The Daintree rainforest occupies some 1200 square kilometres of land which, along the far north Queensland coast, sits between Cairns and Cooktown but spreads out in the west from around the town of Mossman to the Great Dividing Range, and north to the far reaches of the banks and source of the Daintree River.
Much of this rainforest is within the area of Daintree National Park, which includes the more accessibe sections of Mossman Gorge and, on the coast, Cape Tribulation.
Mossman Gorge begins some 80 kilometres north of Cairns, Cape Tribulation 110 kilometres.
World Heritage area
The Daintree rainforest, particularly Daintree National Park, is part of the World Heritage site, Wet Tropics of Queensland, one of 19 Australian World Heritage sites.
It is a land of dense rainforest with ancient plants representing the world's earliest land plants including ferns, cycads, proteas, pines; and a number of rare and endangered bird and animal species such as the southern cassowary and Bennett's tree-kangaroo.
The Daintree rainforest is said to contain 30 per cent of the frog, reptile and marsupial species in Australia, and 65 per cent of Australia's bat and butterfly species. You can also find in the Daintree 18 per cent of Australia's bird species and more than 12,000 species of insects.
The Daintree landscape features rugged mountain peaks, river gorges, waterfalls, and forest areas that extend eastward to white-sand beaches with fringing coral reefs, a neighbor to another of Queensland's World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef.
Aboriginal history
The Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji tribe — several variants of the tribe name exist — is believed to have inhabited the Daintree in both the forest and coastal areas for more than 9000 years.
The indigenous inhabitants lived relatively undisturbed even with the coming of European settlers until the late 1870s when gold was discovered. This was followed by mineral exploration, tin mining and the creation of roads.
Clashes occurred between the original Daintree inhabitants and the newcomers, and eventually laws were passed to "protect" the Aboriginal people by moving them into missions.
Mossman Gorge
If traveling from Cairns, the Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park is the closest and most accessible part of the Daintree.
From Cairns, take the Cook Highway north for 80 kilometres to the town of Mossman. Before reaching the town's business centre, turn left into Johnston Road which leads directly to the Mossman Gorge carpark. Caravans and large campervans are not recommended on this narrow road.
The Mossman Gorge picnic area is provided with tap water and toilets.
There are several short walks to take.
The boardwalk Baral Marrjanga leads from the carpark to the Mossman River lookout. The picnic area and boardwalk are wheelchair accessible.
Entering the Mossman River is dangerous and deaths and injuries have occurred due to a variety of factors including strong currents, flash flooding and slippery rocks.
There may be stinging trees along the walking tracks. These are about 3-4 metres high with large, serrated heart-shaped leaves. Touching these leaves can cause an extremely painful sting; if symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
If you wish to hike beyond the rainforest circuit track, you are asked to discuss your plans with park staff, inform a responsible person of your route and destination, and when you expect to return.
Campfires are not allowed.
Cape Tribulation
To reach Cape Tribulation, continue on Captain Cook Highway beyond the town of Mossman and continue on Mossman-Daintree Rd, turning into Cape Tribulation Rd. Take the ferry to Forest Creek and continue on Cape Tribulation Rd to your destination. The trip from Mossman, covering some 64 kilometres, should take about an hour and a half.
Cape Tribulation was so named by Captain James Cook after his ship, the Endeavour, hit two sets of reef in its waters in 1770, causing the navigator to name the north point "Cape Tribulation because here began all our troubles." The second reef Cook hit on log date June 10, 1770, is now named Endeavour Reef.
Being by the water, Cape Tribulation is a popular whale-watch site during the whale migration season.
Camping is allowed but must be applied for and camping fees paid. No open fires are allowed.
As well as boardwalks, there are several tracks of varying grades of difficulty. The moderate Jindalba circuit track, which is well marked but stony in places, requires a reasonable amount of fitness and can be completed in about an hour and a half.
Picnic areas are located at Jindalba, Dubuji and Kulki, all provided with picnic tables as well as toilets.
Stinging jellyfish may be present in coastal waters whatever the season but particularly so in the warmer months. The use of full-body lycra suits, or equivalent aquatic attire, should be a reasonable safeguard against jellyfish stings.
Another creature danger is the presence of crocodiles, particularly the estuarine or saltwater species, in or near areas of water.
