Cassowaries assist in seed dispersal by spreading the rainforest seeds via their droppings. According to information obtained at the Cassowary Summit in Cairns last week, Cassowaries are known eat the fruit of some 248 different types of rainforest trees.

The seedlings planted over the past two years are now well established with some trees now between 3 to 4 metres high and the subsequent plantings are also doing well. The 8 hectare block, located on Cape Tribulation Road at Diwan, was initially cleared for development before it was purchased by the Queensland Government in the 1990s as part of the government’s Daintree Buy Back Scheme.

A Memorandum of Understanding is in place with the EPA’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Department to revegetate the block of denuded land in the Daintree. Before planting, the Discovery Centre staff embarked on a weed eradication program.

Local school children are encouraged to collect seeds and the Daintree Cassowary Care Group plays a crucial role in propagating thousands of trees for revegetation. Additional plantings will continue in conjunction with groups such as Rainforest Rescue and the Daintree Cassowary Care Group.

The multi award winning Discovery Centre is a world-class interpretive facility nestled in the heart of the rainforest, just 10 kilometres north of the Daintree River and boasts a spectacular Aerial Walkway leading to a 23m high Canopy Tower.

The tower provides viewing of the very top of the rainforest canopy, while the walkway allows unprecedented access to the mid level rainforest. For international visitors, Audio-Guides are available in 6 languages.

An accredited Wet Tropics visitor Information Centre, the Daintree Discovery Centre also carries Advanced Eco-Tourism Accreditation and is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm.