Join award-winning guide Clayton Smith for an unforgettable journey through the Wet Tropics rainforests, targeting the 13 endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. With 20 years of field experience and recognition from the Cairns Tourism Association, Clayton brings unparalleled expertise to every expedition.
Meet Your Expert Guide: Clayton Smith
Wildlife and Birding Guide | Cairns Tourism Award Winner
- ✓20 years birding & wildlife guiding in Wet Tropics
- ✓Diploma in Wildlife Management
- ✓Tour Guide Excellence Award (Cairns Tourism Association)
- ✓Fluent in English and German
Clayton brings two decades of intimate knowledge of the Wet Tropics rainforests. His passion for sharing rare endemic species has earned him recognition as one of North Queensland's premier birding guides.
Target Species: The 13 Wet Tropics Endemics
Found nowhere else on Earth
Beyond these endemics, tours target the full suite of Australian rainforest specialties, plus bonus wildlife including platypus and owls via optional night spotting.
Multi-Day Birding Expeditions
Launching February 2026
We're developing flexible multi-day itineraries (3-8 days) targeting all 13 Wet Tropics endemics plus rainforest specialties. Pricing and detailed itineraries will be shared with registered participants in early 2026.
Register your interest below to receive:
- Detailed itinerary options when finalised
- Pricing information (December 2025)
- Priority booking access
- Monthly updates on preparation progress
What's Included
Final inclusions will be confirmed with registered participants. Indicative package includes:
Tour Details
Group size: Small groups only - typically 4-6 participants maximum
Optimal season: September - November (breeding season)
Year-round availability: Tours commence February 2026, with year-round scheduling planned
Permit status: Commercial Activity Permit application in progress
What to Expect on Tour
Clayton adapts each day based on weather, recent sightings, and target species behavior. With small group sizes, every participant receives personalised attention.
Strategic Habitat Coverage
Note: We actively seek private property access to guarantee sightings of challenging species. Core endemic habitats can be covered in 1-2 days, with extended tours allowing deeper specialisation, repeat visits to weather-dependent species, and comprehensive photography opportunities. Detailed itineraries provided upon booking.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Ideal For:
- ✓Passionate birders pursuing Australia's most iconic and elusive species
- ✓International visitors from around the world, including our friends from the USA, Germany, and Japan
- ✓Photographers seeking rare encounters with cassowaries, riflebirds, and other tropical treasures
- ✓Couples and small groups wanting a personalised, expert-guided nature experience
- ✓Travellers who appreciate authentic adventure with a touch of comfort and local insight
Languages available: English (🇦🇺 Australian), Deutsch (German), 日本語 (Japanese)
Register Your Interest - February 2026 Launch
Tours commence February 2026.
We're currently collecting expressions of interest to build our launch schedule. Register now to:
- ✓Receive priority booking access when tours open
- ✓Get detailed pricing and itineraries (shared December 2025)
- ✓Help shape tour dates around your travel plans
Important: Registering your interest involves no payment and no commitment. You'll simply receive updates and first access to booking when we launch.
Timeline:
- October – November 2025: Accepting expressions of interest while final permit applications are being processed.
- December 2025: Itineraries published and deposits confirmed.
- January 2026: Participant details finalised and pre-tour briefings issued.
- February 2026: Tours commence under full permit authorisation.
Questions? Email bookings@kurandatransfers.com.au or call 0497 159 385
The Kuranda Transfers Advantage
Join the Launch List
"Clayton was our guide and he was brilliant. His knowledge of the rainforest, flora and fauna was top notch."
Jaav
"Clayton is an amazingly knowledgeable guide and just loves showing his guests all of his favorite local spots."
Grant
"We receive quite a bit of feedback about Clayton. He is an amazingly knowledgeable guide."
Australian Luxury Escapes Management
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