Where Can I See A Cassowary In Cairns?
Cassowaries can’t be found roaming the streets of Cairns city but, you can see them in the wild, wandering around the surrounding rainforests and national parks. Not far from Cairns, you can spot cassowaries in their natural habitats of the Daintree rainforest, Etty Bay and Barron Falls National Park. And, if you’re looking to get up close and personal with these giant birds, Hartleys Crocodile park, Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat and Bird World Kuranda all have cassowary enclosures!
Tropical North Queensland is much like Jurassic Park, not only because of its diverse rainforest vegetation or vibrant and exotic plants but also for its dinosaur-like wildlife. The most prehistoric-looking creature you’ll find in the rainforests around Cairns are the cassowaries! cassowaries are large colourful, flightless creatures and the heaviest bird in Australia. The casque on its head, feet and respiratory structure is what makes them look so similar to the dinosaurs. Why not make your trip more exciting and see where you can spot cassowaries in and around Cairns?
Where can I see a cassowary in the Wild in Cairns?
If you want to see cassowaries in the wild, here are the locations you are most likely to see them in their natural habitat.
Daintree Rainforest
Visit the Daintree it has over 430 recorded species of birds, and is our top pick to catch sight of a cassowary, Australia's most well-known bird. Standing up to two metres tall, they have blue faces, and a large brown bony helmet on their heads (the casque). They are an endangered and protected species making them a special sight to see in the wild. With a high population living in the Daintree, lucky visitors can see them while making their way through the oldest living rainforest in the world!
Etty Bay
Along the cassowary coast and 90-minutes south of Cairns you’ll find a popular local’s beach. Visit this location for a romantic early morning or late afternoon stroll along the beach and catch sight of the amazing cassowary birds, whilst you watch the sunrise or sunset. Complete your day of natural marvels by making a visit to the nearby waterfalls.
Barron Falls National Park
Barron Falls National park is located in Kuranda, a 30-minute drive from Cairns and is set amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage. Home to an abundance of species; birds, frogs, insects and cassowarys! With wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, there is plenty of space for everyone to explore.
Where can I see a cassowary up close in Cairns?
Due to habitat decline, cassowary sightings in the wild are not guaranteed and if you’re keen to catch a sight of these animals, here are a few closed enclosures where you can get up close with these giant birds.
Hartleys Crocodile Adventures
A crocodile park is not the first place you’d think to see a cassowary. However, Hartley’s crocodile park features the cassowary walk and even a daily cassowary feeding so that you can see this magnificent endangered species up close.
Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat
Discover native wildlife like the Southern cassowary or Lumholtz tree Kangaroo at Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat. You can find the cassowaries in the rainforest habitat alongside the stunning Eclectus parrot and mesmerising Rainbow Lorikeet, make sure to bring your camera!
Bird World Kuranda
In Kuranda, the Barron Falls national park is home to cassowaries but, if you haven’t had any luck seeing them in the wild, you can see them at Bird World. Bird World has almost 60 different bird species and is home to one of Australia’s largest collections of free-flying birds.
Fun Facts about the cassowary
- Cassowaries are the second heaviest bird in the world; a runner-up to the ostrich. cassowaries are Australia’s heaviest, flightless birds.
- The casque on top of the cassowary’s head continues to grow throughout its life. Its casque acts as a shock absorber that protects the head as they part their way through the rainforest.
- So what do these magnificent creatures eat? Surprisingly enough cassowaries are frugivores (fruit-eaters), and their favourite fruits to eat are the cassowary plum and cassowary Stain Ash. The ecosystem of the rainforest depends on them eating and passing the fruits along the forest floors.
- In the world of cassowaries, it is the father’s that raise the young by incubating the eggs left by the mother for around 50 days. The father alone then raises the chicks for nine months, teaching them to forage until they reach maturity at three years.
Things to know when cassowary spotting
Please remember to exercise caution with these wild animals by keeping a safe distance. cassowaries are known to be the world's most dangerous bird and are equipped to kill. However, these fruit-eating birds are usually very shy creatures, and attacks are rare, but they can be aggressive especially if their chicks are nearby. Also, if you’re driving in the areas of their habitats, drive cautiously and report any injured animals to a local vet.
