Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve
Mareeba
The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve and Jabiru Safari Lodge provides a sanctuary for outback wildlife, including a number of Australia's rarest bird species. It protects over 5,000 acres of open Savanna woodland, including 350 acres of regionally important wetlands. Income from sustainable tourism is reinvested in the Reserve to manage and research its exceptional biodiversity.
The tourism operations are now managed by Tourism Naturally in a profit share relationship for the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland, a not for profit conservation company. This tourism joint venture is unique in that it combines the roles of both sustainable tourism management and show casing a treasured resource - Australia's wild native fauna and flora.
The Wetlands were created to use water 'leftover' from the region's agricultural irrigation, and has transformed a tract of land into a haven that attracts the highest concentration of the area's wildlife. Here visitors can see at first hand native birds such as Brolga, Sarus Crane, Red Tailed Black Cockatoo and the magnificent Jabiru.
The animals of the savanna are also at home on the reserve with Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Wallaroos, snakes, frogs, fish and freshwater crocodiles all make use of this safe haven.
Contact Details
Pickford Road
Mareeba
Queensland 4880 Australia
To make an enquiry or a booking contact:
Phone: 07 4093 2514
Tollfree: 1800 788 755
Email: bookings@mareebawetlands.com
Web: www.mareebawetlands.com
Entry Information
| Open Times: | Open seven days a week from 0900 to 1630. Closed February and March and Christmas Day. |
Entry Costs
| Entry | Cost | Validity |
| Adult | $10.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
|
| Adult | $12.50 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Interpretive Guided Boat Cruise. |
| Adult | $19.50 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Wetlands Pass. |
| Adult | $55.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Sunset Reserve Safari. |
| Adult | $15.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Canoe Hire - per hour. |
| Child
(Aged 4-14)
| $5.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
MV 'Buralga' Lagoon Cruise and Wetlands Experiene have additional costs. |
| Child
(Aged 4-14)
| $6.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Interpretive Guided Boat Cruise. |
| Child
(Aged 4-14)
| $9.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Wetlands Pass. |
| Child
(Aged 4-14)
| $22.50 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Sunset Reserve Safari. |
Facilities
Car park: There is ample parking for vehicles at the end of the access road into the Reserve, adjacent to the Visitor Centre.
Catering: They facilitate quality professional catering for conference and incentive groups and local social events of all kinds.
Coach Parking: There is ample parking for coaches in a specially designated area of the carpark.
Access With Assistance for the Disabled: There is ready access to the Visitor Centre for disabled not needing assistance.
Parking for the Disabled: Parking for disabled is available below the main car park adjacent to the Visitor Centre. There is level access from here to the Visitor Centre itself, and also to the toilet facilities.
Toilet facilities for the Disabled: There are toilet facilities for disabled.
Guide: Tow hour interpretive tours of the Reserve are undertaken by a Savannah Guide.
Interpretive Centre: The Visitor Centre is located on the shores of Clancy's Lagoon in the heart of the Savanna and Wetland Reserve.
Picnic Area: Two sheltered picnic areas are provided adjacent to Clancy's Lagoon for the use of visitors to the Reserve.
Public Toilet: Toilet facilities are provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre.
Shaded Area: There are several shaded areas throughout the Reserve, including two bird hides and several picnic areas, as ell as abundant natural shade provided by the bush.
Sheltered Area: The Visitor Centre provides good shelter against all weathers both in winter and summer.
Viewing Platform: A wide open viewing platform within the Visitor Centre on Clancy's Lagoon.
Activities
Birdwatching: The habitat on the Reserve allows birdwatchers to achieve one-day lists of 80 species, with over 100 species possible on a good day.
Cruising: The lake cruiser 'Buralga' completes 40 minute tours from the Visitor Centre around Clancy's Lagoon. Electrically powered, the cruiser is a quiet and peaceful way to approach the wildlife inhabiting the lagoon.
Animal Viewing: Specifically watching Australia's native flora and fauna of the Savanna plains in their natural habitat.
Awards
· 2006: Tropical North Queensland Tourism Award - Finalist.
Further Information
* Any rates quoted are a guide only, please note that conditions may apply. This operator may have specials throughout the year. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.
Children: Children are welcome and child rates apply for children aged 4 to 14 years. Children under four are free.
Disabled: Clancy's Lagoon Visitor Centre offers a unique opportunity for people of limited mobility to get close to nature and enjoy the wildlife and vistas from the viewing gallery. A specially created access route from the wetlands carpark to the Visitor's Centre enables visitors with limited mobility and wheelchairs to easily access the centre. Both the boardwalk across the lagoon into the Visitor Centre, and the disability friendly toilet facility were specifically provided to allow ease of access. Wide doors and a ramp into the Visitor Centre complete the access arrangements.
Miscellaneous:
Self drive visitors will discover the Mareeba Wetlands just north of the Atherton Tablelands town of Mareeba, itself a one hour drive from Cairns or Port Douglas. From Mareeba, drive seven kilometres north to Biboohra township, then take the Pickford Road turn off into the Mareeba Wetlands Visitors Centre and the Reserve. Local tours from Cairns and the Northern Beaches also bring guests to the Reserve - ask at your local Visitor Information Centre or Tour Desk.
The Visitor Centre located on Clancy's Lagoon is the ideal spot to relax over freshly brewed, locally grown coffee or enjoy a cool drink. Morning and afternoon teas are featured, as is the Aussie 'billy-tea' which is available during the guided tour of the Reserve. Catering for groups including, light lunches or sunset cheese and wine can be provided if arranged in advance.
The Visitor Centre located on Clancy's Lagoon is the ideal spot to relax over freshly brewed, locally grown coffee or enjoy a cool drink. Morning, afternoon teas and light lunches are featured, as is the Aussie 'billy-tea' which is available during the guided tour of the Reserve. Catering for groups including, light lunches or sunset cheese and wine can be provided if arranged in advance.
Self drive visitors will discover the Mareeba Wetlands six kilometres north of the Cairns Highlands town of Mareeba, itself about one hours drive from Cairns or Port Douglas. From Mareeba drive north to Biboohra and turn left into Pickford Road. Travel seven kilometres down Pickford Road to arrive at the Clancy's Lagoon Visitor Centre.
Accreditation & Memberships