Welcome to Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge

Introduction

Welcome to the award winning Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge, Julatten, Queensland, Australia. The Lodge is named after the Buff-breasted Paradise-Kingfisher that visit to breed within the grounds from late October through to mid-April.

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge is a haven for anyone interested in natural history such as bird watchers, mammal and reptile watchers, photographers and artists. The Lodge is located in the rural community of Julatten just off the Rex Highway (highway 44) between Mossman on the coast and Mount Molloy at the northern end of the Atherton Tablelands (Cairns Highlands), Far North Queensland. We are within an easy1½ hr drive of the Cairns International Airport and Cairns birdwatching sites such as the world renowned Cairns Esplanade Foreshore where shorebirds (waders) can be see in comfort at close quarters.

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge is at an altitude of 440m ensuring a milder climate with less humidity than coastal areas such as Cairns and Port Douglas; it has a mountain backdrop and is a "land for wildlife" sanctuary containing an abundance of birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. 220 bird species have been recorded in the grounds and within 1½ km of the Lodge. Checkout our weekly sightings and information blog for latest news on what's happening at the lodge and nearby areas. For more detailed information about what you are likely to see on your visit go to the bird watching or bird species pages where you will find a link to access this data.

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge consists of self-contained units, seperate roomed bunkhouse, camping, caravan and motorhome sites set in a rainforest environment (If you don't want to cook there is a very good restaurant 1.5km away or excellent food at the Mt. Molloy Hotel 10kms away). Walking tracks allow easy access around the 5 hectares (12 acres) of grounds, taking you through the rainforest into an open grassed orchard and onto the permanent waters of Bushy Creek, where you might see a Platypus.

A minimum stay of 3 days is recommended to allow a full exploration of some of Tropical Queenslands main birding sites situated in the areas between Mareeba, Mt. Molloy, Julatten, Maryfarms and Mt. Carbine. The many types of habitats that occur within easy driving distance of Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge include mid level and upland rainforests, open woodlands, creeks, wetlands and gallery forests ensuring a great variety of bird species which totals 301. If you require a guide to further enhance your experience we can organise that, details on our Shop, Tours & Guides page.

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge's central location allows day access to other birdwatching areas of Tropical North Queensland, such as the Daintree Village, which has good birding and specialised birdwatching river trips on the Daintree River. Nearby is Cape Tribulation across the Daintree River. Other good areas are the Atherton Tableland (Cairns Highlands), Great Barrier Reef and Cooktown which is only a 2½ hr drive away. If you want a break from birdwatching Port Douglas is 35 minutes away.

Birdwatching and natural history tour groups are offered a complete package - accommodation, meals and up to date birding information for your guide. Please e-mail for further information.

Our aim is to promote the enjoyment of bird watching, the appreciation of nature and to give our guests a relaxing and rewarding birding and natural history experience in Tropical Queensland.

We are a proud member of Wildlife Tourism Australia, a non-profit organisation established to promote the sustainable development of a diverse wildlife tourism industry that supports conservation. We are also eco certified under the Eco Certification Program which is administered by Ecotourism Australia. We are also an Accredited Tourism Business and have been Australian Tourism Quality Assured.