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Daintree/Cape Tribulation Mini Guide

DAINTREE CLIMATE:

The Daintree is one of the wettest climates in Australia and experiences about 120 days of rain per year, averaging 2000mm.

December to April - Green ‘wet’ Season

Expect heavy and frequent downpours.

Temperatures - 27 to 33 degrees Celsius, 85% plus humidity

NOTE: This is the cyclone season and flooding does occur.

May to September

The best time to visit.

Temperatures - Average 26 degrees with lower humidity

Temps in the rainforest are surprisingly mild due to the protective canopy layer of tall trees. The air is often humid but cool.

The highest recorded temperature is 36.7 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded temperature is 8.9 degrees Celsius. Sea temperatures range from 23 degrees in July (winter) to 29 degrees in February (summer).

WHAT TO BRING:

• Loose fitting clothes – t-shirts, shorts. A pair of long pants is recommended.
• A light coat or jacket for May-September
• Covered shoes for walking and hiking
• Flip-flops/Thongs for the beach
• Leave the high heels at home
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Umbrella
• Camera
• Your sense of adventure

HOW TO GET THERE:

Self Drive:

• Public transport is limited throughout the Daintree region, so we highly recommend hiring a vehicle and self driving. The majority of attractions and activities are well spread out between the Daintree River and Cape Trib Beach, which is an hour’s drive. There are many dining opportunities also in the Daintree, so hiring a vehicle will provide a greater flexibility so you can get the most from your stay.
• The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. The road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation. Crossing the Daintree River via a vehicular ferry is an experience not to be missed. This ferry operates from 6am to midnight each day.
• Vehicle users can be assured that a 4WD is not required to drive through the Daintree Rainforest, however the Bloomfield Track which begins at the northern side of the rainforest, is suitable only for 4WDs.
• Limited fuel access is available, so it is best to fuel up beforehand.
• It is a 2 ½ - 3 hour drive (approx.140 km) north of Cairns to the heart of the Daintree World Heritage area. Drive north out of Cairns along the Bruce Highway (Hwy 1). Continue on past the Port Douglas turnoff to Mossman (1 hr 30 mins). From Mossman continue north on the main highway past Wonga Beach (15 minutes from Mossman) and 10 km later turn right to reach the Daintree River ferry. From here it is a 1 hour journey to Cape Tribulation Coconut Beach.

Drive Guidelines

• Please drive safely and carefully while in the area. If you wish to stop, pull over and park safely, not on the road. Sometimes it is safer to walk back to the attraction.
• It is safe to drive at night, providing you obey the speed limits and keep a sharp lookout for wildlife. Wildlife is usually only killed by speeding drivers.
• Please respect private property while in the area.
• During heavy rain, water does run over the road. Please be careful and check the depth before crossing. The water usually recedes quite quickly once the rain has stopped.

Coach Transfers:

• Coach transfers are available between Cairns and Cape Tribulation daily. We recommend Sunpalm Transport who operate scheduled coach and bus transfer services between Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown as well as an airport shuttle service from Cairns

Airport to most resorts.

• Transfer time is approximately two and half to three hours from Cairns. Transfers from Cairns depart daily at 7:00am and 10:30am only.

THINGS TO DO IN THE DAINTREE:

To truly experience the wonders of this ancient rainforest we recommend the following tours and activities

Ocean Safari 1/2 Day Great Barrier Reef Experience 1/2 day reef
* A half day package visiting two pristine reefs off Cape Tribulation. Short 30 min journey each way provides at least 2hrs on GBR. Departs daily (weather permitting) at 9am & 1pm. (A/N on request) Max 25 guests, includes coach pickup and all equipment and taxes

1/2 Day Bloomfield 4WD Tour
* A half day package along the famous Bloomfield Track. See rainforests, remote beaches and the Bloomfield Falls $89 (0-4)
Includes Guided Aboriginal Interpretive walk and resort pickup
Max 7 guests, departs daily at 7.30am and 1pm (A/N on request)

2 Hour Guided Walk
* An easy 2hr Guided Walk on real jungle trails. Walk with an entertaining local guide on private trails
Max 12 guests, departs daily 10.20am & 2pm Includes resort pickup, raincoats provided

‘Croc Spotting’ Night Walk
* An exciting 2.5hr nightwalk on real jungle trails Search for native animals in two rainforest habitats Masons Night
Includes Crocodile spotting, max 12 guests, resort pickup, raincoats provided

Wilderness Experience
* A six hour package comprising a 2hr guided walk, a 1hr cruise through the mangroves in search of the elusive
crocodiles, lunch beside a rainforest stream and a swim in the invigorating blue waters of Cooper Creek (weather permitting)

Jungle Surfing
* Two hour canopy tours. Fly through the trees (up to 22metres above the ground) on flying fox ziplines, stopping at five tree platforms for bird’s eye views over the treetops, down to cascading streams and out to the Great Barrier Reef. Suit children over 3 years and adults weighing 120kg

Daintree Dreaming
* a 3 hour coastal walk exploring traditional Aboriginal hunting techniques, includes morning tea or damper and catch of the day, 1 hour Daintree river cruise, picnic lunch, Niau Waterfalls and an interpretive rainforest walk.

Other ideas

• Daintree Discovery Centre
• The Bat House
• Cape Trib Horse Rides
• Exotic Fruit Farm tour & tasting
• Cape Tribulation Sea Kayaking

THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST:

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within the largest chunk of rainforest in Australia - an area spanning approximately 1200 square kilometres.

This World Heritage Listed area contains the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists.

The Daintree Rainforest contains 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, and 65% of Australia's bat and butterfly species. 20% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. And it all lives in an area that takes up 0.2% of the landmass of Australia.

The Daintree Rainforest's addition to the World Heritage List in 1988 in recognition of its universal natural values highlighted the rainforest as being:

• An outstanding example of the major stages in the earth's evolutionary history
• An outstanding example of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes
• An example of superlative natural phenomena, and
• Containing important and significant habitats for conservation of biological diversity.

The Daintree Rainforest is over one hundred and thirty-five million years old – the oldest in the world. Approximately 430 species of birds live among the trees, including 13 species that are found nowhere else in the world.

For tourists, this unique corner of the world offers an outdoor holiday that few other places on the globe can match. There are hiking trails, scenic lookouts, camping sites, picnic tables and swimming holes to be explored in the Daintree.

Visiting the Daintree Rainforest exposes tourists to a wonderful outdoor experience:

• Untouched tropical rainforest
• Golden beaches with calm water
• Hiking tracks
• Thousands of species of birds, insects and other wildlife
• Remote wilderness
• Ecological information about the most diverse ecosystem in the world

The Daintree has everything a wilderness lover can ask for. But the most important drawcard to the area is a product Australia is famous for: life-threatening flora and fauna. Make no mistake; if you want to be chewed on by a croc, chomped on by a snake or nibbled by a spider, the Daintree Rainforest could be just what you are looking for.

DAINTREE FAUNA:

The Daintree Rainforest is home to the greatest concentration of animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction, anywhere in the world.

Estuarine Crocodile

One of the most well known animals living in the Daintree Rainforest area is the Estuarine Crocodile. This creature has been the bane of many explores and settlers in the region during the past 100 years, and it continues to be a threat to visitors to the Daintree who are unaware of the dangers associated with swimming among them.

The crocodile is from the reptile family, and has a cold-blood system which means it needs to regulate it’s own body temperature closely. For this reason, it is common to see a saltwater crocodile lying still with its mouth gaping – a cooling process to maintain body temperature between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius.

A crocodile feeds upon prey with sudden fury. It will normally wait near the riverbank, very still, and pounce upon unsuspecting prey in a rapid movement. The victim is thrashed into submission, and dragged underwater where it is stashed underneath a ledge or some other obtrusion from the river. The victim is then left to soften for a few days before the crocodile returns to have a feast.

The crocodile will eat anything including smaller animals such as fish, crabs and insects. Meals also include larger animals such as turtles, birds, reptiles, dingoes, wallabies, domestic cattle, and people if you’re careless.

The temperature at which a crocodile egg is kept determines the sex of the baby crocodile. If the egg is kept at 31.6 degrees Celsius it will be male.

Any other temperature and the baby crocodile will be a female.

Please note that the Estuarine Crocodile became a protected species in 1970 due to overly aggressive hunting by humans. It is illegal to injure or kill a crocodile.

Cassowary

A 1993 CSIRO survey found that the number of cassowary birds in the Daintree Rainforest had fallen to an alarming amount of 54. The species that had once been strong had been reduced by unnatural threats to its habitat including collisions with vehicles, accidental trappings intended for feral pigs, and killings by dogs. As a result, the cassowary is listed as an endangered species. However, it is making a comeback. Recent estimates put the population over 500 – a significant jump in numbers since 1993.

The cassowary is vital to the wet tropics region throughout Far North Queensland because it provides a role of seed disperser for over 100 species of rainforest plants with large fruits. Without the cassowary, these plants would be concentrated around a parent plant and would not spread throughout the rainforest ecosystem.
The skin on the cassowary’s head is pale blue, becoming darker further down the neck. Two swinging red wattles hang at the front of the neck with an orange patch on the back of the neck. The body is black.

The cassowary’s feet have three large toes, with a spike on each foot up to 120mm long. The female cassowary is larger and more attractive than the male. Average size of the bird is 1.75 meters high.

The cassowary is flightless and is normally quite shy. However, if the bird is agitated in any way – such as being cornered in a small area, or if any animal including human approaches it’s nest – it will lash out violently with its sharp claws. Serious injury can result, so avoidance of these large birds is recommended. If you see a cassowary, do not turn and run away from it. Instead, face the bird and back away slowly. Do not feed the cassowary.

Insects

The Daintree Rainforest is home to millions of insects. To experience the feeding patterns of the insects, simply wander into a cool shady part of the forest without wearing any insect repellent. Remember to keep the door to your room closed to avoid any uninvited guests. Please report any damage to your insect screens so we can mend them. If you do find any insects in your room that cause concern, please contact reception immediately. Unfortunately we are unable to ensure that your room will be entirely insect free, however we will do all we can.

Golden Orb Spider

Don’t worry; the Golden Orb Spider is totally harmless to humans. It may look scary, but it’s actually a very passive creature. The body of the spider is only 1-2 millimetres in diameter, however the legs grow to make the spider up to the size of a spread hand.

The leg joints are golden in colour. The web these spiders weave is vast in scope. They can be several metres across, and are often built at head level on hiking trails – a wonderful experience for visitors to the area!

Rufous Owl

Usually only seen at night, the Rufous Owl is more dangerous than it looks. Weighing up to 1.3 kgs, it is capable of swooping upon the nests of other birds and stealing youngsters for its nightly meal. Visitors are unlikely to see the owl during the day, so a nocturnal tour is the best option.

Musky Rat-Kangaroo

Is it a rat, or is it a kangaroo? Maybe this animal should be called a kangarat.

This small creature feeds on the leaves, insects and fallen fruits. It is most active in the early morning and late afternoon, avoiding the intense tropical heat of midday. Its sleeping bed is found among the root systems of large trees, padded with fallen leaves.

The Musky Rat-Kangaroo gets its name from the way it moves along the ground – half kangaroo jump and half rodent walk. The creature begins a hop forward by extending the forelegs, and then it brings the hind legs forward. This is an effective way of traversing the uneven ground of the rainforest.

Feral Pigs

This introduced animal is blamed for many environmental problems in the Daintree Rainforest. The large pigs thrash through the rainforest with brute strength, eating large quantities of native trees and animals. They spread the root-rot fungus with their hoofs, and contribute to the spread of exotic seeds and worms. The feral pigs are declared a pest by National Parks authorities, which estimate the population of pigs at 3 per square kilometre.

Azure Kingfisher

The Azure Kingfisher is one of eleven kingfishers in Australia, and is commonly seen in the Daintree Rainforest. Frequent contact with humans means the birds will come within 2-3 meters of visitors. It has azure blue wings, with an orange breast.

Ulysses Butterfly

The Ulysses Butterfly is an icon of Tropical Northern Australia. It has spectacular large iridescent metallic-blue wings that can be seen from a great distance.

Witchetty Grub

Not a particularly beautiful animal, the Witchetty Grub was an important source of ‘bush tucker’ in years past. It lives underneath the bark of large gum trees, and resembles a thick worm. It is white in colour and is high in protein – a yummy treat for the adventurous of stomach.

Spotted Cuscus

The cuscus is very similar to a sloth – and has about the same vigour and energy too. It is a very shy nocturnal mammal that sleeps most of the day perched on a tree branch.

The body of the Spotted Cuscus is covered in tan fur, with spots of chestnut and black on the back. It has reddish-brown legs and a small round face with small eyes. The animals can be up to 80 cm long.

The unique feature that enables the Spotted Cuscus to cling upside down to tree branches is its "two-thumbed" hands. The innermost toe is opposable, creating an ideal grabbing tool.

Bandicoot

Visitors to the Daintree Rainforest often mistake the Bandicoot for a tiny kangaroo because they hop around on their hind legs. They grow to about 30 centimetres in length, with fur that ranges in colour from orange, grey, brown, or striped.

You normally only see Bandicoots at night, as they are a nocturnal creature and spend the daylight hours hiding in crevices, logs or tunnels.

Sugar Glider

The name for the Sugar Glider comes from the fact that they glide through the air and feed on sweet things like honey and sugar. They are silvery blue grey in colour with a dark stripe on the back. Their body length is around 200mm.

Goanna

Goannas are huge lizards that can be seen high in trees, scampering along the ground, swimming over creeks, and leaping from branch to branch. The goanna forages for food among leaves on the ground, usually eating insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes and even small mammals.

Goannas can run quickly on their hind legs and will rear up in a two-legged posture when threatened.

Giant Tree Frog

The Giant Tree Frog is the largest variety of frog on the earth, reaching up to 14 centimetres in length. It is predominantly green in colour, with a white stripe covering its lower lip. It lives throughout the Daintree Rainforest wherever there is a water supply and plenty of shade.

The mating call is similar to a dog's bark.