5 reasons to book a trip to the Daintree Rainforest today
Step into one of the most incredible environments on the planet.
1. It’s one of a kind
The Daintree Rainforest, in Far North Queensland, is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth, dating back more than 100 million years. It is home to an unbelievably diverse variety of plants and animals, including 80 per cent of the world’s fern family, 40 per cent of Australia’s bird species and 35 per cent of Australia’s mammals. The most famous inhabitant is the remarkable cassowary, a shy but distinctive 1.75 metre tall bird with a bright blue neck and dinosaur-like head plate.
2. It’s really exciting
It’s not just a walk in the forest in our most iconic rainforest. Get up amongst the canopy with an exhilarating zip line, cruise along the Daintree River in search of crocodiles, ride a horse into the surf at Cape Tribulation or grab a torch and explore after dark with a special night time tour.
3. It’s the home of ancient culture
The local indigenous people have lived in the Daintree for at least 45,000 years, imbuing this land with a genuine sense of magic. Take a tour with an Aboriginal guide and you’ll experience a connection with the land in an entirely new way. Local guides will give you insights into traditional ceremonies, hunting and gathering techniques, rainforest food and medicine, and more.
4. It’s quite delicious
Ever heard of the chocolate pudding fruit? This yummy native delicacy has a creamy, chocolate flavour that you can't find anywhere else. It’s just one of up to 60 varieties of tropical fruit that you can taste in the rainforest including mangosteen, breadfruit, purple star apple, Miami sapote, jackfruit, soursop, jaboticaba and more.
BLOG: Why you should visit the Daintree Rainforest right now https://t.co/hZ8Mv6tFDd
#thisisqueensland pic.twitter.com/ILEU7hTQdU— Queensland Australia (@Queensland) June 19, 2017
5. It’s under threat
The Daintree is one of the most unique and vital environments we have, yet it is under almost constant threat from climate change and development. 122 of its animal and plant species are listed as threatened, and many of these are not found anywhere else in the world. Australia has lost 75 per cent of its rainforests and nearly 50 per cent of all forests in just over 200 years, so it is vitally important to preserve places like the Daintree. Responsible tourism is one way to ensure that these environments will be protected for future generations.
Have you ever visited the Daintree Rainforest?