Night Wildlife Walk in the Cairns Botanic Gardens
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Admission into the Botanic Gardens (Free)
- Camera hire available from A$40-$80 (reserve after booking, pay on the day)
- Photography guidance throughout
- Safety briefing at meeting point
- Head torches provided
- Expert guided nature walk (1.5-2.5 hours depending on option selected)
- Food and beverages
- Transport to and from the meeting point
- Camera hire (available to add on, not included in the tour price)
Meeting Location
78-96 Collins Avenue
Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Night Wildlife Walk in the Cairns Botanic Gardens?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-275793P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 167 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Admission into the Botanic Gardens (Free).
- Camera hire available from A$40-$80 (reserve after booking, pay on the day).
- Photography guidance throughout.
- Safety briefing at meeting point.
- Head torches provided.
- Expert guided nature walk (1.5-2.5 hours depending on option selected).
- Food and beverages.
- Transport to and from the meeting point.
- Camera hire (available to add on, not included in the tour price).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Night Wildlife Walk in the Cairns Botanic Gardens is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Night Wildlife Walk in the Cairns Botanic Gardens will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Admission into the Botanic Gardens (Free)
- Camera hire available from A$40-$80 (reserve after booking, pay on the day)
- Photography guidance throughout
- Safety briefing at meeting point
- Head torches provided
- Expert guided nature walk (1.5-2.5 hours depending on option selected)
- Food and beverages
- Transport to and from the meeting point
- Camera hire (available to add on, not included in the tour price)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
