Cape York and Outback Wilderness Adventures, Red Centre, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Western Australia
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21 Try and spot the rare Palm Cockatoo Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve Enjoy exclusive access to this private wetland, otherwise off-limits to the general public. Led by a ranger from Australia Zoo, enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime Signature Invitation to discover Queensland's most environmentally significant area during your Cooktown and Cape York journey. An Experience Like No Other Thanks to our partnership with Australia Zoo, we're giving APT guests who travel on our Cape York adventures exclusive access to this private park, which is off-limits to the general public. Enjoy a fascinating tour of the area, guided by a ranger from Australia Zoo. Welcome to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve A tribute to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula forms an integral part of the National Reserve System Programme. Set over 330,000 acres, the pristine private wilderness area protects a set of important spring-fed wetlands which provide a vital water source to threatened habitat, a permanent flow of water to the Wenlock River and ensures the survival of many endangered native species. Continuing Steve's Legacy The reserve is a special place for the Irwin Family as it is where Steve Irwin conducted his famous crocodile 'capture and study' research project, focusing on Estuarine Crocodiles in the Wenlock River. The team today still use some of Steve's weight bag rings that remain fixed in some of the trees. Save Steve's Place Campaign Following a long-standing public campaign led by Terri Irwin, the Queensland Government recently declared the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and the Wenlock River as Queensland's first ever 'strategic environmental area', saving it from a future of strip mining. Today, the reserve demonstrates the need to achieve balance between environmental protection and economic growth. Your Day at the Reserve Commencing at Stone's Crossing, you will be welcomed by a ranger from Australia Zoo, who will provide an introduction to the wildlife, sonar detector tracking of wildlife, as well as the important research programs that take place at the property. At Camp Coolibah, discover the movement of the crocodiles in the area and the endangered Speartooth Shark. Here, you will also see a demonstration on how crocodile cages are deployed and operated. Afterwards, visit Bluebottle Creek and uncover the geology of the region, the significance of bauxite and how the plateau filters water to ensure survival of endangered species. You will also learn about bush tucker and the native flora, including the Sarsaparilla Bush and Hanguana Malayana. STEVE IRWIN WILDLIFE RESERVE NEW & EXCLUSIVE