Learn all about the ancient trees in the oldest rainforest in the world!
There’s no better place in the world to find yourself fully surrounded by ancient wildlife. From the ancient cassowary to the historic Idiot Fruit, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in history!
So, historic trees should you keep an eye out for and where can you find them?
Oldest trees in the Daintree Rainforest
Being the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree is full of ancient plants everywhere you look. There are many ancient trees located across the rainforest, but here are three of the oldest species!
– Bull and Queensland kauri trees
Kauri trees are real, living fossils that date back 250 million years. There are two types of kauri trees in the Daintree Rainforest, which are the bull kauri and the Queensland kauri.
These trees can grow up to 45 metres high and are recognisable by their high branches and flaky bark. When strolling through the Daintree Rainforest, there are kauri trees that are 1,100 years old. That’s quite old!
– Idiot fruit tree
The idiot fruit tree is another ancient tree, but this one is only found in northern QUeensland. The largest population of the idiot fruit tree is located in the Daintree Rainforest!
These trees are known for their large seeds, which measure around the size of a human fist. The tree also grows rose-coloured flowers. When looking for this tree, you can easily spot it due to the large seeds scattered around its base.
Because these trees date back 120 million years, they are sometimes referred to as the Green Dinosaur.
Walk amongst the trees
The massive Daintree Rainforest is covered in scenic walking paths and hiking trails. With each trail and boardwalk, you’ll pass a plethora of unique wildlife!
– Jindalba Boardwalk
The Jindalba is a 3 kilometre loop through the Daintree Rainforest. It’s located at the base of Mount Alexandra and its name translates to “foot of the mountain”. The entire walking path is surrounded by towering, ancient trees and lush greenery.
If you look carefully, you may be able to spot other wildlife such as an ancient Cassowary!
– Marrdja Boardwalk
The Marrdja Boardwalk offers a fantastic walk through the rich vegetation of the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll pass a range of plants and animals that date back to prehistoric times. As you follow the boardwalk, you’ll come across informative signs dotting the way, teaching you about the fascinating history of the area.
This boardwalk begins and ends at Oliver’s Creek. The 1.2 kilometre boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and weaves through the historic forest.
– Mount Alexandra Lookout
Mount Alexandra Lookout is a great spot to look out across the treetops of the Daintree Rainforest. It’s more difficult to pick out specific trees from this lookout, but it’s a great way to get some panoramic views of the vast rainforest.
From the top of this lookout, you’ll be able to see all the way to Cape Tribulation. This is a great lookout to help put the expansiveness of the Daintree Rainforest into perspective!
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.