Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

Welcome to Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge

Introduction

Welcome to 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.

The Lodge is a haven for bird watchers, photographers, artists and anyone with an interest in natural history. We are 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 1½ hrs 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.

The 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 which contains an abundance of birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. 219 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.

The Lodge consists of self-contained units, bunkhouse, camping and caravan sites in a rainforest environment. 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 the main local birding areas , which cover an area between Mareeba, Mt. Molloy, Julatten, Maryfarms and Mt. Carbine.The many types of habitats that occur locally include mid level and upland rainforests, open woodlands, creeks, wetlands and gallery forests ensuring a great variety of bird species which totals 300.

Our location allows day access to other birdwatching areas of Tropical North Queensland, such as the Daintree Village birdwatching sites and specialised birdwatching river trips on the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation across the Daintree River, Atherton Tableland (Cairns Highlands), Great Barrier Reef and Cooktown which is a 2½ hr drive away. If you want a break from birdwatching Port Douglas is only 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 email 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.

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.