The Daintree Rainforest

Keeping safe in the Daintree Rainforest

Whenever you travel you should be thinking about personal safety and the things you can do to ensure that you come and go as healthy as possible.

The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical climate and there are a few simple measures you can take to ensure you stay fit and healthy.

  • Sun Safety

    First thing first, no matter where in the world you are, you should always be thinking about sun safety. In tropical climates that means wearing sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin, large broad-brimmed hats, cool covering clothing, and sunglasses.

    We recommend using SPF 50+ sunscreen when in Australia, the sun here is quite harsh and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, travelling through hot and humid climates means your skin is likely to be damp from sweat. By choosing a sweat or water-resistant sunscreen you will be able to reduce the number of reapplications needed and spend more time exploring the Daintree!

  • Drink plenty of water

    Tropical areas have tropical heat, and you’ll be feeling in when you visit the Daintree Rainforest. When we’re in hot climates we sweat more and there’s a cool explanation for that. Our bodies sweat so that they can cool down, the sweat evaporates in the hot air leaving us feeling cooler. There is one downfall to this system though, it means we lose water quicker.

    To retain the water we’re sweating out we need to be diligent about drinking enough water through the day. It’s also useful to avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol in them, so maybe avoid the espresso martinis.

    You should also carry water bottles with you and refill them whenever possible so you do not run out.

  • Look but don’t touch

    The Daintree is filled with many wonderful plants and wildlife, there’s also a lot of awesome bugs and insects. However, you never know exactly what something is, though it may look friendly and safe, certain animals may be venomous or have painful bites. The best way to ensure you don’t get hurt and the rainforests ecosystem isn’t hurt is to simply not touch the animals and insects you see.

  • Also do not eat

    On a similar note to look but don’t touch, be sure to never eat anything you find. Just because a fruit looks interesting or delicious doesn’t mean it always is. Ask your guide about the famous Daintree Idiot Fruit for a fantastic analogy about eating unknow plants in the rainforest.

    The only time you should touch or eat anything in the rainforest is if you are instructed to or encouraged by a guide, they know what they’re showing you. For example, you might be shown bush medicines or forgeable foods.

  • Watch where you step

    Finally, you should always keep to paths and watch where you are stepping. It’s very easy to get lost in the dense rainforest if you do not remain on the paths. Additionally, you don’t want to accidentally step in anything, whether that be a burrow or some animal poop! Be sure to be aware of your surroundings as you travel.

Related article: Is the Daintree rainforest dangerous?

Cameron Ward

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.

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