The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

DaintreeAn enduring reminder of the power of nature, the Daintree Rainforest is a living treasure, surviving and flourishing in the country’s far north as if time had stood still around it.

Stretching from Daintree Village across the river, the Daintree encompasses Cape Kimberley, Cow Bay, Thornton's Peak, Cooper Creek, Thornton Beach, Noah Valley, Cape Tribulation and the Bloomfield Track to the north. This is the home of the world's oldest surviving rainforest with examples of plant species that existed millions of years ago. Be dwarfed by king ferns and giant bull kauri pines, watch for the flash of blue that gives away the cassowary moving through the evergreen forest or discover tiny fish in cool freshwater pools. Winding for 140 kilometres, the Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia's east coast providing diverse habitats for many species. Cruise along it to spot prehistoric crocodiles and colourful birds or join a fishing charter to haul in a mighty barramundi. Guided walks, Four Wheel Drive or Eight Wheel Drive tours also give an insight into this special environment. Sir David Attenborough described the Daintree rainforest as extraordinary after a recent visit filming in the area, telling viewers around the world he was particularly impressed with the region's diverse birdlife. Daintree village has several eateries, artists' studios, local souvenir shops and a general store with a post office, bottle shop and information and tour booking centre. It is the last stop-off before the Daintree River Ferry which takes you across the river even deeper into the Daintree rainforest. Choose to stay in a discreet eco-resort, amazing treehouse, join the fun crowd at a backpacker resort or get to know the locals at an intimate bed and breakfast. Venture out at night when the rainforest puts on a spectacular show with mammals emerging for midnight feasts, bush turkeys hosting noisy parties and frogs providing the rainforest chorus.

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Things to do

Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park

At Mossman Gorge, a section of Daintree National Park, crystal-clear water cascades over large granite boulders in the Mossman River. Lush rainforests cloak steep mountainsides from the riverbanks up to the rugged eastern slopes of the Main Coast Range. Electric shuttle buses operate daily from the Mossman Gorge Centre—every 15 mins from 8 am–6 pm—transporting visitors 2 km to the Mossman Gorge carpark. Fees may apply. Walking tracks start from the Gorge carpark. Take an easy 10 minute stroll along the elevated boardwalk that meanders through the lower rainforest canopy and return along the riverside track, enjoying views from several small lookouts along the way. Be amazed by bright butterflies and look closely for well-camouflaged Boyd's forest dragons clinging to tree trunks. More adventurous visitors can cross the Rex Creek suspension bridge and enjoy the 2.4-kilometre Rainforest circuit track through lush rainforest.

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