Rare Creatures
Cape York Expedition
DATES
June 21 – 26, 2027
DURATION
6 Days
GROUP SIZE
6-7
TOUR LEADERS
Darran Leal
PRICE
AU $9,995.00 - twin share per person.
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Journey into one of Australia’s great wilderness regions on a unique photography expedition to Cape York.
Flying from Cairns to Lockhart River, we base ourselves at an exclusive wilderness lodge on a private 200-acre reserve near Iron Range. This remarkable region offers opportunities to photograph rare tropical birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife in their natural environment.
Our photographic targets include Palm Cockatoos, Magnificent Riflebirds, Yellow-billed Kingfishers, Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrots, possums, reptiles and many other species.
With a maximum group of only 6–7 photographers, there is plenty of time in the field and individual guidance from our professional WPA photography team.
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Rare Cape York birds, mammals and reptiles
Palm Cockatoos and Magnificent Riflebirds
Yellow-billed Kingfishers
Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrots
Possums, geckos and other nocturnal wildlife
Tropical rainforest photography
Remote beaches and wilderness landscapes
Macro and creative photography
Sunrise, afternoon and nocturnal shoots
Professional field tuition
Small group of only 6–7 photographers
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The expedition includes return flights between Cairns and Lockhart River, five nights wilderness lodge accommodation, meals as detailed in the itinerary, transport during the workshop, park entrance fees, local expert guidance and professional WPA photography guidance.
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A Rare Cape York Wildlife Photography Experience
Cape York is home to wildlife found in few other parts of Australia.
We spend four full days exploring the private reserve and surrounding locations around Lockhart River and Iron Range. Our days are designed around photography, with early starts, afternoon sessions and opportunities to search for nocturnal wildlife after dark.
Subjects can include Magnificent Riflebirds, Palm Cockatoos, Yellow-billed Kingfishers, Eclectus and Red-cheeked Parrots, possums and reptiles. Some species found here are closely associated with the tropical environments shared with nearby New Guinea.
Exclusive Wilderness Lodge
Our wilderness lodge is located on a private 200-acre reserve featuring rainforest, approximately 15 kilometres of walking trails and access to excellent wildlife habitat.
The lodge provides our base for five nights and allows us to maximise our time photographing the region rather than spending hours travelling each day.
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DAY 1 - CAIRNS TO LOCKHART RIVER
June 21
We depart from our designated meeting point, this morning in time for our group transfer to Cairns Airport. We board our flight north to the unique wild’s of Cape York. This region has limited access, but our lodge is in the perfect place to maximise our interests. From rainforest to beaches, we will offer quality time. In fact, after our transfer from the airport, we jump right into our first shoot. I wonder what exotic creature will be found to fill up your card. The lodge is a private reserve offering 200 acres of rainforest including 15kms of walking trails and a crocodile free swimming hole in Turtle Creek as well as a plunge pool. Each night also includes the chance to explore for nocturnal creatures. From cuscus (a very rare possum) to geckos, our professional biologist/guide will help us to find something different every night. How exciting!
Wilderness lodge accommodation - (L,D)
DAYs 2/3/4/5 - LOCKHART RIVER - IRON RANGE
June 22/23/24/25
Four full days of visiting all the highlights of this private reserve and nearby locations. Some are so good that we will visit twice or more. We will be up before sunrise, offer a midday break and back for afternoon and nocturnal shoots. We will also mix into the day short workshops from top processing tips and techniques to the importance of Visualisation. Many species like Ecelctus, Red cheeked parrots, Palm Cockatoos, Magnificent Riflebirds, Yellow-billed kingfishers and several possums are active all year. We also include car hire - (share no need to drive) to include adventures to Chilli Beach and through Kutini Payamu National Park, this ensuring greater opportunities for a diverse range of photos. Most important is that we will offer field workshops. Imagine being helped, on the spot for macro subjects, birds, reptiles - all not common or even rare. Some only visit from New Guinea for a short time of the year. We have several environments to explore including beautiful rainforest and isolated beaches.
Wilderness lodge accommodation - (B,L,D)
The itinerary continues…