Jabiru Safari Lodge is located within the Mareeba Tropical savannah and Wetland Reserve, an hour west of Cairns, on the northern edge of the Atherton Tablelands (Cairns Highlands). The 2000 ha reserve of open savannah woodland, grassland, and freshwater wetlands provides a unique setting for the Jabiru Safari Lodge, allowing guests to fully appreciate the outback savannah environment and prolific birdlife during the best times of the day.

The Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland

The Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland has spent over ten years developing the Reserve, inspired by past President Tim Nevard OAM. The Conservancy is a membership organisation managed by a voluntary Board of Management and relies on volunteers for its day to day work and fund raising.

The Conservancy is currently headed by Cairns based veterinarian and wildlife expert, Dr Annabelle Olsson. You can support the work of the Conservancy by becoming a member, a volunteer, or simply visiting the Reserve.

Tourism Naturally

With over 25 years experience successfully operating nature-based tourism businesses, the principals of Tourism Naturally, Neil McGilp and Liz Cayzer, are committed to high-quality, nature-based, ecotourism experiences. Committed to the principles of ecologically sustainable development guided by conservation principles, Tourism Naturally integrate conservation ethics with its high quality eco-tourism operations.

Over the past 25 years Tourism Naturally have had a direct involvement in nature-based tourism from safari camps to luxury resorts. This breadth of experience allows us to understand the needs and expectations of all our customers and to design experiences that will exceed expectations.

This unique partnership between tourism and conservation ensures the maintenance of high standards of professionalism and customer service and allows the Conservancy to concentrate on its conservation and land management work, while still receiving a guaranteed income from tourism.

Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve

The Mareeba Tropical savannah and Wetland Reserve is situated on the East Asian-Australasian flyway and provides a unique environment in which to enjoy Australia’s tropical wetland and savannah birds. A series of 12 inter-connected lagoons, creeks and channels weave their way across the 5,000 acre Reserve, with lagoons ranging in size from several hundred acres to much smaller intimate habitats. The lagoons attract a rich and diverse array of native wildlife and provide a sanctuary for almost all of Australia’s tropical waterbirds.

The 2000 hectare Mareeba Tropical savannah and Wetland Reserve is home to several threatened, rare and endangered species, including the Gouldian Finch, Buff-breasted Button-quail, Black Throated Finch, and Brown Treecreeper. The Conservancy is also at the forefront of the race to save the Gouldian Finch from extinction. All the Conservancy’s income from sustainable tourism is reinvested into its conservation and land management activities.

A visiting birdwatcher can expect to get up to 60 species during a day’s visit, rising rapidly when staying overnight, as many species are regular visitors and breeders. This number will greatly increase again if the lodge is used as a base for visiting surrounding rainforest areas.