Discover ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife and pristine coastlines. Expert naturalist guides. Eco-certified. Max 15 guests.
Australia is one of the planet's great natural wonders — home to the world's largest coral reef system, the oldest living tropical rainforest, more species of reptile than any country on Earth, and iconic animals found absolutely nowhere else. Cooee Tours has been bringing guests into authentic contact with these extraordinary environments since 1995.
Our certified naturalist guides don't just lead walks — they interpret ecosystems, share conservation stories, and reveal the hidden behaviours of wildlife that most visitors walk right past. Every tour operates under Advanced Ecotourism principles: small groups of maximum 15, Leave No Trace standards, active support for conservation projects, and deep respect for First Nations connections to Country.
This page is your hub for nature tours across all of Australia. Discover experiences by activity type, explore our state-by-state destination guides, or jump straight to our nature packages to find the perfect fit for your interests and schedule.
Wildflowers in WA and SA, active birdlife, migrating humpback whales along the east coast begin.
Turtle nesting on QLD beaches, cassowaries in the Daintree, sea turtle hatching in the tropics.
Dry season begins in the Top End — ideal for Kakadu, whale sharks at Ningaloo, and Kimberley tours.
Peak whale watching on the east coast, Daintree dry season for wildlife spotting, Kangaroo Island wildlife.
Six pillars that set Cooee Tours apart from standard sightseeing — and why guests return year after year.
Explore the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest, lush subtropical hinterlands, and temperate Gondwana forests. Our naturalists reveal ancient ecological stories in every footstep.
Encounter koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, tree kangaroos, platypus, cassowaries, sea turtles, dolphins and reef sharks in their genuine natural habitats — not enclosures.
Australia hosts the highest number of endemic bird species on Earth. Our ornithologist guides lead specialist birdwatching tours across rainforest, wetlands, and outback habitats.
Discover hidden coastal gems, snorkel pristine reef systems, and walk spectacular headland trails with interpretive guides who understand coastal ecology deeply.
Our strict 15-guest maximum ensures intimate experiences, genuine wildlife encounters, minimal habitat impact, and the personal attention that transforms a tour into a memory.
Every Cooee Tours nature experience operates under Advanced Ecotourism principles. We actively support conservation projects, engage with Traditional Custodians, and minimise our ecological footprint.
Each Australian state and territory offers a completely different natural landscape. From tropical reef to ancient desert — explore our region-specific guides to find the best nature experiences near you.
Our most-loved guided nature experiences — hand-picked for ecological significance, wildlife diversity, and guest satisfaction.
Journey into the world's oldest living tropical rainforest — a 180-million-year-old UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem that predates the Amazon. Walk beneath a cathedral canopy with expert naturalists who reveal the extraordinary plants, insects, reptiles, and birds that call this ancient forest home.
Explore the world's largest coral reef system — a World Heritage wonder stretching over 2,300 kilometres and supporting more than 1,500 fish species, 411 coral types, sea turtles, reef sharks, and giant manta rays. Snorkel pristine outer reef gardens with a marine biologist guide aboard a premium eco vessel.
Discover the spectacular beauty of Queensland's Gold Coast Hinterland in a World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforest. Cross suspension bridges high in the rainforest canopy, spot colourful lorikeets and pademelons, and breathe in the pure mountain air of this extraordinary natural sanctuary.
Experience the perfect fusion of pristine beach and national park on Noosa's extraordinary coastline. Walk ancient headland tracks, search for wild koalas in coastal eucalyptus groves, and scan the sea for dolphins and migrating humpback whales — all within striking distance of one of Australia's most beautiful towns.
Thirty years of delivering meaningful, sustainable encounters with Australia's natural world.
Three decades creating authentic, meaningful nature experiences across Australia's most extraordinary ecosystems.
Strict 15-guest maximum on every tour ensures personal attention, genuine encounters, and minimal habitat impact.
Advanced Ecotourism certification across our entire tour portfolio. Every dollar supports local conservation efforts.
Consistently rated among Australia's top nature tour operators with over 1,284 verified five-star guest reviews.
We believe responsible ecotourism is one of the most powerful tools for protecting Australia's wild places. Here's how we put that into practice.
Every guide holds formal qualifications in ecology, zoology or environmental science, plus current first aid and Wilderness Guide certifications. They undergo continuous professional development each season.
All tours operate strictly under Leave No Trace standards — no feeding wildlife, minimum noise protocols in sensitive habitats, reef-safe products, biodegradable packaging, and zero single-use plastics.
We collaborate with Traditional Custodians in multiple regions, incorporating Indigenous ecological knowledge into our tours, supporting community enterprises, and contributing to Cultural Heritage protection programs.
A portion of every tour booking is directed to partner conservation organisations including reef restoration programs, koala habitat protection, and rainforest regeneration projects.
Guests actively contribute to real research. Wildlife sightings are recorded and submitted to national databases, supporting ongoing biodiversity monitoring of the species and ecosystems we visit.
Cooee Tours holds full ATAS accreditation and has received multiple Ecotourism Australia awards for best practice in sustainable guided tours and environmental interpretation.
Flexible packages designed for every schedule, interest level, and depth of nature immersion.
Real experiences from nature lovers who've explored Australia's wild places with Cooee Tours.
"The Daintree tour was the highlight of our entire Australian trip. Our guide Sarah was extraordinarily knowledgeable — she spotted a cassowary in the undergrowth before any of us had a clue. The swimming hole was magical. Worth every cent!"
"We saw three sea turtles within the first ten minutes of snorkelling on the reef tour. The marine biologist's briefing beforehand made the whole experience so much richer — we knew what we were looking at and why it mattered. Incredible."
"As a birdwatcher from the UK, the Lamington tour exceeded all expectations. We recorded 47 species in a single day, including two I'd never seen anywhere before. The guide knew exactly where each species would be feeding. Simply outstanding."
"The Noosa koala walk was perfect for our family. The kids absolutely loved spotting the koalas sleeping in the trees — our naturalist guide made the whole experience educational and entertaining at the same time. We'll definitely be back!"
"The Weekend Naturalist package was everything I hoped for. Two days in the rainforest with a genuine expert, night walks spotting possums and gliders, and a citizen science survey for tree kangaroos. I left feeling genuinely connected to this country."
"The 7-day Wilderness Immersion in the NT was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Kakadu at dawn on a boat, surrounded by thousands of waterbirds and saltwater crocodiles, is something I will carry with me forever. Flawlessly organised."
Everything you need to know before booking your Australian nature experience.
We recommend comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle (minimum 1.5 L), and a light rain jacket. For rainforest and wetland tours, long light-coloured clothing is advisable. A camera or binoculars add greatly to the experience. All technical equipment — snorkel gear, walking poles, field guides — is provided by Cooee Tours. A detailed packing checklist is sent with your booking confirmation.
Most of our nature tours are excellent for families and welcome children aged 5 and above. Some specialised expeditions have higher minimum ages (8–12 years) due to walking distances or terrain — these are clearly stated on each tour page. We offer dedicated family nature packages with shorter walks, more wildlife interaction, and child-friendly interpretation. Please advise us of children's ages when booking so we can tailor the experience.
Australia's wildlife is extraordinarily diverse, and sightings vary by season, habitat, and time of day. On our Queensland tours, cassowaries, tree kangaroos, sea turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of tropical bird species are regularly encountered. Coastal tours routinely feature koalas, wallabies, pademelons, and (seasonally) humpback whales. Our naturalist guides know each ecosystem intimately and know where different species feed, shelter, and breed. We never guarantee specific sightings, but we consistently deliver remarkable wildlife experiences.
Australia is such a vast continent that there is always an exceptional nature destination in peak season. Queensland's dry season (April–September) is best for Daintree and reef tours. Whale watching along the east coast peaks June–November. Spring (September–November) is spectacular for wildflowers in WA and birdwatching nationally. The NT dry season (May–October) is ideal for Kakadu and Litchfield. Contact us for personalised seasonal advice — we'll match you to the very best experience at the time you're travelling.
Yes. Cooee Tours holds ATAS accreditation and operates its entire nature tour portfolio under Advanced Ecotourism principles as certified by Ecotourism Australia. This means strict group size limits (maximum 15), Leave No Trace standards on all tours, active support for local conservation and Traditional Custodian partnerships, reef-safe products, and zero single-use plastics. A portion of every booking directly funds partner conservation projects.
All tours include a certified naturalist guide, all national park and reserve entry fees, morning and afternoon refreshments, and transport from your designated meeting point. Multi-day packages include eco accommodation, all meals, and return city transfers. Snorkelling equipment, walking poles, and wildlife field guides are provided where applicable. Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all guests — ensure your policy covers nature-based activities in national parks.
Absolutely. Please advise us of any dietary requirements — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergy, or religious dietary needs — at the time of booking. We work with local eco-friendly food producers and can accommodate most requirements. We confirm specific catering details in your pre-tour information pack, sent at least 48 hours before your departure.
Many of our nature tours are actually enhanced by light rain — rainforests come alive after rain, wildlife is often more active in overcast conditions, and the forest sounds are extraordinary. We provide light rain ponchos on all rainforest tours. If severe weather makes an activity genuinely unsafe, we will reschedule at no cost or offer an alternative experience of equivalent value. We monitor forecasts closely and communicate any changes well in advance.
Yes. Private nature tours are available for families, couples, corporate groups, school groups, and special occasions. Private bookings allow completely flexible scheduling, customised itineraries tailored to specific wildlife interests (birdwatching, reptiles, marine life, botany), and exclusive guide attention. Minimum group sizes and pricing vary by tour type. Contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to discuss your requirements and design your ideal private nature experience.
Cancellations made 7 or more days before departure receive a full refund minus a $30 administration fee. Cancellations 3–6 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are generally non-refundable except in documented emergency circumstances. Tours cancelled by Cooee Tours due to unsafe weather conditions receive a full refund or free reschedule. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation and interruption is strongly recommended for all guests.
The forests, reefs, and wildlife of Australia are waiting. Book your guided nature tour today and leave with stories — and a deep connection to this extraordinary land.