The greatest opportunity to observe some of Australia's most unique wildlife in natural habitat occurs after nightfall. Temperature, rainfall and moonlight all have profound effects on wildlife behaviour. The most ideal conditions occur on the hottest, wettest and darkest nights. By contrast, brightly-moonlit nights in the middle of the cooler, drier periods confer significantly greater challenges.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “What are we likely to see, tonight?” Apart from the incomparable grandeur of old-growth tropical rainforest, the question cannot be accurately answered, because of the unpredictable nature of wilderness, which differs on a nightly basis. It is also very important to appreciate that sight is not the only faculty.

Cooper Creek Wilderness nightwalks ethically immerse the traveller into the very depths of the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. There are no artificial structures linked to the security of a roadside carpark. Inhabitant guides select a different trail on successive nights to showcase the authenticity of the nocturnal landscape and particularly in terms of its habitat values. Access may be unsuitable for persons with limited mobility; wildlife behaviour and fauna sightings are unpredictable. Participants need to accept the risks and uncertainties associated with a genuine wilderness experience.