The Daintree Rainforest on Cairns’ and Port Douglas’ doorstop is one of the most beautiful and diverse natural wonders in the world. It’s 1200 square kilometres of forest is home to the largest collections of animals and plants in the world that are rare, or threatened with extinction. It is a fine balance between the modern world and conservation.
To demonstrate its importance, the forest is home to 65% of Australia’s bat species, 20% of its Butterfly species, 30% of frogs, Reptiles and marsupials and over 400 species of birds, but the area only takes up 0.2 percent of Australia’s landmass. This is one of the reasons the area was granted World Heritage Listing in 1988.
It is believed this forest is over 135 million years old and the oldest forest still alive anywhere in the world and has outstanding examples of the earth’s development over these years with its ongoing ecological and biological processes.
For visitors the rainforest offers something unique and something they will not see anywhere else in the world, there are a range of activities to undertake, from the simple bush walk or hike, to swimming in crystal clear water hole, bird and animal watching or having a picnic under the centuries old trees.
The area has quite a few eco-friendly places to stay nearby and a range of cafés and small restaurants that specialise in local delicacies like special fruit, fish and of course the crocodile, which is very prevalent in this region of Australia. When in the area, you need to be very wary of this giant reptile, they are very dangerous and can move quickly. Read the signs and obey all information, as many tourists have been harmed and even killed by these beasts in Australia in recent years. Another dangerous creature which can be found in the Daintree is the Cassowary, this is a large turkey like bird, a bit like an emu. These animals have razor like claws and will attack if provoked. If one is seen, you should slowly walk away. There are plenty of signs and brochures to help keep yourself safe.
The area has plenty of eco-related tourist attractions including, crocodile spotting, river cruises, 4wd- aqua boat tours and there are several tourist related shops in Daintree where you can buy some clever craft items which you can take home as a souvenir of this magnificent part of the world.
