We did it! Lot 8 Idriess Close is protected.
Thank you for being the force for Nature we need.
Thanks to your support we added almost 12 hectares of intact, high-conservation value Wet Tropics Rainforest habitat to our growing portfolio of protection.
There is nothing as sublime nor as beautiful as Nature.
From the perfect form of a fern leaf and the languid yet purposeful journey of the liana vine, to the sound of pure water as it flows over rocks—the natural world of Far North Queensland has existed for a very, very long time and is now the oldest rainforest on the planet.
And yet, all it takes is one impulsive decision—one moment of short-sighted development—to catastrophically change this place forever.
Lot 8 Idriess Close, Degarra is an almost pristine tract of rainforest that must be seen to be believed.
The property is ideal habitat for rare and threatened species such as the Spectacled Flying Fox, Spotted-Tail Quoll, Bare-Rumped Sheathtail Bat and the iconic Southern Cassowary.

To purchase, protect and maintain Lot 8 we needed to raise $100,000—and this appeal we were very fortunate to have a business partner match every donation up to $50,000!
We extend a massive thank you to The Travel Corporation and the Tread Right Foundation for their incredible generosity in helping us to reach our fundraising target. Having their ongoing support as a Rainforest Rescue Business Partner makes a tangible difference to the future of the Australian Wet Tropics Rainforest.
The site is adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage area and the Bloomfield River in a rural coastal locality called Degarra. Renowned for its remoteness and saltwater crocodiles, it’s here that this beautiful, natural property has been held in its natural state for many years. This is also the farthest north we’ve ever ventured.
We will now protect it forever and work towards achieving a Nature Refuge status for this special place.
Lot 8 ECOLOGICAL Significance
- Protecting this lot strengthens the ecological buffer around the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest
- The lot contributes to a critical wildlife corridor, enabling movement of species like the cassowary across lowland and upland habitat mosaics
- Enhances regional climate resilience by maintaining intact forest cover and stream function
- Contains threatened ecological communities:
Lowland Tropical Rainforest of the Wet Tropics (Endangered) - Adjacent Land: Directly borders the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, stewarded by the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners through Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation
- In December 2023, Cyclone Jasper caused severe flooding, damaging the property’s creek system and destroying old-growth keystone species such as Ficus albipila. Despite the intensity of the event, regeneration is occurring via native pioneer species without any observed weed incursion—evidence of the property’s exceptional ecological resilience and integrity
Satellite view of Lot 8 Idriess Close, Degarra. Located on the edge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, in close proximity to the Bloomfield River. This land is a vital buffer between highland old-growth rainforest and the lowland mix of habitats and developed areas.
One thing is certain: once land is developed, it is almost never returned to Nature. It becomes part of the ever-consuming mindset that feeds an endless appetite for more.
When we consider the age of the Daintree Rainforest and Wet Tropics World Heritage area—the many millions of years—we must realise both the enormity of those timescales and the unparalleled ecological richness that has resulted. But these rich ecosystems are also incredibly fragile and vulnerable to the impacts that humans make.
We know we have said this before, and we’ll say it again—the Daintree and more broadly, the Wet Tropics World Heritage area are stunning examples of evolution on so many levels. From the amazing rainforest gardener that is the Southern Cassowary to the Daintree Rainbow Fish—from the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation, the Wet Tropics are a masterpiece of evolution and Nature’s intelligence.
That is one of the reasons it’s so important to protect it: there are lifeforms and ecosystems here that exist nowhere else on earth.
When we visited the rainforest at Lot 8, we were captivated by its richness—huge native mahogany trees soared above us, with crowns of bird’s nest ferns and snaking lianas wrapped around the thick lower trunks. Beneath our feet the forest floor was alive with fungi, invertebrates and scurrying reptiles. The previous custodian was keen to keep it this way. As we will.
Lot 8’s terrain is tricky to navigate, quickly rising up into the higher areas within the Wet Tropics World Heritage boundary. Seasonal creek beds indicate that adverse weather will move through here at speed–cleared top soil easily could end up in the Bloomfield River. This is a fragile area, sandwiched between the edge of the World Heritage area and a developed site where the rainforest has been cleared. In fact, the clearing resulted in a landslip on both properties, hence why Lot 8 is ‘almost’ pristine rainforest. Now that we are successful in protecting this property we will restore the damaged areas back into natural habitat.
You know that Nature needs all the help it can get right now—and thanks to you and your support, we’re protecting an additional stretch of intact, precious rainforest, covering almost 12 hectares.
You are a part of Rainforest Rescue, and you are the force for Nature that we depend on. Thank you for your support.

PURCHASED PROPERTIES
It’s in our nature to protect. With the help of Rainforest Rescuers – people like you – we are significantly protecting pristine habitat for Nature and achieving strong wins for biodiversity. Visit our Protection Portfolio page for a full list of properties protected by Rainforest Rescue since 1999.
Rainforest Rescue on Instagram
You`re never too old or too young to start creating change - together we are capable of the impossible 💚.
Shout out to ALL of the #NextGenRainforestRescuers – young eco-warriors transforming our world!
From planting trees and fundraising to creating powerful films and sparking change in their communities, these incredible young leaders aren’t waiting for the future - they are the future. And they’re making a real impact, right now 🌍✨💚.
Do you know a young #NextGenRainforestRescuer who’s making waves for the planet? We’d love to celebrate them!
💌 Drop us a line: info@rainforestrescue.org.au
Together, let’s nurture the next generation of eco warriors and grow a greener, better world 🌱.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#YouthForNature #ClimateAction #GenerationRestoration #EcoWarriors #PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #LoveTrees @daintreediscovery #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #TropicalRainforests
Make it your business to protect rainforests FOREVER 💚.
Your business can support our Partners for Protection program in a variety of ways with tier partnerships, sponsorships, company events, workplace giving, monthly gifts and direct donations.
🌏 Make preserving rainforests part of your business legacy:
👉 www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/businesses (link in bio)
Together, we are a powerhouse of positive and large-scale conservation change ✊.
Know a business that would love to be involved? Tag them below 👇
📷: Martin Stringer
#PartnersForProtection #BusinessImpact #ConservationGoals #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #Partnership #WorkplaceGiving #Restoration #PlantTrees #GrowTrees #AustralianRainforest @smallbusinessqueensland
Turns out planting a rainforest can be against the rules 🙃🌿.
Current zoning laws classify restoration as “inconsistent” use of rural zoned land… but, we’re working with Council to change that, and we need your help 💚.
👉 Learn more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#RainforestRescue #RestoreNature #CutTheRedTape #ForTheRainforests #ForThePlanet #PlantARainforest #Daintree #FarNorthQueensland #TreesAreTheAnswer
#CritterCorner: If you love the Southern Cassowary as much as we do, you may have a few questions about this beautiful, flightless bird 💚.
Over the years, we`ve compiled a list of FAQs and answers to help us all understand #cassowaries better: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/explore-the-rainforest/save-the-cassowary/faqs (link in bio) 💚.
How do you report a sighting? What`s that thing on its head? How many eggs do cassowaries lay? And, of course, how can you help protect these dino-birds and their habitat... and so much more!
If you have more questions, we`d love to hear from you!
💌 info@rainforestrescue.org.au
📷: Martin Stringer
#SouthernCassowary #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreeBirds #RainforestGardener #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestGuardian #Cassowary #FNQ #TropicalRainforest #AustralianRainforest #AncientRainforest #ProtectRainforestsForever #SupportNotForProfits #Donate #DinoBirds
#NextGenRainforestRescuers are a passionate community of young conservation heroes who are raising funds, planting trees, making documentaries, educating themselves (and others), and driving change in countless creative and impactful ways. They’re the future of our planet 🌍.
Know a #NextGenRainforestRescuer who deserves to be featured?
Send us an email at info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌.
Want to organise your own #ForestFundraiser? Visit our website for ideas on how to get started: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/forest-fundraisers (link in bio) 💚.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #YoungPeople #Youth #LoveTrees #RainforestJourney #AustralianRainforest #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #MoreTrees #Donate #SupportNotForProfits
Even rainforest restoration can get tangled in red tape.
We’re collaborating with Douglas Shire Council to update planning laws so Nature can thrive, and restoration becomes the norm, not the exception.
💚 Join us: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio) 💚
📸: Martin Stringer
#RestoreNature #ForThePlanet #RainforestRescue #FarNorthQueensland #PlantARainforest #CutTheRedTape #Daintree #ForTheRainforests #TreesAreTheAnswer
Today it feels like a lifetime ago since @douglasshirecouncil granted planning approval for the Native Nursery to be constructed on the Cow Bay site. In that time, tens of thousands of healthy, resilient young trees have been propagated within the Nursery before heading out to be planted in restoration sites nearby 🌱🌱🌱.
Last month, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Councillors Damien Meadows, Abigail Noli, Michael Rees and Roy Zammataro visited the Nursery keen to gain a deeper understanding of Rainforest Rescue’s projects and strategies for restoration.
Many different conversations took place; and especially discussing our team`s shifting focus towards the Daintree riparian and flood plain restoration to help increase resilience of the area, especially against adverse weather conditions and catastrophic flooding events.
Read more online: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/douglas-shire-council-visit-our-native-nursery (link in bio) 💚.
Discover more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/our-impact/plant-a-rainforest/native-nursery-cow-bay (link in bio) 💚.
#Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreePlants #DaintreeTrees #DaintreeNursery #ProtectRainforest #AncientRainforest #NativePlantNursery #NativeTreeNursery #NativeNursery #FNQ #DouglasShireCouncil #AustralianRainforest #AustralianFauna #AustralianTrees
According to Queensland’s Cassowary Recovery Plan (EPA, 2007), the population of Southern Cassowaries in the Wet Tropics was estimated at 2,500–4,000 adults in 1988 (Crome & Moore, 1990). By 2001, that number had dropped to fewer than 1,500 (Moore & Moore, 2001).
Today, it’s estimated that around 4,600 Australian Southern Cassowaries remain in the wild - an encouraging sign that the population may be stabilising.
But we can’t stop now. These magnificent birds still face serious threats and we must ensure their rainforest habitat is protected, restored, and preserved forever.
🌿 Become a #RainforestGuardian today:
www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚
📷: Visit Daintree Rainforest
#RainforestGuardians #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #ProtectARainforest #AncientRainforest #FarNorthQueensland #Community #TropicalRainforest #FNQ #Restoration #RainforestRestoration #ProtectRainforestsForever #SouthernCassowary #Cassowary #DaintreeBirds #DaintreeWildlife #DaintreeFauna
#ForestFlora: Blue Quandong (Elaeocarpus angustifolius) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing rainforest trees 🌳🌳🌳
The bright blue fruit has long been used by First Nations Peoples. While tart and slightly bitter, it was traditionally eaten raw, or sometimes crushed and mixed with water to form an edible paste. In some regions, the fruit was picked green and buried in sand to help soften and sweeten it.
Today, its bold, tangy flavour is often captured in jams and preserves. Have you tasted it?
Want to learn more about some of the important seeds of the Daintree? Grab a cuppa & join us for a `Significant Seeds Smoko` break: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/join-us-for-a-significant-seeds-smoko (link in bio) ☕️🤓.
📷: Martin Stringer
#BlueQuandong #BushTucker #RainforestFood #RainforestTrees #NativePlants #DaintreeRainforest #AncientFood #EdibleNativePlants #RainforestBerry #QuandongLove
We believe restoring rainforest should be simple.
But right now, it’s considered a “development” under the current planning scheme. That’s why we’re working with Council to rethink what land use means when it’s for the planet.
🌳 Be part of the change: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#ForTheRainforests #CutTheRedTape #TreesAreTheAnswer #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestRescue #PlantARainforest #Daintree #ForThePlanet #RestoreNature
💚🌳 It’s World Rainforest Day 🌳💚
This year’s theme: Celebrating Rainforests and Their Guardians.
Today, and every day, we honour the mighty rainforests that keep our planet cool, clean and full of life… and the everyday legends working to protect them ✨.
Rainforests store massive amounts of carbon, making them one of our strongest allies in the fight against climate change. That’s why protecting what’s standing, and restoring what’s been lost, is more important than ever.
Here’s to the Rainforest Guardians 🌏💚👏.
🎨: @worldrainforestday
@rainforestpartnership @rainforestcx #WorldRainforestDay #RainforestGuardians #RainforestRescue #ProtectRainforestsForever #NatureRestoration #ClimateAction #StandingForestsMatter #DaintreeRainforest #ForThePlanet #BreatheWithUs #EarthWereListening #RainforestPartnership
On 17 May, 183 legends came together to plant the final 3,300 trees at NightWings Rainforest Centre - our last Annual Community Planting Day at this incredible site!
Since 2015, this epic restoration project has seen over 115,000 trees planted. What a journey 🌳💚
Full video coming soon - watch this space! In the meantime, enjoy this bite-sized sneak peek 🎥👀.
📸: Martin Stringer
#ICYMI #RainforestRescue #NightWings #TreePlanting #PlantARainforest #DaintreeRainforest #TreesAreTheAnswer
Shout out to the #NextGenRainforestRescuers - a community of young eco-warriors changing the world!
From planting trees and raising funds to making powerful documentaries and educating their communities, they’re not just the future - they’re making an impact right now 🌍✨💚.
Know a young change-maker who’s doing incredible things for nature?
We’d love to feature them!
Shoot us an email: info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌.
Let’s grow a greener, better world together!
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #YoungPeople #Youth #LoveTrees #RainforestJourney #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #MoreTrees #Donate #SupportNotForProfits
We grow native and endemic Wet Tropics trees - tough species adapted to thrive in one of the world’s most intense climates 🌱🌴.
From fast-growing pioneers to slow-maturing, late-successional rainforest species, we’ve got the plants your restoration project needs.
🌿 Find info & order here: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/nursery-orders (link in bio)
#GrowingTrees #RainforestRestoration #DaintreeNursery #NativePlants #DaintreeRainforest #WetTropicsFlora #ConservationInAction #DaintreeTrees #ClimateResilient
We’re breaking new ground to bring rainforest back 🌳🌿🐞🍄🐌.
But restoration like this means navigating a planning system that wasn’t built for Nature. Together with Douglas Shire Council and the local community, we’re making space for trees, and for change.
✂️ Help us cut the red tape: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio) ✂️
📸: Martin Stringer
#PlantARainforest #ForThePlanet #Daintree #RestoreNature #TreesAreTheAnswer #CutTheRedTape #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestRescue #ForTheRainforests
We were thrilled to welcome Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Douglas Shire Councillors when they visited our Native Nursery and restoration sites recently.
From checking out our `Beneficial Bugs` pilot and coir planter trials to planting trees and talking shared stewardship, this visit was a great reminder that restoring the Daintree is a community effort 💚.
Big thanks to @douglasshirecouncil for their continued support and commitment to protecting this precious rainforest 🌿.
Read more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/douglas-shire-council-visit-our-native-nursery (link in bio) 🤓
📷: Rainforest Rescue & Martin Stringer
#RainforestRescue #CowBayNursery #DaintreeRestoration #PartnersForNature #WetTropicsWorldHeritageRainforest #Rewilding #TreePlanting #NativeNursery
#CritterCorner: The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) is a beloved Rainforest Gardener 🌳🌳🌳.
They help maintain the balance and diversity of their rainforest home through the role of seed disperser.
Cassowaries are known to eat the fruit of at least 238 plant species, of which 149 are woody trees, leaving undamaged seeds in a “compost heap” of dung as they roam the rainforest 💩🌱.
Learn more on our website: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/critter-corner-southern-cassowary and be sure to tell others 😉.
📷: Martin Stringer
#SouthernCassowary #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreeBirds #RainforestGardener #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestGuardian #Cassowary #FNQ #TropicalRainforest #AustralianRainforest #AncientRainforest #ProtectRainforestsForever #SupportNotForProfits #Donate #DinoBirds @birdlifeoz @birdsinbackyards @birdsofaustralia
Shout out to all of the #NextGenRainforestRescuers – young eco-warriors transforming our world!
From planting trees and fundraising to creating powerful films and sparking change in their communities, these incredible young leaders aren’t waiting for the future - they are the future. And they’re making a real impact, right now 🌍✨💚.
Do you know a young #NextGenRainforestRescuer who’s making waves for the planet? We’d love to celebrate them!
Drop us a line: info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌
Together, let’s nurture the next generation of eco warriors and grow a greener, better world 🌱.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#YouthForNature #ClimateAction #GenerationRestoration #EcoWarriors #PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #LoveTrees @daintreediscovery @destinationdaintree @portdouglas #AustralianRainforest @qldparks @destinationdaintree @portdouglasdaintree @portdouglasuncovered @cairnstourism @cairnsaustralia #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #TropicalRainforests
Turns out planting a rainforest can be against the rules 🙃🌿.
Current zoning laws classify restoration as “inconsistent” use of rural zoned land… but, we’re working with Council to change that, and we need your help 💚.
👉 Learn more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#RainforestRescue #RestoreNature #CutTheRedTape #ForTheRainforests #ForThePlanet #PlantARainforest #Daintree #FarNorthQueensland #TreesAreTheAnswer
Did you catch our April webinar? If not, it’s now available on YouTube, and it’s well worth a watch/listen: https://bit.ly/apr_webinar (link in bio) 👀.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about the key actions for successfully regenerating native rainforests and to discover our bigger vision for the Wet Tropics and the vital habitats that connect across this special region 🌳🌳.
2024/25 has been a BIG anniversary year for us and we’re excited for even bigger months and years to come.
Join us on the journey: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚.
#RainforestGuardian #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #ProtectDaintree #AncientRainforest #ConservationGoals #FNQ #WetTropics