Nature at Treetops

Explore the unique environment created by the pocket of Melaleuca rainforest at Treetops Resort. The eco system provides an ideal habitat for a variety of tropical fauna with unexpected displays of colour in the gardens and bird calls from the tall canopy. Large barramundi have made a home in the large lily ponds while our resident Sulphur crested coackatoo, Bozo greets the guests at reception.

Take the time as you stroll along the pathways to enjoy the nature in Treetops.

		Bush Stone Curlew An eerie sound heard at night is that of the Bush Stone Curlew. It is mainly nocturnal and specialises in hunting small grassland animals: frogs, spiders, insects, molluscs, crustaceans and lizards. Birds usually forage individually or in pairs over a large home range, particularly on moonlit nights. During the day, Bush Stone-curlews tend to remain inactive, sheltering amongst tall grass or low shrubs and relying on their cryptic plumage to protect them from predators. When disturbed, they freeze motionless, often in odd-looking postures.
		Barramundi In the ponds, large Barramundi lurk. These are a salt and freshwater sportfish, targeted by many, they have large silver scales which may become darker or lighter depending on their environment. The barramundi feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, and smaller fishes (including its own species). The species is sequentially hermaphroditic, most individuals maturing as males and becoming female after at least one spawning season; most of the larger specimens are therefore female.
		Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio ulysses) Seen frequently at Treetops, the Ulysses butterfly (Papilio ulysses), also known as the Blue Mountain Butterfly, is a large Australian swallowtail. The Ulysses butterfly has a wingspan of about 14 cm and it lives in north-eastern Australia along the coast of Queensland. It inhabits tropical rainforest areas and suburban gardens. The Ulysses butterfly's favourite food plant is the Pink Evodia (Melicope elleryana), a tree planted throughout the gardens, with clusters of small pink flowers growing straight out of the branches. The wings are an iridescent electric blue.
		Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) Occassionally the spectacular Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion), Australia's largest endemic butterfly species may be spotted flitting amongst the higher branches. Females reach a wingspan of up to 16 cm with the males usually a few centimeters smaller. Cairns Birdwings are found southwards from Mount Webb and Cooktown to Mackay in Queensland. Favoured habitat is primary rainforest.
		Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) The Yellow-Bellied Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) nests above reception. They are small songbirds, at most 12cm long. The underparts of both male and female are bright yellow, the backs are a dull brown colour. The forehead, throat and upper breast of the adult male is a dark, metallic blue-black.
		Pied Imperial Pigeon The Pied Imperial or Torresian pigeon visits Treetops between August and January when it nests on Low Isles. It is a large pigeon with a 45 cm wingspan, entirely white apart from the black flight feathers, part of the tail and spots on the under-tail. The head can be brown, soiled by eating fruit. They migrate daily as flocks from the islands to the mainland rainforests to eat fruit and return to islands upon dusk.
		Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) Bozo, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), has been greeting guests for many years. These relatively large white cockatoos are found in wooded habitats in Australia and New Guinea.
		Green Tree Frog If you look near the water ponds you're likely to find examples of the Green Tree Frog. Larger than most Australian frogs and reaching 10 centimetres in length the lifespan of the frog can be up to sixteen years. Green Tree Frogs are docile and well suited to living near human dwellings. They are often found on windows or near rooms eating insects drawn by the light.