The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is located only an hour’s drive from Cairns or Port Douglas, yet offers the visitor tours and activities that are an authentic Australian experience in the heart of the outback.

Set within the savannas of North Queensland, it is a gateway to Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf Savannah, and provides an excellent base from which to visit the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforests and Great Barrier Reef, as well as the Cairns Highlands and Atherton Tablelands.

The Reserve, known locally as the Mareeba Wetlands, protects over 5000 acres of savannas and wetlands, providing a sanctuary for much of tropical Australia's savanna and wetland flora and fauna, and cultural heritage.

The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve is a unique community conservation project combining valuable conservation work with environmental education and nature based tourism.

With the assistance of volunteers it is run by a not-for-profit environmental organisation, the Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland, and all income realised from sustainable tourism is reinvested into managing the wetlands as well as valuable wetlands and savanna research work, education and conservation programmes such as the critical Gouldian Finch re-introduction programme.

By visiting the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve you are ensuring that this important work is continued and a sanctuary for Australian wildlife is preserved.

“This is Australia…..as it should be!” - Prof David Bellamy.

Cairns Highlands Bird Week - September 28th to October 6th 2008

Jabiru Safari Lodge is pleased to announce a week of birding delights, kicking off with the Gouldian Finch release and culminating in the annual crane count. From the base at Jabiru Safari Lodge, Reserve Guide ‘Chook’ Crawford will offer a wetlands’ birding experience within the 2000 hectare Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve before venturing further afield to nearby rainforest, river, outback and coastal environments in search of elusive species.