Learn some fascinating facts about the Daintree Rainforest before visiting this lush region.
Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest stretches between the Great Dividing Range and Cooktown. Here, you can discover lush tropical plants and various wildlife. Before your visit, here are some facts you may not already know about the Daintree!
1. The oldest continuous living culture resides here
The Daintree Rainforest is part of Kuku Yalanji country, and the Kuku Yalanji people have lived here for over 50,000 years! To learn more about their culture and traditions, visit the Mossman Gorge Centre and consider booking the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk.
2. 65 per cent of Australia’s bat and butterfly species call the Daintree home
The Daintree is home to thousands of wildlife species, including 400 rare or threatened species. If you’re walking through the rainforest at night, you might see flying foxes or smaller blossom bats. During the day, you may have some luck spotting a range of colourful butterflies, including Jezebels, Swordtails, and the Ulysses.
3. There are safe swimming holes within the rainforest
Queensland is known for its deadly crocodiles that inhabit various waterways, but there are safe swimming spots where you can cool off on a hot day. Popular swimming holes include Emmagen Creek, Mossman Gorge, and Cassowary Falls.
4. The oldest rainforest in the world
It’s astounding to think that the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world, at around 180 million years old! This rainforest has witnessed incredible world events and once had dinosaurs roaming its grounds.
5. Visit two World Heritage sites in one spot
The Daintree Rainforest itself is a World Heritage site, but did you know you can visit Cape Tribulation and be surrounded by two World Heritage sites? Head to Cape Tribulation Beach, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
6. The Daintree has the world’s highest concentration of primitive plant life
Not only is the Daintree home to an impressive array of wildlife, but its plant life is equally remarkable. One of the rarest plants you can find is the idiot fruit, discovered in 1970. Additionally, the rainforest contains 12 out of 19 of the primitive flowering plant families found globally.
Are you ready to discover this ancient part of the world? Book an incredible one day tour of the Daintree Rainforest and see everything this World Heritage site has to offer.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.