The Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland was established in 1996, to create and manage the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve for conservation, recreation and education.

Using overflow water exiting the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area, the Conservancy has created a valuable wildlife and tourism asset set within a Savanna Reserve of some 2000 hectares at the foot of the Hann Tableland to the northwest of Mareeba, just one hour’s drive from Cairns and Port Douglas.

The Wetlands, which totals approximately 120 hectares of open water, attract a rich and diverse birdlife and provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.

The Visitor Centre lies in the heart of the Savanna and Wetland Reserve, just a few kilometres north of Mareeba and is easily accessible to conventional vehicles via Pickford Road, Biboohra.

Guided boat tours, canoe hire, and interpretive walks are conducted from the Visitor Centre, along with guided Twilight Safaris. The Conservancy directs any income from sustainable tourism into managing the Reserve, as well as valuable conservation programmes and education.

The Reserve is open April to December (subject to accessibility) from Wednesday to Sunday (10:00am to 4:00pm), however, Twilight Safari guests and those staying in Jabiru Camp can enjoy the Reserve outside of these hours.