Private River Cruises – Birdwatching & Crocodile Tours

Explore quiet, untouched tropical rivers teeming with birdlife and crocodiles on a personalised nature cruise. These private trips are ideal for bird photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to experience the quieter side of the tropics. We are the only operator offering dedicated wildlife and birding tours on the southern river systems, where boat traffic is minimal and the atmosphere is truly wild. With local knowledge, silent electric motor access, and the flexibility to go where others can’t, this is an off-the-beaten-path nature experience like no other.

Tour Highlights

• Fully Private Experience – Max 2 guests (or up to 4 on request)

• Locally Guided – Operates on remote rivers south of Cairns

• Quiet & Immersive – Our electric motor allows silent drifting

• Tropical Birdlife – Spot and photograph a wide range of species

• Hard-to-Reach Habitats – Access secluded systems larger boats can’t reach

• Wildlife Sightings – Great opportunities to observe estuarine crocodiles

Recently Sighted Birds

• Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfishe, Little Kingfisher

• Great-billed heron

• Rainbow Bee-eater

• White-bellied Sea Eagle

• Rainbow Lorikeet

• Jabiru (Black-necked Stork)

• Osprey

• Shining Flycatcher

• Radjah Shelduck

• Great Egret

• Brahminy Kite, Grey Goshawk, Pacific Baza

• Pacific Baza

• Top Notch Pigeon, Wompoo Pigeon, Torres Strit Pigeon
• Lesser Frigatebird
• Olive-backed Oriole
• Olive-backed Sunbird

Trip Details

• Private Tours Only – Max 2 guests + guide (up to 4 on request)

• Pick-Up – 6:30 am from your Cairns CBD accommodation

• Travel Time – Up to 40 minutes to launch site

• Return – 12:00 pm (half day) or 4:00 pm (full day visit 2 or 3 different rivers)

• Includes – Lunch, snacks, tea/coffee, and water

What to Bring

• Essentials – Hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunblock, polarized sunglasses

• Equipment – Binoculars and/or camera gear

• We recommend waterproof protection for your gear if rain is forecast