Entertainment
23 November, 2025
Making living from critters
CAIRNS nature photographer Bridgette Gower has turned a passion for macro photography into a thriving local tourism business.
Ms Gower runs guided nature and photography tours at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, offering visitors a close-up look at the region’s unique wildlife.
She began exploring the gardens extensively while working part-time in scuba tourism at Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.
“I spent basically four days of the week in the Cairns Botanic Gardens, just photographing and walking around for my own pleasure,” she said.
When the pandemic hit and she was made redundant, she saw an opportunity to share her hobby with others.
“I thought, well, maybe I could try and do this as a job … maybe other people might be interested in seeing bugs,” she said.
The tours started with morning walks, but a Halloween night walk proved so popular that evening tours are now the cornerstone of her business.
Ms Gower also produces a 2026 calendar featuring striking local species.
“I have a list of things that I like that I’ve photographed throughout the year … then I create a shortlist,” she said, aiming to balance popular favourites with lesser-seen creatures.
The calendar is available on her website, on tours and at the Friends of the Botanic Gardens House and the Visitor Centre at the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Tours showcase a range of wildlife. Morning walks often highlight the Cairns Birdwing caterpillar and jumping spiders, while night walks feature frogs, striped possums, Papuan frogmouths and snakes.
Ms Gower noted a recent sighting of a python opposite the Flecker Gardens.
The tours have gained popularity, including requests for private sessions.
“The word’s really starting to get out now… I don’t need to spend as much time doing promotion,” Ms Gower said.
She also collaborates with Friends of the Botanic Gardens, whose committee members help promote her tours and related merchandise.
Looking ahead, Ms Gower plans to run additional macro photography courses. She is seeking feedback from participants on the preferred format, specifically whether it should be full-day sessions, weekend courses or multiple shorter sessions. Equipment is provided for attendees, making the courses accessible even to those without cameras.
