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Activity Tour of Tropical Australia

This trip has been designed for more general interest and younger student groups. It visits a range of iconic regions, from the Great Barrier Reef, to the rainforests and rivers of the Daintree, to the caves and bush of the outback, and to the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. We conduct a range of activities within the trip including hikes, ‘bushwalks', boat cruises, snorkeling to wildlife viewing and night-spotlighting. We see tropical rainforest, coal reefs, kangaroos, shops and beaches. With sufficient lead time, the trip can have it's focus and design changed to suit the…
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Plants

Cycads belong to the division Cycadophyta. They were one of the dominant plant forms back in the Mesozoic, the 'Age of the Dinosaurs', when they would have comprised much of the forest as flowering trees do today. Many species of cycads are toxic, containing the lethal compound macrozamin, (including the species found in the rainforests here), and it has even been suggested that this high toxicity initially evolved in this ancient group to deter predation by dinosaurs.

Birds

Pelicans

Pelican

The seven species of Pelican can be found wherever there is water, all around the world. They are all huge, instantly recognizable birds, with large bills and big webbed feet. They are usually white, with additions of yellow, pink, grey and/or black. Pelicans feed mainly on fish. The bottom of the bill is extremely elastic and can carry large prey. When it is fully distended, pelicans have a larger bill than any other bird. Even though they look awkward on land, they are graceful swimmers. They are also magnificent fliers, and have been found at heights of 3000 metres. The Australian Pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird, with a wingspan of almost three and a half meters. It can be found wherever there is water all around Australia and New Guinea, being especially common around estuaries. Like many other pelicans around the world, they can become quite tame, and can be found hanging around fishing jetties and taking handouts. When not breeding, they are often nomadic, having been recorded in New Zealand when there are droughts in Australia.

Mammals

Echidna

It has recently been recognized that there are at least 3 species of echidnas. Most of these inhabit the jungles of New Guinea. There is one very widespread species found in Australia. It is an unmistakable animal; about the size of a small cat, it is covered with brown spines, has a long beak-like nose and tiny, squinty eyes. The Echidna walks with a distinctive rolling gait.
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