Cape York Birdwatching Safari

We have limited departures in 2025 & 2026 for this amazing birding tour that run back to back. The tour runs either from Cairns to Lockhart River (Drive/Fly) or on the reversed itinerary from Lockhart River to Cairns (Fly/Drive). Please check the direction on our website so you know what flights to book.

Starting in Cairns we head north through tropical woodlands and dry savannah of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park and end in the spectacular Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park. This is the largest contiguous lowland rainforest in Australia and is world-renowned for its species diversity and endemic flora and fauna.

It is only possible to drive up the rugged peninsula in the dry season and even then, only by 4x4.  We travel in comfortable 4x4 vehicles ensuring window seating for all passengers.

These tours are led by respected professional bird guide, Tim Dolby, or expedition leader and wildlife biologist, Dr Martin Cohen.

Cape York has two true endemic birds - Golden-shouldered Parrot and White-streaked Honeyeater - which we hope to find.

There are many other restricted range birds species which on mainland Australia are exclusively seen in Cape York, including Spotted Whistling-duck, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Black-eared Catbird, Frill-necked Monarch, Trumpet Manucode and Magnificent Riflebird. The ranges of these birds extend through the Torres Straits into New Guinea.

The region also provides an opportunity of seeing other bird specials that occur more widely like Red Goshawk, Sarus Crane, Bridled Tern, Lesser Frigatebird, Beach Stone-curlew, Eastern Grass Owl, Marbled Frogmouth, several fruit-doves and honeyeaters, and Black-throated and Star Finch.

Highlights

●    Wild and remote Cape York Peninsula

●    Small group travel with expert bird guide

●    Window seating in comfortable 4x4

●    Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park and Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park

●    Endemic and near-endemic Cape York birds and other wildlife - Golden-shouldered Parrot, White-streaked Honeyeater, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Yellow-billed
Kingfisher, Frill-necked Monarch, Trumpet Manucode and Magnificent Riflebird, Black-backed Butcherbird and much more

More information can be found on our website: 

https://australiangeographictravel.com/tours/cape-york-birdwatching-safari