Red Mill House has been the Daintree Accommodation of choice for birdwatchers for many years. See Daintree Birdwatching Package for information about our 4 night package for 2008.

Red Mill House offers the opportunity to base yourself for a few days in a comfortable, quiet and friendly environment set amongst beautiful tropical gardens. Trish and Andrew are keen birdwatchers and offer up-to-date local information, maps and bird checklists. See Daintree Birds Checklist for likely species.

Suggested Itinerary - For the Birdwatcher

Day 1

• Arrive at Red Mill house mid afternoon from Cairns.
• Late afternoon walk around Daintree Village and to the Daintree River. Urban, river and farmland environments.
• Overnight at Red Mill House

• Early morning specialist birding river cruise (3 choices in varied habitats)
• Birding in the comforts of the garden during the day or explore the local roads following the river and creeks through a mix of rainforest and open farming land. Local 'mud maps' and birdlist provided.
• Late afternoon guided walk through a privately owned Nature Refuge with extensive wetlands and bird hide offering excellent birding opportunities.
• Overnight at Red Mill House
• Guiding available.

• An early start for a day in the Daintree National Park/Cape Tribulation exploring the rainforest and looking for the Southern Cassowary and rainforest specialities. Guiding available.
• Return for late afternoon walk along Stewart Creek Road following the Daintree River and Stewart Creek. (Often 40 species found)
• Overnight at Red Mill House.

• Possibly another early river cruise before departing for Julatten or the Atherton Tablelands or back to Cairns. Stop at Mossman Gorge on the way.

Suggested Itinerary - For the Nature Lover

Day 1

• Arrive at Red Mill House mid afternoon.
• Wander through the garden to enjoy and learn about the plants and the history of the garden, or enjoy the pool.
• Evening cruise on the Daintree River.
• Overnight at Red Mill House.

• The “Simply Daintree” Package - a river cruise, guided rainforest walk and lunch at a local restaurant. Pick-up from Red Mill House.
• Overnight at Red Mill House

• A day visiting the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. Beautiful rainforest, interpretively signed boardwalks and beaches.
• Guiding available
• Overnight at Red Mill House

• Either move on or stay to enjoy horse riding at Wonga Beach, Mossman Gorge and the Kuku Yulangi tour through the Gorge, a visit to Port Douglas, a day at the Reef, or just a day relaxing by the pool.

Another option is a personalised tour through a privately owned Nature Refuge - a wonderful introduction to the natural world of the wet tropics.

Daintree Tours And Cruises

For those interested in birdwatching in Daintree we would suggest staying at Red Mill House long enough to do some the following activities which we recommend. We can arrange any of the following guides if required.

River Based Tours

• Dan Irby’s Mangrove Adventures: Outstanding early morning Daintree River birdwatching and wildlife tours in an open boat that accommodates 10 passengers comfortably on swivel seats. Excellent for photography. Other tours available include, morning, afternoon and sunset/evening cruises.

• Daintree River Cruise Centre Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers Special: This bird and nature cruise concentrates on the Lower Daintree estuary. Matilda IV is a quiet, fumeless, stable, and comfortable boat with shade when needed. It is excellent for photography and use of a spotting scope. Mick can be contacted on (61) 7 4098 6115 (phone) or (61) 7 4098 6208 (fax). Email daintreecruisecentre@bigpond.com

• Chris Dahlberg’s Daintree River Tours: Well-known with birdwatchers, Chris’s daily dawn Daintree River tour runs from April to January. The open vessel accommodates 12. Contact us for information and bookings.

• Daintree River Experience: A new, purpose-built boat for wildlife viewing. Sunrise and sunset cruises available.

Land Based Tours

• Ellen Terrell (Naturalist Guide): Nature-based guiding with an emphasis on birdwatching, to suit individual itineraries. Morning or afternoon walks in and around Daintree Village, full and half day guided excursions to Cape Tribulation, Julatten, Mt Molloy, Mt Carbine, Atherton Tablelands.Ellen has lived in the Daintree/Cape Tribulation area for 20 years and is the North Queensland representative of AWT Travel Australia. Contact ellenterrell@ledanet.com.au.

• Fine Feather Tours: A ‘fair dinkum Aussie’, Del Richards is very experienced in guiding birders of every level, from ornithologist to novice. On tour you will gain insight into the complex environments and North Queensland’s colourful history. Del is regional representative for Birds Australia and regularly contributes to magazines. Fine Feather Tours offers half and full day tours covering a wide range of habitats.

• Wild Wings and Swampy Things: Allen and Barbara offer a two hour guided walk through their Nature Refuge in the Daintree Valley, a wonderful introduction to the natural world of the Wet Tropics. Their extensive knowledge of local flora, combined with enthusiasm and energy has assisted them in their environmental restoration work resulting in some excellent bird watching opportunities. Tour times are flexible. More details about the property are available on the website.

• Tranquility Daintree Tours: Take a step back in time as we journey into the upper reaches of the beautiful Daintree valley. Then, join us on a stunning walk through the world’s oldest rainforest, where we unlock the secrets of this fascinating eco-system. Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, lies a natural wonder waiting for you to discover! You’ll be in awe of the spectacular beauty of Niau Falls. Pick up service from Red Mill House.

• Australian Natural History Safari takes a maximum size group of four on a four wheel drive rainforest and outback tour. You will experience wilderness and observe birds and mammals in contrasting ecosystems.