A Living Canvas: Mural Unveiling Celebrates the Daintree’s Biodiversity
Rainforest Rescue is proud to unveil a powerful new artwork at our Native Nursery in Cow Bay—a striking Daintree rainforest mural that celebrates the region’s extraordinary biodiversity while showcasing the impact of regenerative tourism. This hand-drawn piece by local illustrator Victoria McGrane of The Scenic Route spans the nursery wall in an intricate and vivid array of rainforest life. From majestic fan palms to the enigmatic Southern Cassowary, the mural invites viewers to discover dozens of native species—each detail revealing the essential, interconnected roles they play in this ancient ecosystem. At its heart is a message from poet Gary Snyder: “Nature is not a place to visit; it is home.”
This artwork is more than a mural—it’s a living tribute to the Daintree, made possible through the support of Down Under Tours, the TreadRight Foundation, and Rainforest Rescue’s regenerative tourism partnerships. The full story of the mural’s creation and its significance was recently featured in Newsport, which we’re proud to share below:
Victoria McGrane (The Scenic Route), Erin Simpson (Down Under Tours), and Marine Deliens stand in front of the new mural celebrating Daintree biodiversity at Rainforest Rescue’s Native Nursery in Cow Bay. © Skye Young
Local artist brings Daintree biodiversity to life through mural
Today is Earth Day, a global event that calls for environmental awareness and action, and here in the Douglas Shire, locals are leading by example.
Rainforest Rescue has officially unveiled a striking new mural at the Rainforest Rescue Native Nursery in Cow Bay.
The celebration reflects the Douglas Shire’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship, right in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest.
The mural was created by local illustrator Victoria McGrane, known for her nature-inspired artwork under The Scenic Route.
It captures the rich biodiversity of the Daintree and highlights a growing local movement that blends tourism, conservation, and community involvement.
The artwork now serves as a permanent visual reminder of what makes this corner of Far North Queensland so unique, and so worth protecting.
Speaking at the unveiling, Rainforest Rescue nursery manager Marine Deliens said the mural reflects more than just natural beauty.
“It’s a sign of the strength of our partnership as well as the connections between conserving and restoring the natural environment and ways in which visitors to the Daintree can contribute to its thriving future”, she said.
As part of the celebration, attendees rolled up their sleeves and planted native rainforest trees on the former Cow Bay airstrip site, a space now being transformed back into natural habitat.
The trees were grown right there in the Native Nursery, which produced over 56,000 native trees last year and is set to expand to 150,000 annually once at full capacity.
Artist Victoria McGrane, who lives locally and draws much of her inspiration from the Daintree itself, said it was a privilege to contribute to the project.
“It’s an honour to be collaborating on a positive impact project where you can see the difference it’s making”, she said.
“I get so much inspiration from nature and the Daintree is full of amazing creatures and plants, the mural is a reflection of this.”
The mural is a strategic partnership with Down Under Tours and the TreadRight Foundation.
It aims to attract both local and international tourists to the Daintree Rainforest, encouraging them to support its ongoing restoration.
“Rainforest Rescue and its partners are exploring ways to show tourists how the Daintree, unlike many other rainforests, is growing rather than shrinking”, said Ms Deliens.
“With the help of the community, landholders, and Traditional Owners, we’re working to help native plants and wildlife thrive.”
Down Under Tours and The Scenic Route – Unveiling new mural at the Rainforest Rescue Native Nursery in Cow Bay. © Skye Young
The mural now stands as a vibrant symbol of what can be achieved when art, tourism, and conservation intersect. With thanks to our partners—Down Under Tours, the TreadRight Foundation, and The Scenic Route—this project embodies a shared vision for regenerative travel and ecological stewardship. It also serves as a daily reminder for our team, visitors, and community that the Daintree Rainforest is not only the world’s oldest tropical rainforest—but a home, a haven, and a living masterpiece worth protecting.
This article, “Local artist brings Daintree biodiversity to life through mural,” was originally published on April 22, 2025, in the Douglas Shire News Newsport. You can read the full article here.
Down Under Tours and TreadRight Foundation are part of The Travel Corporation, who are seeking ways to create regenerative tourism experiences within the Daintree Region.
Victoria McGrane, the artist behind The Scenic Route, creates intricate and beautifully hand illustrated designs inspired by the flora and fauna of Australia, fairytales and the flowing sinuous lines of Art Nouveau.
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