Australian Rainforest Wildlife Safari

Australian Natural History Safari

As you will be spending the day in three different environments, lowland rainforest, upland rainforest and the dry eucalypt forest of the outback the following suggestions will be of help to you in planning for the safari.

Clothing.
The morning and lunch sections of the day are in the rainforest so you will be suitably dressed if you wear lightweight, cool, loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and similar trousers. However if the weather is hot and you don’t have such clothing, wear shorts. Remember you are in the Tropics and it is important to keep cool. Your shoes should be soft soled and preferably closed; joggers, trainers, sandshoes etc. are fine. In winter, June to September bring a warm jacket, as it can be cool at our lunch spot on Mount Lewis. This is the Wet Tropics so a lightweight shower proof jacket would be handy at any time of the year.

Insect repellent.
It is advisable, especially in summer and particularly in rainy weather, to apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of skin before leaving your hotel room. Pay attention to your lower legs, (under trousers) the tops of your feet, (under socks) ankles and the backs of your hands and neck. I recommend you use the local product Rid in its lotion form. Do not bring pump sprays or aerosols with you. Remember to wash the palms of your hands after applying insect repellent before handling food, binoculars, cameras etc. Note: You will be less attractive to some insects if you avoid wearing dark colours such as navy blue.

Photography.
I prefer that the wildlife not be exposed to a close-up direct camera flash. If you wish to take photographs of the animals you will require either fast film or the ability to set a higher ASA rating on your digital camera. I suggest a minimum of 800 ASA for the morning and lunch sections while in the afternoon anything between 64 to 400 ASA will be fine.

Perfumes.
Please do not wear perfumes, after-shaves or strong smelling deodorants. During our rainforest walk we will encounter at close quarters a variety of mammals and birds. Scents are very important in the natural world allowing individual animals to recognize each other and to broadcast their social standing in the group. Our manufactured scents can be overpowering and confusing to wildlife causing unnecessary stress.

Food.
If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Drinking water.
In the tropics you require a lot of fluid and you would be well advised to carry water with you on all of your outings whilst here. The Port Douglas/Mossman municipal water supply is one of the cleanest and safest in the world. It also tastes great!

Recommended reading.
Tim Flannery's "The Future Eaters" is an ecological history of the Australasian lands and people. It will enrich the understanding of anyone who wonders what the future holds for humanity.

Take Care.
David Armbrust.