The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is located only an hour’s drive from Cairns or Port Douglas, yet offers the visitor tours and activities that are an authentic Australian experience in the heart of the outback.

Set within the savannas of North Queensland, it is a gateway to Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf Savannah, and provides an excellent base from which to visit the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforests and Great Barrier Reef, as well as the Cairns Highlands and Atherton Tablelands.

The Reserve, known locally as the Mareeba Wetlands, protects over 5000 acres of savannas and wetlands, providing a sanctuary for much of tropical Australia's savanna and wetland flora and fauna, and cultural heritage.

The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is a unique community conservation project combining valuable conservation work with environmental education and nature based tourism.

With the assistance of volunteers it is run by a not-for-profit environmental organisation, the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland, and all income realised from sustainable tourism is reinvested into managing the wetlands as well as valuable wetlands and savanna research work, education and conservation programmes such as the critical Gouldian Finch re-introduction programme.

By visiting the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve you are ensuring that this important work is continued and a sanctuary for Australian wildlife is preserved.

“This is Australia…..as it should be!” - Prof David Bellamy.

Cape York/Iron Range Birding Tour

Chook Crawford, resident guide at the Mareeba Wetlands, continues to gain a great reputation for not just his birding skills but also his laconic ‘Aussie’ demeanour. Join Chook on an 11 Day Cape York/ Iron Range Birding Tour, staying in quality accommodation and targeting the iconic species of Cape York. Most places are already booked for 2010 and discounts are available for WCTQ members. Date: Tuesday 19th to Friday 29th October 2010. Maximum: 9 guests.

Atherton Tablelands’ Birdweek

7 glorious days of birding! Based at Jabiru Safari Lodge for 7 nights, participants explore the range of Tablelands and Daintree habitat as they seek the 12 Endemic Species of the Region from Atherton Scrubwren to Victoria Riflebird. Depart: Sunday 26th September 2010. Only a few places left!