001. DAINTREE at DAWN
Pioneered by Chris Dahlberg in 1992. Early morning boat tours put Daintree on the map for wildlife viewing. With 24 hours in a day to pick from, pick the best for wildlife viewing - Dawn. Go on the river before the wind pipes in and the bus load's of tourists come to town. The early morning calm enables you to hear for miles and if something moves even an un-trained eye will go to it. These early morning wildlife trips yield an average of 50 species.
002. VISIT the GREAT BARRIER REEF
Visit two different snorkel destinations such as Mackay & Undine Reefs for extraordinary array of Marine life and coral species. On a clear day you can see the rainforest along the mainland beach whilst snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, home to an abundance of marine life as well as beautiful hard and soft corals. Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation.
Pioneered by Chris Dahlberg in 1992. Early morning boat tours put Daintree on the map for wildlife viewing. With 24 hours in a day to pick from, pick the best for wildlife viewing - Dawn. Go on the river before the wind pipes in and the bus load's of tourists come to town. The early morning calm enables you to hear for miles and if something moves even an un-trained eye will go to it. These early morning wildlife trips yield an average of 50 species.
002. VISIT the GREAT BARRIER REEF
Visit two different snorkel destinations such as Mackay & Undine Reefs for extraordinary array of Marine life and coral species. On a clear day you can see the rainforest along the mainland beach whilst snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, home to an abundance of marine life as well as beautiful hard and soft corals. Ocean Safari from Cape Tribulation.
003. DAINTREE VILLAGE WALKS
There is significant botanical detail on this link written by Rupert Russell. Rupert provided the text for the Daintree Book and was one of the protesters during the 1984 blockade to try and stop the Daintree Road going through the Daintree National Park. Other walks: Port Douglas Daintree and Australian Short Walks which includes Daintree, Mossman and Port Douglas. Birdwatchers may find the Lovely Fairy-Wren on the walk.
004. MOBILE MOMENTS
Go to qwe.com.au on your mobile phone. Add to your home screen. On qwe.com.au you will find a variety of things that you can use on your phone or tablet. Use the weather radar to see if there is any rain coming before you book your boat trip. Find a public toilet. Use the interactive regional map to see all the other tourist towns. qwe.com.au is easy to remember (first 3 letters on a keyboard), easy to use and it is free.
There is significant botanical detail on this link written by Rupert Russell. Rupert provided the text for the Daintree Book and was one of the protesters during the 1984 blockade to try and stop the Daintree Road going through the Daintree National Park. Other walks: Port Douglas Daintree and Australian Short Walks which includes Daintree, Mossman and Port Douglas. Birdwatchers may find the Lovely Fairy-Wren on the walk.
004. MOBILE MOMENTS
Go to qwe.com.au on your mobile phone. Add to your home screen. On qwe.com.au you will find a variety of things that you can use on your phone or tablet. Use the weather radar to see if there is any rain coming before you book your boat trip. Find a public toilet. Use the interactive regional map to see all the other tourist towns. qwe.com.au is easy to remember (first 3 letters on a keyboard), easy to use and it is free.
005. BEHOLD the BIG BARRAMUNDI
Travelling around Australia you have probably come across the "bigs" whether it is a big banana, big pineapple or a big prawn.
Daintree has it's own, the Big Barramundi, in the main street. Try some trick photography.
006. PADDLETREK SEA KAYAKING Preview and reservations >
Sea Kayaking allows you to take in the natural beauty from a completely different perspective, seeing the amazing marine life, fringing coral reefs and the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Cape Tribulation Sea Kayaking Tours has morning and afternoon tours daily. The tour is designed with leisure and enjoyment in mind. We kayak with the wind behind us along the magnificent fringing reef. This 2 ½ hour tour is value at only $85.00 per person and $60.00 for children aged 12 and under. Transfers included.
007. HOP on a HORSE
Enjoy the breathtaking Cape Tribulation scenery as you meander your way through the oldest living rainforest in the world. Ride through crystal clear mountain streams, through paddocks and along riverbeds until you reach the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach . One of the few places in the world where you can stroll along the beach and ride along the ocean edge on horseback, soaking up the atmosphere of the pristine beaches of Cape Tribulation.
008. HISTORIC HERITAGE
Daintree Village, being the only main centre for miles in the late 19th century, is steeped in history. The Village was supplied by boats using the high spring tides to get them up the shallow river. It wasn't long before there was a bridle path to Mossman and ultimately a road. The oldest building still standing is the Timber Gallery in Stewart's Street which was built in 1925. It is made from timber milled at where, stands today, the Daintree Riverview Lodge and Camp Ground. An important part of the eco systems here are the termites which eat timber. It is quite amazing that these buildings are still standing. There are now some photosigns sprinkled around the Village.
013. VISIT the VILLAGE in the VALLEY
Daintree Village (Pop >100) is 20 kms by sealed road, into the valley, from its entrance at Wonga Beach. Situated on the banks of the famous Daintree River, the Village is clean, green and picturesque. The Daintree Village Jetty, is a short stroll downhill from the Daintree Hotel in the main street.
014. BREAKFAST after the BIRDS
Opposite the Big Barra in Pioneers Park is a free electric Bar-B-Q which can be used at any time of the day. This also the start to the Stewart Creek Road birdwatching walk and the Daintree Village walk.
(The Village Restaurant is sometimes open for breakfast from 8.00am in the tourist season.)
019. SPY on a SWIFTLET
Imagine a little bird without feet and legs and behaves like a micro bat. The White-rumped Swiftlet is only found in this corner of Australia and is one of the smallest swifts in the world. It is often found near the main river lookout where they scoop the water surface taking a drink. They have very stiff wings and glide a lot with their wings pointing below the horizontal. Rarely alone they can be found by the side of the road also, going backwards and forwards over grass eating their insect prey. At dusk they use echo-location to navigate their way into their dark night roost.
020. LOOK from a LOOKOUT
There are some truly magnificent views to be had from lookouts over the river along the last 4 kms of the Daintree Road approaching the Village. The two southernmost ones afford good looks from Humbug Reach and from the northernmost one you can see the mouth to Barratt Creek and the length of Windy Reach.
025. MAKE OUT A MOUNTAIN
Our local mountain is Thornton's Peak and is only accessible on foot. It is about 1500 metres high making it the third highest mountain in Queensland. The taller two are not much higher and are just to the south of Cairns. Australian mountains are not high. You cannot always see the top but you maybe fourtunate enough to be driving on a 'Thornton Peak Clear Day'.
026. RELAX in a RESTAURANT
Check out the dining page >
Travelling around Australia you have probably come across the "bigs" whether it is a big banana, big pineapple or a big prawn.
Daintree has it's own, the Big Barramundi, in the main street. Try some trick photography.
006. PADDLETREK SEA KAYAKING Preview and reservations >
Sea Kayaking allows you to take in the natural beauty from a completely different perspective, seeing the amazing marine life, fringing coral reefs and the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Cape Tribulation Sea Kayaking Tours has morning and afternoon tours daily. The tour is designed with leisure and enjoyment in mind. We kayak with the wind behind us along the magnificent fringing reef. This 2 ½ hour tour is value at only $85.00 per person and $60.00 for children aged 12 and under. Transfers included.
007. HOP on a HORSE
Enjoy the breathtaking Cape Tribulation scenery as you meander your way through the oldest living rainforest in the world. Ride through crystal clear mountain streams, through paddocks and along riverbeds until you reach the spectacular Cape Tribulation Beach . One of the few places in the world where you can stroll along the beach and ride along the ocean edge on horseback, soaking up the atmosphere of the pristine beaches of Cape Tribulation.
008. HISTORIC HERITAGE
Daintree Village, being the only main centre for miles in the late 19th century, is steeped in history. The Village was supplied by boats using the high spring tides to get them up the shallow river. It wasn't long before there was a bridle path to Mossman and ultimately a road. The oldest building still standing is the Timber Gallery in Stewart's Street which was built in 1925. It is made from timber milled at where, stands today, the Daintree Riverview Lodge and Camp Ground. An important part of the eco systems here are the termites which eat timber. It is quite amazing that these buildings are still standing. There are now some photosigns sprinkled around the Village.
009. TIMBER GALLERY
Nature's rainbow, captured in Australian native timbers. For over 30 years the Daintree Timber Gallery has sourced only the most unique timbers to create their globally acclaimed works of art and utility woodware. The Timber Gallery is next to the Big Barramundi al fresco restaurant in Stewart Street.
010. POST a PARCEL?
Like most country stores the Daintree General Store is also the Daintree Post Office.
Nature's rainbow, captured in Australian native timbers. For over 30 years the Daintree Timber Gallery has sourced only the most unique timbers to create their globally acclaimed works of art and utility woodware. The Timber Gallery is next to the Big Barramundi al fresco restaurant in Stewart Street.
010. POST a PARCEL?
Like most country stores the Daintree General Store is also the Daintree Post Office.
011. WALK ON THE NORTH
SIDE
The closest old growth rainforest walks to the village are on the north side of the river. Experience the world's oldest rainforest by walking it. Maps of the walks are on your phone (which can be added to the reading list on iPhones/iPods/iPads).
Rainforest walks >
012. EYEBALL ELIZA's pottery gnomes
Next door to Daintree Originals is Liz Bright's studio, gallery and workshop. Indulge your 'away with the fairies' fantasies by a walk through Liz & Ivan's delightful garden which leads the way to the studio.
The closest old growth rainforest walks to the village are on the north side of the river. Experience the world's oldest rainforest by walking it. Maps of the walks are on your phone (which can be added to the reading list on iPhones/iPods/iPads).
Rainforest walks >
012. EYEBALL ELIZA's pottery gnomes
Next door to Daintree Originals is Liz Bright's studio, gallery and workshop. Indulge your 'away with the fairies' fantasies by a walk through Liz & Ivan's delightful garden which leads the way to the studio.
013. VISIT the VILLAGE in the VALLEY
Daintree Village (Pop >100) is 20 kms by sealed road, into the valley, from its entrance at Wonga Beach. Situated on the banks of the famous Daintree River, the Village is clean, green and picturesque. The Daintree Village Jetty, is a short stroll downhill from the Daintree Hotel in the main street.
014. BREAKFAST after the BIRDS
Opposite the Big Barra in Pioneers Park is a free electric Bar-B-Q which can be used at any time of the day. This also the start to the Stewart Creek Road birdwatching walk and the Daintree Village walk.
(The Village Restaurant is sometimes open for breakfast from 8.00am in the tourist season.)
015. BUSHWHACK a
BUSH-STONE CURLEW (one of two main viewing spots)
During the night often a distant wailing sound can be heard close to the Village. It is the call of the nocturnal Bush-stone Curlew. They sleep by day on the ground just back from the bank of the river downstream from the Jetty. A stealthy walk from the lower carpark will let you see them and if you are quiet and don't go too close no harm will be done.
016. PHONE a PAL
There are only 4 public telephones in the Daintree Valley south of the river. One is in the Village outside the Daintree Store, another in the carpark at the ferry crossing, Wonga Beach Road near the intersection with Oasis Drive and one at Caltex Wonga Beach. Mobile phones work in most parts of the Valley but reception is sparse north of the river.
During the night often a distant wailing sound can be heard close to the Village. It is the call of the nocturnal Bush-stone Curlew. They sleep by day on the ground just back from the bank of the river downstream from the Jetty. A stealthy walk from the lower carpark will let you see them and if you are quiet and don't go too close no harm will be done.
016. PHONE a PAL
There are only 4 public telephones in the Daintree Valley south of the river. One is in the Village outside the Daintree Store, another in the carpark at the ferry crossing, Wonga Beach Road near the intersection with Oasis Drive and one at Caltex Wonga Beach. Mobile phones work in most parts of the Valley but reception is sparse north of the river.
017. BIRDING with
BINOCULARS daintree.info/daintreebirdwatching.html
Daintree Village is a good place for birdwatching. One of the best walks can be done from the Village. Start at the beginning of Stewart's Creek Road alongside Pioneers Park. This follows the river upstream and has very light traffic, be careful of it. The road will take you along the cliff above the river and then down through some rainforest, across a creek, more rainforest and then out onto the grass covered floodplain and along to the Stewart's Creek bridge. Not only look out for birds but listen for them as well, especially in the rainforest parts.
018. OBSERVE an OSPREY (one of three nesting spots) Now called Eastern Osprey.
Ospreys are universal sea hawks and great symbols of conservation. They are found in every continent, except Antarctica, and it was in the eggshell of Ospreys that DDT was first found. Loosely translated this chemical was sprayed to kill insects which were then eaten by fish which were then eaten by Ospreys and the chemical then concentrated at the end of the food chain. One noticeable symptom was the seriously weakened eggshell. The same story with the Peregrine Falcon. DDT was eventually banned because of this remarkable find. Ospreys thrive in Australia. There are 2, easy to find, nests.
One is in the telecommunications tower near the entrance to the Village. This nest was first built in 2001.
Daintree Village is a good place for birdwatching. One of the best walks can be done from the Village. Start at the beginning of Stewart's Creek Road alongside Pioneers Park. This follows the river upstream and has very light traffic, be careful of it. The road will take you along the cliff above the river and then down through some rainforest, across a creek, more rainforest and then out onto the grass covered floodplain and along to the Stewart's Creek bridge. Not only look out for birds but listen for them as well, especially in the rainforest parts.
018. OBSERVE an OSPREY (one of three nesting spots) Now called Eastern Osprey.
Ospreys are universal sea hawks and great symbols of conservation. They are found in every continent, except Antarctica, and it was in the eggshell of Ospreys that DDT was first found. Loosely translated this chemical was sprayed to kill insects which were then eaten by fish which were then eaten by Ospreys and the chemical then concentrated at the end of the food chain. One noticeable symptom was the seriously weakened eggshell. The same story with the Peregrine Falcon. DDT was eventually banned because of this remarkable find. Ospreys thrive in Australia. There are 2, easy to find, nests.
One is in the telecommunications tower near the entrance to the Village. This nest was first built in 2001.
019. SPY on a SWIFTLET
Imagine a little bird without feet and legs and behaves like a micro bat. The White-rumped Swiftlet is only found in this corner of Australia and is one of the smallest swifts in the world. It is often found near the main river lookout where they scoop the water surface taking a drink. They have very stiff wings and glide a lot with their wings pointing below the horizontal. Rarely alone they can be found by the side of the road also, going backwards and forwards over grass eating their insect prey. At dusk they use echo-location to navigate their way into their dark night roost.
020. LOOK from a LOOKOUT
There are some truly magnificent views to be had from lookouts over the river along the last 4 kms of the Daintree Road approaching the Village. The two southernmost ones afford good looks from Humbug Reach and from the northernmost one you can see the mouth to Barratt Creek and the length of Windy Reach.
021. CREEP up on a
CROCODILE
On winter morning the sun shines on the northern bank of the river at Humbug Reach right opposite two of the lookouts about (021). If the tide is lowish sandy patches emerge. With those conditions, very often a crocodile can be viewed, by the naked eye, lying in the sun. The clues are; winter (May to Aug), lowish tide, and sun. During the last four winters crocodiles have also been seen, on the far side of the river, from the Daintree Jetty during the day. And it is not unusual to see one at dawn or dusk swimming.
022. JUNGLE SURFING
At Cape Tribulation.
CLOSED until 31 March 2020
On winter morning the sun shines on the northern bank of the river at Humbug Reach right opposite two of the lookouts about (021). If the tide is lowish sandy patches emerge. With those conditions, very often a crocodile can be viewed, by the naked eye, lying in the sun. The clues are; winter (May to Aug), lowish tide, and sun. During the last four winters crocodiles have also been seen, on the far side of the river, from the Daintree Jetty during the day. And it is not unusual to see one at dawn or dusk swimming.
022. JUNGLE SURFING
At Cape Tribulation.
CLOSED until 31 March 2020
023. NATURE in NUMBERS
One of the most spectacular Daintree nature shows is from the Windy Reach lookout, in late Spring/early Summer, at dusk, if the Spectacled Flying-foxes have set up their maternity camp in Barratt Creek. The flying-foxes at this time of year fan themselves for most of the day. They become very dehydrated and right on dusk they fly down to the water in Windy Reach, just in front of the lookout, drink on the wing and then fly off into the sunset. Crocodiles are more active at this time of the year and may lie in wait for the flying-foxes as they come down to drink. Be early the twilight is quick, for times just check the time of twilight on the day before.
024. GATEWAY TO DAINTREE
The Daintree gateway is to become a reality. Latest news: Gateway to Daintree responsive website
One of the most spectacular Daintree nature shows is from the Windy Reach lookout, in late Spring/early Summer, at dusk, if the Spectacled Flying-foxes have set up their maternity camp in Barratt Creek. The flying-foxes at this time of year fan themselves for most of the day. They become very dehydrated and right on dusk they fly down to the water in Windy Reach, just in front of the lookout, drink on the wing and then fly off into the sunset. Crocodiles are more active at this time of the year and may lie in wait for the flying-foxes as they come down to drink. Be early the twilight is quick, for times just check the time of twilight on the day before.
024. GATEWAY TO DAINTREE
The Daintree gateway is to become a reality. Latest news: Gateway to Daintree responsive website
025. MAKE OUT A MOUNTAIN
Our local mountain is Thornton's Peak and is only accessible on foot. It is about 1500 metres high making it the third highest mountain in Queensland. The taller two are not much higher and are just to the south of Cairns. Australian mountains are not high. You cannot always see the top but you maybe fourtunate enough to be driving on a 'Thornton Peak Clear Day'.
026. RELAX in a RESTAURANT
Check out the dining page >
027. BAG a BARRAMUNDI
Of the many species of fish to be found in the Daintree River, Barramundi is probably the most sort after for tag and releases or eating. Large Barramundi have been caught from the Daintree Village Jetty with the simplest of hand lines. The Daintree Store and Caltex Service Station at Wonga Beach carry bait and tackle.
CLOSED until mid 2020
Daintree Village Wild Fishing Charters
028. INFORM an INFORMATION CENTRE
The people that own Information Centres are often that busy in their centre that they might miss something interesting or a new product. They would be only too pleased to hear from you of any new and interesting activities that you discover whilst you are in the area.
Of the many species of fish to be found in the Daintree River, Barramundi is probably the most sort after for tag and releases or eating. Large Barramundi have been caught from the Daintree Village Jetty with the simplest of hand lines. The Daintree Store and Caltex Service Station at Wonga Beach carry bait and tackle.
CLOSED until mid 2020
Daintree Village Wild Fishing Charters
028. INFORM an INFORMATION CENTRE
The people that own Information Centres are often that busy in their centre that they might miss something interesting or a new product. They would be only too pleased to hear from you of any new and interesting activities that you discover whilst you are in the area.
029. HEAVENLY HIDEAWAY
Tucked away on the southern side of the Daintree River is Daintree Village Hideaway an intimate bed and breakfast next to the Daintree Village natural walk. More....
030. MEET a MAGPIE GOOSE
Most parts of the world have a wild goose. Ours is the Magpie Goose that was once found almost anywhere in Australia. These days it is only found in the north. Sometimes at dawn or dusk you can find them flying in formation not far from the Crossroads Café. To make sure of it however look in the billabong to the north of the ferry road. They can hide in the long grass but sometimes they are seen in the trees.
Tucked away on the southern side of the Daintree River is Daintree Village Hideaway an intimate bed and breakfast next to the Daintree Village natural walk. More....
030. MEET a MAGPIE GOOSE
Most parts of the world have a wild goose. Ours is the Magpie Goose that was once found almost anywhere in Australia. These days it is only found in the north. Sometimes at dawn or dusk you can find them flying in formation not far from the Crossroads Café. To make sure of it however look in the billabong to the north of the ferry road. They can hide in the long grass but sometimes they are seen in the trees.
