Fact Sheets & Video - Mareeba

Mareeba is less than one hour's drive west of Cairns, situated at the northern terminus of the Atherton Tablelands. Mareeba is a gateway town; from her hub travellers continue north to Cooktown, Weipa and the tip of Cape York, or along the Wheelbarrow Way into the Gulf Country. Others journey south to explore the towns, villages and hamlets of the southern Atherton Tablelands.

Mareeba Shire is abounding with the wildlife of the rainforest, woodlands and savannah. Commonly called the 'Mareeba Wetlands', The celebrated Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve is home to a vast array of animals and birds, all of which are easily accessed, viewed and photographed.

To really experience this area visitors can join a donkey trek. The two day pioneer experience starts with 3pm arrival and greeting at the historic Stockroute Stockyards and a traditional bush billy tea. You will be introduced to trekking with donkeys and learn how to take care of them and how to load them up. You will then trek to Four Mile Creek bush camp and establish a camp in a secluded outback setting. Enjoy a pioneer camp oven dinner cooked on a camp fire. There will then be evening activities such as star gazing, wildlife spotting, poetry and port round the camp fire.

After a camp breakfast start day two with an introduction to bush survival techniques. Depart for the visitors centre and have an introduction to the wildlife with the Wetlands ranger. You will then take a guided tour of the wetlands on a boat tour in a peaceful electric boat. Learn some fascinating facts about savannah and wetlands ecology, spot birds and if you are lucky, other native fauna, in the company of a Wetlands Guide. Experience the life of the early pioneers combined with survival techniques as taught by the Australian Army Survival School. Camp under ancient paperbark trees and dine by the light of a million stars. See the world famous Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve and experience the wildlife of the Australian tropical savannas.

Further Information:

The Pioneer Experience starts for 1 night starts from $210

Includes a Donkey trek into the Reserve, Overnight at bush camp, Supper round the campfire.

Day 2 Breakfast, Boat tour on Clancy's Lagoon, Tea/coffee at Visitor Centre, Includes all meals and drinks.

The Pioneer for 2 nights from $365. Includes a Donkey trek into the Reserve, Overnight at bush camp, second night at Jabiru Camp (Safari Tents).

Twilight Reserve Safari, Dinner and breakfast, canoeing and birding/bush walking.

Mareeba Wetlands: Ph. (07) 4093 2514.

Tours run April - December

Prices correct at 06/06/05.

Qantas will fly you one way to Cairns from $177 ex Brisbane, $259 ex Sydney, $261 ex Melbourne, $355 ex Adelaide and $366 ex Perth.

Prices available online only and include surcharges, fees and taxes. Conditions apply.

Prices correct 10/5/05.