If one was to talk about tropical rainforests one might think about the rainforests of the Amazon or the rainforests of Borneo. These are certainly stunning rainforests but certainly not the only rainforests in the world. Australia is better known for its deserts and its beeches than for rainforests, but the Daintree rainforest is one of the world's most stunning rainforests and has been UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1988.
Daintree National Park is one of the world's most ancient rainforests and accordingly it is a land of exceptional biodiversity. It is a great chance to see some of the most unique and interesting wildlife in all of Australia - not to mention old and majestic trees.
About Daintree National Park
The Daintree Rainforest is believed to be one of the three oldest rainforests anywhere in the world. It is home to some of Australia's most stunning native wildlife. That includes wildlife that is found nowhere else in the world. It is a stunning paradise for bird-watchers with its prolific birds. Try to spot the large Cassowary Bird.
The Daintree region includes the Wet Tropics rainforest of Mossman Gorge and the Daintree National Park. This is one of the very few places in the world where one can find a reef by the rainforest. So one can combine a visit to the rainforest with scuba diving to the stunning Great Barrier Reef. While in one of the world's oldest rainforests, see the world's largest coral reef system.
- Ancient: Daintree Is Believed To Be One Of The Three Oldest Rainforests In The World
- Age: Over A Hundred Million Years Old
A testament to how valuable this rainforest is: it is the world's home to the largest range of animal and plant species that are threatened or rare.
- Australian Animals: Home To 30% Of All Australia's Marsupial, Reptile, and Frog Species
- Birds: Home To Around 430 Types of Birds
- Bats: Home To 65% of Australia's Bat Species
The Wet Tropics of Queensland is also home to the highest concentration of primitive flowering plant families of anywhere. Australia has been isolated for a long time and this has helped it preserve all sorts of primitive plants - including the stunning tropical paradise of New Caledonia and Madagascar (both are stunning holiday destinations that are somehow largely unknown).
- Tip: Put Everything In A Wetproof Bag
- Leeches: There Are Leeches In Australian Forests
The three main rivers that cut through the Daintree are the Mossman River, the Bloomfield River, and the Daintree River. The Daintree River cuts through the heart of the forest and is itself home to more than 150 species of fish and Australia's iconic Saltwater Crocodile.
Two of the main hiking trails are the Manjal Jimalji trail and the Mount Sorrow trail (don't judge it by the name).
Accommodation
The Daintree offers a full range of accommodation options for a full range of travelers. These include:
- Bed And Breakfasts: These Include Budget, Eco-Retreats, Cottages, Bungalows, Homestays, Farmstays, And More
- Self-Contain Cabins: These Offer Cooking Facilities But Are Not A Full Holiday House
- Holiday Home: One can Choose From Budget To Luxury Holiday Homes
- Resorts & Hotels: These Have Bars and Restaurants and There Is A Good Selection In The Cape Tribulation Area
- Camping And Caravan: There Are Many Camping Options - Including Along The Beach Front (In Australia They Call RVs "Campervans")
- Backpackers: For Those Backpacking And On A Budget There Are A Number Of Backpacking And Hostel Options Throughout The Region
See Destination Daintree for more information on accommodation in the region.
When To Visit
One of the more exciting times to visit the Daintree is during the wet season (though watch out for leeches). During the wet season, the waterfalls are thundering, the rivers are raging, and the rain is quick, sudden, torrential, but brief with the rains disappearing just as quickly as they arrived. Afterward one can see the mist rising and drifting through the tropical steaming canopy.
- Amount Of Rain: Around Two Meters Annually In The Wet Tropics
Barron Gorge National Park
One of the stunning parts of the larger rainforest region is the Barron Gorge, National Park. Here one can see cascading waterfalls and stupendous vistas of the rainforests.
- In Barron Gorge Hike The Din Din Barron Falls Looku Track
- When Hiking In The Rainforest Wear No-Slip Shoes
- Carry Dry Wipes To Dry The Camera Lens
- Height Of The Waterfall: 250 Meter Or 820 Feet
The Daintree rainforest is one of Australia's great national treasures even if it is a little less famous than the Great Barrier Reef and Ayer's Rock out in the middle of the land down under.