The rainforest after dark

About this experience

Day tours head south before nightfall. This walk starts after they have gone. Far North Escapes meets you at the reception of Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, 36 Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, for a short briefing, then you walk five minutes into the forest for 80 minutes of guided searching. Guests mention the Dubuji boardwalk. You get your own torch, so you are not just following the guide's beam.

What you see depends on the night. The listing names fungi, some of them glowing, snails, owls, scorpions, tree frogs, bats, tree-kangaroos and sleeping cassowaries, and it says plainly that sightings are not guaranteed. Bennett's tree-kangaroo lives only north of the Daintree River, so this is the right side of the ferry to look for one. The walk runs in rain or shine, and ponchos are provided.

The catch is getting there. There are no transfers, and Cape Tribulation is north of the ferry, roughly two hours from Port Douglas. The ferry runs until midnight, but a late drive on a narrow road with cassowaries about is not relaxing. The walk suits people sleeping at Cape Tribulation or Cow Bay best.

• A naturalist guide and your own torch
• About 80 minutes walking in the forest after dark
• Chances of frogs, owls, bats and glowing fungi
• Runs rain or shine, ponchos included
• North of the river, where Bennett's tree-kangaroo lives

How the day runs

1. 5 minBriefing at the lodge

   Meet at the reception of Ferntree Rainforest Lodge for a short safety briefing and your torch.

2. 5 minWalk to the forest

   A short walk from the lodge to the start of the trail.

3. 80 minGuided night walk

   Search the forest with the naturalist for frogs, owls, insects, fungi and anything else that is about.

4. 5 minBack to the lodge

   Walk back to reception, where the tour ends.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Spend the night north of the river. The walk ends after dark and the road back is slow.
• Wear closed shoes and long trousers, and put on insect repellent before you leave the lodge.
• Drive slowly at dusk. Cassowaries cross the road, and vehicle strikes are the main cause of adult deaths.
• Check age rules and the start time on the listing before you book.
• Pair it with the Ocean Safari the next morning for the reef from the same beach.

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• Best time to visit
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