Eco Tourism
our environmental credentials
Black Cockatoo property is a rainforest regeneration site of 30 acres; once cleared land used for cane and cattle farming has been restored with thousands of native and endemic rainforest plants and trees.
Guests can participate in an interpretive walk through the native gardens.
Planted with unique species and bush tucker, discover the Cooktown Orchid, flowering in May, and see unique hoyas, ferns and cycads, all part of the Wet Tropics environment. Our environmental partners are South Endeavour Trust and Rainforest Rescue.
We have compiled a list of over 100 species of birds sighted on the property and are an e-bird hotspot.
Here, one can sit on the balcony deck and passively observe birds in the garden and visit the birdbath, or actively pursue a walking track into the forest.
The greenhouse is used to propagate rainforest trees and plants which are planted out corresponding to the wet and dry seasons.
Minimum Environmental Impact
Our business has minimal impact on the environment
Rainwater is collected and solar power creates electricity and hot water. The building is designed to not require air conditioning or heating and the gardens shade the building and verandas. We have composting toilets for which no water is required. To help reduce food miles we serve local coffee and tea and our sweet treats are made on the premises.
Collecting Rainwater
Solar Power Generation
Solar Hot Water
Passive Heating
Cooling of the Building
Composting Toilets
Recycling
Organic Composting
Use of Local Ingredients
Bloomfield Wildlife Refuge
If you’re always there for others, then in the time of need, someone will be there for you
Black Cockatoo Gallery is affiliated with Wildlife Care & Rescue, a not-for-profit volunteer organisation who takes all wildlife into care when required, for various reasons such as being orphaned, injured or just misplaced. Once they have recovered and returned to full health, the team of volunteers return them back to the wild.
Affiliated to FNQ Wildlife Rescue, visitors can learn about how we help sick and injured animals.
We have a huge variety of native birds, frogs, lizards, wallabies, and rare and endangered animals visiting the gallery gardens. If you are lucky you will get the chance to meet some of the friendly locals who have made the gallery grounds their home.
This kookaburra named Jackie was born with a genetic deformity due to its parents being fed an unnatural diet by humans which left the kookaburra with a breaking beak and blind in the left eye.
This wallaby named Jessie was found in a horse paddock with burns to his hands, feet and tail, his mother was killed by dogs.
This kookaburra Coby was hit by a car and damaged his right wing.
These two wallabies are Jessie and Bella. The first photo is when they were seven months old, and the second photo was taken when both were about to be released.
Being a wildlife carer is not just about looking after sick or injured wildlife. It is understanding their needs, their connection and their place in the environment. This is why the protection of their habitat is equally important as caring for the wildlife, and that is why the Black Cockatoo Gallery is not just a wildlife refuge; it is a place where people can come and learn about our unique environment and at the same time do something to protect it.
Wildlife Care & Rescue are all volunteers and any assistance is appreciated.
You can help by becoming a member or providing a donation. As they are a not-for-profit organisation, all donations are tax-deductible.