Daintree Self Drive Tour
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most ecologically diverse and ancient ecosystems in the world, and one that is of international conservation importance. While most of the Daintree Rainforest has been declared a World Heritage Area, area of coastal lowland tropical rainforest from the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation remain unprotected.
Rainforest Rescue’s Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project identifies and purchases properties at risk of development and establishes Nature Refuge status to protect it forever. As you journey through the beautiful Daintree Rainforest we encourage you to visit our properties and trust you will be inspired by our efforts to save and protect this amazing ecosystem.
Your journey through the Daintree
From Cairns, drive north and follow the signs to the Daintree River Ferry which is 112 km north of Cairns. A return trip on the ferry costs $20.
• Lot 7 and 8 Forest Creek Rd After crossing the ferry take the first street on the left, which is called Forest Creek Road. Travel several kilometres down Forest Creek Road and you will see the sign-posted Rainforest Rescue Nature Refuge. |
View LOT 7 Forest Creek Rd in a larger map |
| Continue along Forest Creek Road until you come to the turn off to Thornton Peak Drive. Do a U-turn and head back towards the main Cape Tribulation Road. | |
| This section of Cape Tribulation Road, located in the Kimberley region, is a recognised Cassowary crossing point | |
Lot 14, now named the Tree Friends Wildlife Refuge, is situated on the bailey’s Creek section of Cape Tribulation Road and is very strategically located. It is bounded on two sides by the Daintree National Park. Lofty clumps of locally endemic Fan Palms and Black Palms grace the northern section of the property, while two species of cycad and various ferns abound in the denser southern part. This included the King Fern that with fronds up to five metres long is reputed to the largest of all ferns. You may also see the impressive fruit of the Noah’s Walnut Tree. |
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| On Lot 29, named the Cassowary Corridor Wildlife Refuge you will see many Fan Palms on the lower slopes. You’ll also see Swamp Mahogany, Acacia Celca (a rainforest wattle), and a species of a primitive pine, genus Podocarpus | |
Lot 7 is on the right at the end of Milky Pine Road and is in a strategically important location as the northern boundary of the property adjoins the Daintree National Park (World Heritage Area). The property provides habitat for many rare and threatened plant species. Keep an eye out for Cassowaries!
Lot 10 is located in an area identified as essential habitat for the Endangered Cassowary. Over 100 plant species have been identified on the property including the rare Haplostychanthus ‘Cooper Creek’ and the Endiandra microneura ‘Noah’s Walnut’. These properties form our Milky Pine Wildlife Refuge.
Travelling north again along Cape Tribulation Road you will cross the picturesque Alexandra Range. Take time to stop at the Alexandra Range lookout for magnificent views of the Daintree Rainforest lowlands and the Great Barrier Reef. After crossing the Alexandra Range turn right onto Buchanan Creek Road and head down towards Cow Bay.
Six of our properties are located in Cow Bay within close proximity to each other. They form the Baralba Corridor Nature Refuge. Named by local Aboriginal people, the kuku yalanji, meaning ‘wildlife track’, these properties form a vital link between two isolated areas of the Daintree National Park (World Heritage Area). This is one of the best places in Australia to see Cassowaries in the wild. |
View Larger Map |
While you are in Cow Bay, stretch your legs along Cow Bay Beach. We also recommend a visit to the Daintree Discovery Centre for an amazing rainforest experience with its elevated walk through the rainforest canopy. Nearby is the Jinalba Boardwalk in the Daintree National Park. |
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Heading north again along Cape Tribulation look out on the left hand side of the road for Rainforest Rescue signs marking the boundary to Lot 46; also known as the Cassowary Conservation Reserve. This is our largest property to date at 27.66 hectares. Sitting at the base of the prominent and spectacular Thornton’s Peak (the fourth highest mountain in Queensland), Lot 46 is situated in one of the most important ecological locations in the Daintree.
We are actively working to restore the rainforest across the entire property with thousands of trees planted so far. We welcome you to enter our property and see first hand how we are regenerating the rainforest. If you’re lucky you’ll see our resident Cassowary. The last property to visit is in Camelot Close at Cape Tribulation, which is located another 17 kms north of Lot 46 Cape Tribulation Road.
Turn left into Camelot Close from Cape Tribulation Road and continue all the way to the end until you see a sign on the left for the kulki anga Nature Refuge. This property is covered in lowland tropical rainforest and has the Tribulation Creek running through it. The high conservation value of the property has been confirmed by the presence of four species of ferns and an amazing 185 species of flowering plants. An impressive specimen of Hope’s Cycad stands at 6 metres in height. An active Orange-footed Scrub Fowl mound is located on the block. |
View Larger Map |
| Following your visit to the kulki anga Nature Refuge make sure you visit the Dubuji Boardwalk at Cape Tribulation as well as taking the time to take some photos of the magnificent CapeTribulation headland. | |
Tips for your tour
- Please drive carefully and adhere to the speed restrictions. This is an area rich in wildlife. Cassowaries can occasionally be seen crossing the roads.
- Rainforest Village at Cow Bay (14 km from the ferry) is the last available petrol station north of the Daintree River before Cooktown.
- Please don’t feed the animals including birds. For them to survive, it is important that they fi nd and eat food from the rainforest.
- Please feel free to enter into any of our properties. We ask that you respect the natural environment by not leaving any litter or removing any plants or seeds.
- A trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is approximately 140 km or 2 ½ hours (each way). A full day is recommended to take in all our properties as well as extra sightseeing activities.
- We would love for you to share your Daintree experience with us. You can send us an email to info@rainforestrescue.org.au or post a comment on our Facebook page.
- For more information, please contact Rainforest Rescue on 1300 763 611 or email info@rainforestrescue.org.au. If you are planning a trip to the area please contact us, and where possible, we can help facilitate a personal tour.
