched out platypus, bats, possums, wallabies and so much more. Our guide provided his photos which were much better quality than mine. Dinner was really good. I can recommend this trip for people who want to chase around a rainforest looking for animals.
Had a wonderful time!
JB-Taos,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When we were out of the van, it was fast-paced. We chased platypus up and down the river. Spotted pademelons, wallabies, possums, dragon lizards, spiders, toads, ... watched the bats head out for the night. It was all wonderful!
Fun and exciting platypus encounters
caitlync797,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul was a great guide. Very patient and knowledgeable. He made sure everyone in the group had a great view of all wildlife and I’m not just saying this because I’ve got a tree bet with him!
Brilliant Guide
U5248YSdavidg,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience from start to finish. Saw 2 platypuses, and loads of other creatures. Had a good laugh too. The guide was a gent.
Yungaburra Tour (an introduction to The Atherton Tablelands)
simonrY3960PB,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Had great views of a platypus and Northern leaf-tailed gecko as well as possums. The guide was very knowledgeable in some species I knew little about. On the downside, there were times when we walked around and saw nothing and it became rather exhausting. I also think it would be better if the maximum was 8 people rather than 12. I was very happy with the animals I saw, but would have so loved to see a snake (third trip in a row to FNQ without seeing one) and a bandicoot (not seen in years), still can't complain!
Platypus!
laurena647,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you love wildlife, this is the tour for you. Paul has a great eye, experience, and patience needed to see the incredibly special creatures of the rain forest. Plus the elevation means that it's quite a bit cooler and more comfortable than the coast. Only drawback is the windy road needed to get to your destination.
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Operated by Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours