RIFLEBIRD LODGE

WELCOME TO RIFLEBIRD LODGE

Located in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area of Far North Queensland, Australia, Riflebird Lodge offers an immersive wildlife experience for passionate nature enthusiast.

What we offer:

Exclusive accommodation and facilities tailored to the needs of keen wildlife enthusiasts
Internationally recognized artistic, cultural and scientific history
160 acres of type 1b Complex Mesophyll Vine Forest, protected by an established Nature Refuge status
Extensive and well maintained walking trail network, leading to two permanent fresh-water streams
Regular sightings of iconic fauna in the grounds around the Lodge, including Victoria’s Riflebird, Southern Cassowary, Catbird, Musky Rat Kangaroo and many more
Exploring the trails in the nature refuge leads to encounters with a wide variety of fauna, flora and fungi species, some of which were first discovered on the property

The Cooper Legacy

The property now known as Riflebird Lodge was previously the home and sanctuary of William T. Cooper and his wife Wendy Cooper, who lived here for 37 years between 1987 and 2024

William was a renowned Australian artist, celebrated for his exceptional talent in illustrating birds with incredible precision and realism. Born in 1934, he developed a deep passion for wildlife from a young age, becoming largely self-taught in his craft. His work, which featured both native Australian and international bird species, was admired for its detailed accuracy and vivid portrayal of nature. Cooper’s illustrations appeared in numerous books, exhibitions, and journals, earning him international recognition as one of the world’s foremost bird artists

His wife, Wendy Cooper, was a key figure in his artistic journey and collaborated with him on various publishing projects. Wendy also made significant contributions to botanical studies, discovering multiple new plant species during her research. She authored several books on plants, with many of her findings contributing to the broader understanding of Australia’s unique flora. Together, William and Wendy shared a passion for the natural world, conducting research and fieldwork that deeply informed their work

Their home in Topaz, surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife, provided the ideal setting for their work. The tranquil environment allowed them to immerse themselves in nature, observing and documenting the native species that would become central to their art. It was not only a place of residence but also a hub for their creative pursuits, inspiring much of their work

In addition to their artistic and scientific endeavours, Bill and Wendy Cooper were deeply committed to conservation. They established the Topaz Rainforest Nature Refuge, one of the first nature refuges to be established in Queensland and a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of the region. The refuge provided a safe haven for local wildlife and helped protect the delicate rainforest ecosystem. Their work in conservation was a natural extension of their passion for the environment, and it reflected their belief in the importance of protecting Australia’s rich natural heritage

William T. Cooper passed away in 2015, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of natural history art. His and Wendy’s contributions continue to influence and inspire those passionate about nature and the arts

Accommodation

The Attenborough Suite

Our suite is named after the illustrious naturalist, broadcaster and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, who stayed in this very room during his various visits to Topaz to see Bill and Wendy

Attenborough filmed a documentary on the art of Bill Cooper in 1992 titled “Portrait Painter to the Birds” and said he believed Bill Cooper to be “Australia’s greatest living scientific painter of birds, he is possibly the best in the world”

We welcome our guest to stay with us and experience what Sir David did during his visits to the wonderful property and surrounding tropical rainforest

*_{Sir David Attenborough Photo Credit:DFAT}*

Room Facilities

Self-contained 1 bedroom chalet separate from the main Lodge building
Private en suite bathroom with shower
Queen size double bed
Additional small single bed suitable for a small adult or child
Wall fan & dehumidifier
Fridge – Microwave – Kettle
Free satellite Wifi
Full access to the main building kitchen and dining area – Coffee machine, kettle, fridge, microwave, cooker and all crockery
Lounge and TV with streaming services available in the main lodge building
Garden views with frequent wildlife encounters
Direct access to the nature refuge walking trails

The Topaz Rainforest Nature Refuge

Established in 1996, the Topaz Rainforest Nature Refuge is composed of the Riflebird Lodge property and 2 other neighbouring properties, making up approximately 250 acres of protected rainforest

It was only the 8th nature refuge to be established in Queensland, and therefore a very early pioneer in the conservation of our precious flora and fauna. Queensland now has 574 established nature refuges protecting approximately 12.5 million acres of land

The established walking trail network allows access to many different areas of the property, allowing an immersive rainforest experience. The freshwater creeks at the western edge of the property are great spots for animal watching, relaxing and a refreshing swim

Being surrounded by rainforest, we have frequent visits from all types of animals including many snakes and spiders. Although most animals you will encounter are harmless, we encourage our guest to tread carefully, especially at night, in order to avoid any unpleasant encounters.

Getting Here

The road to the Lodge is almost entirely sealed bitumen and is suitable for all cars. The trip winds through some stunning Far North Queensland scenery, so please take your time and look out for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk

Drive times to the Lodge: