Daintree National Park Rainforest

The Daintree National Park is the oldest living rainforest on earth at approximately 140 Million years with the southern boundary located at Mossman Gorge and the northern boundary at Bloomfield River.

Daintree National Park is divided into three main areas;

Mossman Gorge (Daintree National Park)
Popular section around a steep-sided valley on the Mossman River. Includes lush Tropical rainforest and Creek scenery. Good bird watching and wildlife viewing. Aboriginal heritage sites in the region and Aboriginal guided walks from the Kuku Yalanji Mossman Gorge Community. No camping. Approx 15 minutes drive north of Port Douglas.

Daintree National Park
Incorporating the region between Mossman Gorge and the Daintree River, this region is known for its long stretch of lush tropical rainforest. The Daintree River is home to unique bird life and is a haven for crocodile spotting.

Cape Tribulation (Daintree National Park)
Tropical rainforest and coral reef meet in this scenic coastal section of Daintree NP which lies north of the Daintree River. Sandy beaches, mangroves and swamps. Wildlife viewing. Camping available at Noah Beach only.

The age of the Daintree Rainforest varies from one section to the other. It is estimated that the Mossman Gorge section of the National Park is approximately 60,000 years old. The ancient Daintree Rainforest is contained within the area between Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation and includes freehold land and privately protected rainforest. This area is said to be some 140 million years old and is the oldest living tropical rainforest on earth.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority was first formed in 1990 by a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and State Governments. Based in Cairns, the authority is responsible for managing the wet tropics according to Australia’s obligations under the World Heritage Convention. This government department has the distinction of reporting to both state and federal levels of Government and is directed by an independent board of directors appointed by the Ministerial Council.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the amazing Great Barrier Reef. This underwater botanical garden is one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. A living home to thousands of marine plants and animal species stretching more than two thousand kilometres along the Queensland Coast to form the world’s largest reef system.

The basis of the reef is the seemingly endless variety of corals, displaying every conceivable color, shape and form. The gorgeous and positively gaudy fish and other marine animals that live among the coral reefs afford brilliant displays of multicoloured movement. Giant clams and small shells, starfish and sea cucumbers, anemones, turtles, eels, rays, sponges – there is just so much to see on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Cruising out across the Coral Sea to spend a day or even longer on the Great Barrier Reef is a holiday highlight for every visitor. Port Douglas is the nearest departure point for Low Isles and the Great Barrier Reef tours on the Tropical North Queensland Coast.

The range of reef tours available means there is a trip to suit everyone, whether you are a certified diver, novice diver, snorkeller or non-swimmer and there are several different reef destinations to choose from.

Tourism operators act as guardians of the largest world heritage listed area in the world to ensure that use of the Great Barrier Reef remains ecologically sustainable and world class.