Night Wildlife Walk in the Cairns Botanic Gardens

5.0 (163 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

163 reviews

5.0

Dwarf Tree Frog — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Let's Go Buggin Night Walk on the rainforest boardwalk — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Most people walk through Cairns Botanic Gardens and see plants. Expert local macro-photographer 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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Photography Tours Walking Tours Likely to Sell Out Wildlife Watching Photo Shoots Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Aussie Macro Photos

Ages: Children (0–15 years) · Adults (16–105 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission into the Botanic Gardens (Free)
Included: Camera hire available from A$40-$80 (reserve after booking, pay on the day)
Included: Photography guidance throughout
Included: Safety briefing at meeting point
Included: Expert guided nature walk (1.5-2.5 hours depending on option selected)
Included: Head torches provided

Not included

Not included: Food and beverages
Not included: Transport to and from the meeting point
Not included: Camera hire (available to add on, not included in the tour price)

Itinerary

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 following your tour. Your guide is available for questions before you leave.

Stop 1
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Cairns

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Using your ticket

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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
Camera hire must be reserved after booking. Contact the operator with your preferred option (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). Payment is on the day.
Wildlife sightings vary by season and cannot be guaranteed.
The route may be adjusted based on seasonal conditions.
Premium (adults-only) and Family (groups with kids) options available to select during checkout
Private Walks available for people with accessibility needs.

Options

Night Walk

7pm Departure : Children must be aged 8years or older to undertake in this activity
Family (incl kids) Night Walk

Duration: 1 hour: Bring the family (all ages) into the after-dark rainforest for a magical, gentle adventure spotting frogs & glowing eyes.

6:30pm Departure: This earlier departure and shorter duration (1hr) is great for families with young kids.
Premium (Adults-only)

Premium Night Walk (18+ only): Slow down and savour the rainforest after dark, with 2.5 hours to truly observe, wonder and photograph nocturnal wildlife.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes