Daintree National Park is in Far North Queensland, Australia.
Understand
History
Landscape
Daintree is about 3 hours north of Cairns, 1-2 hours north of Port Douglas (PD). It is much quieter than either Cairns or PD, owing to the distance, crossing the Daintree river (a ferry may take cars and buses across, for a toll), conservation efforts and being off the power grid. The Daintree region is in flux regarding conflicting demands of population and economy growth and preservation of the spectacular natural environment.
The quiet environment makes for a very pleasant, laidback tropical stay, somewhat distanced from the mass tourism of Cairns and Port Douglas although Cape Tribulation is a popular daytrip for visitors and amenities for tourists abound.
Flora and fauna
The park consists largely of broadleaf lowland tropical rainforests and upland tropical rainforests, although there are also significant mangrove and fan palm communities. The rainforest is an amazing array of biodiversity. Look out for the cassowary, a large non-flying bird with a "helmet" growth on its head to protect it as it runs through the forest. Of course, as with all of far northern Australia, saltwater crocodiles are present.
Climate
Tropical climate with moderate seasonal variations. The summer is the rainy season.
Get in
Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter into the park. However, tour buses may charge a fee, including the Visitor centre run bus.
You will need camping permits if you plan to camp at the grounds.
Get around
It's easiest to get around by car, but buses run from Cairns and Port Douglas all the way up to Cape Tribulation. Many companies offer packages of accommodation and transport to the area.
Some of the hostels rent bicycles which is a pleasant way to get around Daintree Village and see the sights while you're there. The ride from Cow Bay to Cape Tribulation is about 25 km each way and a nice daytrip, although a bit hilly in the Noah Range area.
The road is sealed all the way to Cape Tribulation and all rental companies allow cars to travel as far as the Cape. 4WDs are required only for the Bloomfield Track.
See
Do
- 1 Walking or 4WD Tours by Mason Tours, 3781 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, ☏ 61 7 4098 0070, ✉[email protected]. Daily 10:30AM - 5:30PM. Why mention a boutique tour company? Well, Mason's Tours started at the same time as the national park, and has been a small family run tour company since 1932. The current family generation runs tailored walking tours around the National park, ranging from 2hr walks to overnight 4WD tours at Jowalbinna Bush Camp. Bookings are essential and must be made early. Cost Varies.
- 2 Canopy Ziplining (Jungle Surfing), 3922 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, ☏ 61 7 4098 0043, ✉[email protected]. Daily 8AM-5:30PM. Who doesn't want to see the Rainforest from the view of a bird? This activity gets close. No previous experience necessary. $109 Adults, $99 child.
There are several operators running riverboats so you can spot crocodiles on the banks of the Daintree River and also Cooper Creek.
Ocean Safari runs great 1/2-day tours to the Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation.
Buy
Lemon myrtle oil is produced by tropical plants native to the area. It has a pleasant lemon scent and is said to have antimicrobial properties. Lemon myrtle essential oil and bath products are available (and marketed as an Australian-made product for visitors to purchase) to purchase at the Daintree Spa and some other businesses in the area. Lemon myrtle products are cheaper and easier to find up here than in Cairns or other areas of Australia.
Eat
Try some native Australian cuisine at Julaymba Restaurant & Grill. Rainforest salad is great, with native ingredients [1]
Daintree Ice Cream Company has natural fruit ice creams which are delicious and made from fruit growing in the orchards just behind. Also, Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm runs tours and has local tropical fruit to buy (fresh passionfruit: delicious!)
Daintree tea is also available to buy at shops and restaurants in the village and at Cape Tribulation.
There are a number of small shops in the Daintree area. There is one at Wonga Beach, one at Daintree, one at Cow Bay and two at Cape Tribulation. Mason's Store at Cape Tribulation has takeaway alcohol, groceries, and even a cafe. Check out the swimming hole there too. Being a remote rainforest destination, there are no Coles or Woolworths, so if you require the services of a multinational, go there before you come to the area!
Drink
There is a pub somewhere in Daintree, but some locals have said it's a bit dodgy.
Most of the lodgings will serve alcohol.
Sleep
Lodging
Enjoy unique spa treatments and aboriginal culture experiences at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa [2]
There are a couple of hostels at Cape Tribulation (Cape Trib Beach House and PK's Jungle Village), and Crocodylus Lodge about 20 km south of the Cape at Cow Bay.
- 1 Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, 36 Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, ☏ 61 7 4098 0000, ✉[email protected]. Set back in the heart of a lush coastal rainforest, this is an affordable tropical getaway. Located across the road from the Cape Tribulation ‘village’. Dorm from $30, Private rooms from $150.
There is also Coconut Beach Resort at Cape Tribulation.
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
There are significant crocodile numbers in the Daintree River and other creeks in the region, as well as in the ocean itself. Sometimes the riverbed will have a warning sign, but not everywhere. Stay away from the shore of the river and other creek beds. Attacks on visitors do occur, with a tourist being killed during a late night swim on Thornton Beach in May 2016.
Marine stingers are present in the water during the summer season. Some beaches are signposted with warnings for this.
You can bushwalk up to a spectacular view at Mount Sorrow in the Noah Range, but take care when you do the walk (approximately 6-8 hours - please check). Leave early in the morning with plenty of time left in the day to ascend and descend while it is still light. Walkers have gone missing on the trail.