Daintree Rainforest
North of Cairns you‘ll find the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, the Daintree Rainforest. Having gone through all climate changes including the ice age, it’s one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world. While dinosaurs no longer roam this landscape, its closest relatives in the region, the cassowaries and crocodiles still do.
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most species rich areas in Australia and despite only taking up 0.2% of the country’s land; it’s home to 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species and 65% of bat and butterfly species. You’ll be sure to spot wildlife as you explore the area.
In 1983, Daintree National Park became the centre of attention when protests erupted over the development of a road connecting Cape Tribulation to Cooktown, known as the Bloomfield Track. This lead to the recognition of the area’s value, earning the ancient Daintree Rainforest a place on the World Heritage List in 1988. This precious region is home to the highest number of rare and endangered plant and animal species in the world and this listing ensures their protection and preservation for future generations to experience.
The Daintree Rainforest is untouched by development and noise and air pollution and is situated beside the Great Barrier Reef. This area is the only destination in the world where two World Heritage sites meet and it is so accessible to travellers.
A wander through the lush Alexandra Range will take you to a spectacular vantage point, Alexandra Lookout. Here you can witness the rainforest plunging into the reef with breathtaking views back over the Daintree Rainforest and across the vibrant reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.
You can also glide on the tranquil waters of the Daintree River through one of the most species-rich mangrove estuaries in the world, taking in the ancient rainforest surrounds and keeping your eye out for crocodiles.
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