The Daintree Rainforest steals the spotlight as the crown jewel of Australia's rainforest scene, but it also holds a world record – it's the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Located in the high, emerald tropics of Far North Queensland, this living wonder has more than 180 million years of history waiting to be uncovered. As the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, it spans a staggering 1,200 square kilometres and is home to more tree species in just one hectare than in all of the United Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest.
Where is the Daintree Rainforest?
The Daintree Rainforest is located in Far North Queensland, just a two-hour drive from Cairns or a quick 45-minute trip from Port Douglas. It’s located within the Daintree National Park, which is part of the broader World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region, stretching from Townsville to Cookstown. This spectacular rainforest borders some of Australia’s most stunning beaches, serving as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it’s one of the only places on Earth where a thriving rainforest exists so close to a living reef ecosystem.
How big is the Daintree Rainforest?
The Daintree Rainforest region covers approximately 1,200 square kilometres, stretching from the Daintree River to Cooktown to the Great Divide. This vast area represents the largest continuous block of tropical rainforest in Australia.
How old is the Daintree Rainforest?
Estimated to be around 180 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest holds the title of the world’s most ancient tropical rainforest. For comparison, it’s 50 million years older than the next oldest tropical rainforest – the Taman Negara Rainforest in Malaysia – and 125 million years older than the Amazon.
How has the Daintree Rainforest been treated over time?
For more than 50,000 years, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, the Traditional Owners of the land, have lived in harmony with the Daintree. However, following European settlement in the late 1800s, the Daintree has suffered from ongoing challenges, including deforestation, logging, invasive species and climate change.
Today, the Daintree is protected under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (listed in 1988), with dedicated reforestation and eco-tourism initiatives helping to preserve this ancient natural wonder. You can find out more information about those conservation efforts here.
How to get to the Daintree Rainforest?
The Daintree Rainforest is just a two-hour drive from Cairns, the closest major city, along the Captain Cook Highway. You’ll need to cross the Daintree River via the Daintree Ferry, to reach the heart of the rainforest. Another popular getaway is Port Douglas, which is only 45 minutes away by car.
You can easily rent a vehicle in either Cairns or Port Douglas, with plenty of guided day tours departing from both cities, including eco-tours and 4WD adventures.
What to do in the Daintree Rainforest?
Regardless of how you choose to experience it, this World Heritage-listed rainforest is an impressive sight to behold. You can explore its emerald canopy via a scenic drive, river cruise, rainforest boardwalk, crocodile tour, Indigenous cultural walk or treetop zipline. Hidden within the forest, you’ll also find peaceful cafés and restaurants, including the famous Daintree Ice Cream Company.
The world-renowned Mossman Gorge is another must-visit, boasting 12 square kilometres of crystal-clear rock pools and riverside tracks. It offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the local Kuku Yalanji land and culture, with self-guided walks and guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks departing from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
What animals live in the Daintree Rainforest?
The World-Heritage-listed Wet Tropics area is home to the world’s largest number of plant and animal species that are rare or under extinction. Within the Daintree Rainforest itself, you’ll find thousands of birds, insects and unique wildlife, including 30 per cent of Australia’s frog, reptile and marsupials; 90 per cent of our bat and butterfly species; and 18 per cent of our bird species.
The Daintree is also home to a number of animals that exist nowhere else on Earth, like the Southern Cassowary, the Daintree River ringtail possum and the musky rat-kangaroo.
Where to stay Daintree Rainforest?
After experiencing the magic of this natural wonder, you simply won’t want to leave – making it well worth staying for at least one night. Choose from the luxurious Silky Oaks Lodge, the eco-friendly Daintree Wilderness Lodge and the treehouse-inspired Mist at Cape Tribulation, with more cost-friendly camping sites and beach bungalows available too.
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