Guide & Host
David Lyons
“I’ve been interested in birds since I was a young boy in Dublin. Still looking up, just under a different sky now.”
David
About David
David founded Kingfisher Birding and lives in Kuranda, in the rainforest belt behind Cairns. On multi-day tours he's the second guide: he drives, spots, and keeps the field logistics running so Clayton's attention stays where it belongs, with the guests. David has completed the Defender level of the Wet Tropics Management Authority's World Heritage Guides program, the highest attainment currently available, covering interpretation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area's natural and cultural values.
His background is genuinely mixed: healthcare across hospitals and community settings, twenty years building and running online businesses, and teaching student nurses. None of it was a straight line to running birding expeditions in a rainforest, but it gave him something useful. He knows how to stay calm when things don't go to plan, build systems that work, and tell the difference between someone who genuinely knows their subject and someone who doesn't.
The birds started at home. David's brother kept finches and canaries in the back garden in Dublin, and that's where the interest took hold. It went quiet for years, then the Wet Tropics brought it back, sharpened by some of the best naturalists in Far North Queensland. These days his favourite birding is close to home: the coastal wetlands around Cairns and the rainforest belt around Kuranda. Still learning, always looking. David is in the vehicle with you on every tour. That's the standard we hold ourselves to. Clayton leads in the field and finds the birds; David runs the day and looks after the people on it. A small, specialist team, by design.
What Kuranda Day Trips guests say about David
“Kuranda day trip was an amazing experience, and a big part of that was our guide, Dave. He was knowledgeable, organized, and made the whole day run smoothly. He also helped us find great food and local spots at really good prices, which we appreciated. What stood out most was how fun he made the trip. We laughed a lot on the way to Kuranda, and his friendly, easygoing style made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this tour, especially with Dave as your guide.”
Alejandro D.
August 2026 · Google review, Kuranda Day Trips
“We had a wonderful experience on our Kuranda tour with David. He was incredibly kind, professional, and very knowledgeable about the area. His interesting insights and friendly nature made the trip enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you, David, for making our day so memorable. Highly recommended!”
Riya K.
July 2026 · Google review, Kuranda Day Trips
“Our SkyRail was cancelled due to storm warnings, and we urgently needed a ride back to Cairns to catch our flight. David was very quick to respond and managed to accommodate our tight schedule despite the rain. He was an excellent driver and saved our trip!”
Sathya N.
December 2025 · Google review, Kuranda Day Trips
“We had a fantastic time with Kuranda Day Tours. David was a terrific host and our trip up to Lake Barrine to walk the 5km circuit track and enjoy their famous Devonshire Tea was the perfect way to get up into the Atherton Tablelands and see some of Cairns beautiful rainforest without sitting on a crowded tour bus. We even got to stop by the ancient Curtain Fig, see a platypus and even spot a Cassowaries up close on the way home. Highly recommend!”
Charles A.
June 2026 · Google review, Kuranda Day Trips
Kuranda Day Trips is part of Kingfisher Birding Pty Ltd.
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The hands that run the day. Calm driving, clean logistics, and years of staying composed when things get serious.
A calm, careful driver
Clean record, careful on the road, and relaxed at the wheel on the long dawn runs and back-road detours. The driving is part of the experience, not a chore to get through.
Years in healthcare
Trained as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, then worked in acute and emergency care across the UK, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia. Capable hands on every tour.
Lives in the rainforest
Lives in the country we bird in. Half of Australia’s bird species live in our region, including the 15 Wet Tropics endemics, and Kuranda sits right in the middle of it. Home ground, not somewhere to drive in and visit, and it shows in the small calls: where to be at first light, when to move, what’s about right now.
Recognised Wet Tropics Defender
Completed the Defender level of the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s World Heritage Guides program, the highest attainment currently available. It covers interpretation of the World Heritage Area’s natural and cultural values.