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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia
Tour Code: AUS10A 16-day holiday exploring some of the most impressive bioregions of Australia, one of the most herpetologically diverse countries on Earth.
£9,495
£8,595
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
This 16-day holiday takes us across two of Australia’s most contrasting and wildlife-rich regions: the lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics and the rugged deserts of the Red Centre. Our journey begins in Cairns, gateway to the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, where we’ll enjoy our first taste of tropical wildlife. From here, we head inland to explore the savannah woodlands and granite country around Mareeba, followed by two nights in Chillagoe, a fascinating dry-zone landscape of limestone caves and rocky outcrops that shelters a wealth of reptiles and amphibians.
Next, we ascend to the cool, rainforest-cloaked highlands of the Atherton Tablelands, where we spend three nights immersed in lush upland forests alive with frogs, geckos, dragons, and an astonishing diversity of birds and mammals. Here, nocturnal walks and tranquil crater lakes offer some of the most rewarding reptile, amphibian and other wildlife encounters in the tropics.
Leaving the Wet Tropics behind, we fly to Alice Springs and enter the heart of Australia’s arid interior. Over the following days, we explore the dramatic gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the spinifex plains around Erldunda, and the red sandy country near Curtain Springs, each supporting a unique assemblage of desert-adapted reptiles. From mighty Perenties and Thorny Devils to elusive geckos and iconic pythons, the diversity here is staggering. We’ll also make time to experience the awe-inspiring presence of Uluṟu, one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.
Throughout the tour, we combine daylight searches with nocturnal drives to maximise our chances of encountering the region’s incredible herpetofauna. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy encounters with charismatic mammals, spectacular birds, and unforgettable landscapes – from lush rainforest to red desert sands. This is an exciting expert-led adventure across two worlds, offering unrivalled opportunities to observe Australia’s reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats.
- Search for Amethyst Python, Australia’s largest snake
- Many other snakes possible including the highly sought-after Southern Green Tree Python, Northern Death Adder, Night Tiger Tree Snake and Arafura File Snake
- Northern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Chameleon Gecko, Boyd’s Forest Dragon, and a wealth of other lizards
- Look for Saltwater Crocodiles along tropical rivers in the Wet Tropics
- Such incredible mammals as Platypus and Tree Kangaroo
- Beautiful butterflies including Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A variety of comfortable hotels, lodges and chalets, all room with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals are included, starting with dinner on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 15.
Dates & Prices
2027
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
