The Daintree Rainforest Walks

Address : 2333 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873, AustraliaPhone : +61 7 4098 9126

Destination Daintree – the 95 km (60 mile) Daintree region starts at Mossman Gorge, an hour's drive north of Cairns, continues past Daintree Village, across the Daintree River, through the rainforest of Daintree National Park to Cape Tribulation and along the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown.The Daintree Rainforest is believed to be one of the three oldest in the world with unique plants and animals found nowhere else, a Paradise for bird-watchers and nature-lovers.Explore the Daintree on your own or with an expert guide - ancient rainforests, stunning valleys, superb beaches, spectacular forest-clad mountains, clear streams, magnificent rivers and rolling farmlands.The Daintree Rainforest contains 3% of the frog, reptile and marsupial species in Australia, and 90% of Australia's bat and butterfly species. 7% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. There are also over 12,000 species of insects in the rainforest. All of this diversity is contained within an area that takes up 0.1% of the landmass of Australia. Part of the forest is protected by the Daintree National Park and drained by the Daintree River. The roads north of the river wind through areas of lush forest, and have been designed to minimize impacts on this ancient ecosystem.

Rainforest, Reef, Rivers and BeachesThe spectacular Daintree region begins with the Wet Tropics rainforest of Mossman Gorge in the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, an hour's drive north of Cairns, reaches north through farmlands and beautiful valleys towards Daintree Village then across the Daintree River to the ancient rainforests of the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park.

One of the few places in the world where the rainforest meets the reef.

The region is bounded to the west by the stunning rainforested hills of the MacDonnell Range - to the east the coast is fringed by pristine uninhabited beaches on the edge of the Coral Sea, home of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

Rainforest

Rainforest Stream

The Daintree Rainforest is exceptional in many ways. It is one of the oldest continuous living tropical rainforests in the world - over a hundred million years old.

It contains one of the most complete and diverse living records of the major stages in the evolution of land plants, particularly in the origin, evolution and dispersal of flowering plants. It is also provides a glimpse in the history of marsupials and songbirds, containing species older than human life itself.

Added to the World Heritage List in 1988, this forest is home to the largest range of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened, anywhere in the world and abounds with biodiversity: 30% of all frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia live here, alongside 65% of bats and butterflies species. Approximately 430 species of birds live in the Daintree Rainforest, including 13 species not found anywhere else in the world.

Reef

Great Barrier Reef Aerial View The World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is the world's most extensive coral reef system, extending over 2000 km in a broken maze of around 2900 individual reefs, of which 760 are fringing reefs skirting the mainland or around islands.

UNESCO-listed in 1981 as an outstanding example representing major stages of earth's revolutionary history, the Great Barrier Reef supports the most diverse ecosystem known to man. This unique ecosystem has evolved over millions of years.

It provides habitat for many diverse forms of marine line such as an estimated 1500 species of fish, 360 species of hard, reef-building corals, 4000 mollusc species, 1500 species of sponges as well as anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, dugong, turtles and sea urchins.

The Great Barrier Reef is also a breeding-ground, of world significance, for several turtle species and for humpback whales which migrate from Antarctica to give birth in these warmer waters.

Rivers Thornton's Peak from Daintree River The Daintree is in the centre of the region bounded by the Mossman River in the south and the Bloomfield River 60 km (40 miles) to the north. Through it's heart flows the magnificent Daintree River and, a little further north, Coopers Creek.

The Daintree River is home to an amazing diversity of life-forms with more than 150 fish species, over 100 crustaceans and the prehistoric-looking Saltwater Crocodile. 30 of Australia's total of 38 mangrove species are found along the Daintree River, ie. more than half the world's total of 72 species are represented in this single estuary - perhaps the most species-rich mangrove estuary in the world.

Coopers Creek winds through the rainforest about half-way between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation. Both systems offer a diversity of cruises with expert guides helping you spot crocodiles, countless species of birds and a variety of wildlife.

The Daintree River offers amazing opportunities for photographers and is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Boats offer both estuarine and offshore coastal charters.

Beaches Low tide at Myall Beach looking at Cape Tribulation All the beaches on the Daintree Coast offer the visitor that “deserted beach” experience. Here, “where the rainforest meets the reef”, a backdrop of tropical vegetation, majestic coastal trees and swaying palms line the beaches.

Here your “footprints in the sand” are often the only ones and it is possible to walk just a few hundred metres from the access point, claim a piece of sand, and sit for hours without seeing another single person.

The Coral Sea’s ocean currents deposit daily treasure troves of flotsam and jetsam on the high tide watermark and at low tide. Interspersed between the sandy stretches of beach, the fringing reefs become exposed providing refuge for myriad sea creatures.

Pick your choice of pristine, mostly uninhabited sandy beaches at Wonga, Cape Kimberley, Cow Bay, Thornton's, Coconut, Myall, Cape Tribulation and Emmagen.

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Phone: +61 07 4098 9179

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Mossman Gorge

(Book Now - 07 4099 7000)

Located in the southern part of the World Heritage Listed, Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is one of the few places in the country that visitors can gain an insight into the lives, culture and beliefs of Australia’s Indigenous population and their connection to the natural environment.Journey into the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge and experience the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest all the while getting lost in its enchanting stories and rich Indigenous heritage. A visit to the Gorge is a must on any adventurer’s trip to Far North Queensland.Many visitors make the trip to Mossman Gorge every year to take in the beauty of its pristine rainforest, cool streams, towering mountains and the dramatic Gorge and to receive the warm welcome of the local Kuku Yalanji people. Make sure to include a visit as part of your itinerary while in Far North Queensland to discover for yourself the beauty of the Mossman Gorge.

Gorge Activitieso Self Guided Walks

Embark on your own adventure through the Gorge with a voyage through the lush green rainforest. Soak up the wonders of the national park at your own pace as you navigate the plethora of walking tracks including the popular Gorge Circuit. A picnic lunch at one of the many swimming holes will allow you the time to just sit and appreciate the wonders of your surroundings. Find yourself under the towering canopy of the rainforest, beautifully framed by the striking mountains. An image of the crystal-clear water of the Mossman River cascading over granite boulders is one every photographer will treasure.All of the walking tracks are clearly signposted and maps are also provided upon entry.

o Swimming

The crystal-clear water of the Mossman River cascading over granite boulders forms watering holes surrounded by lush green rainforest. These sheltered retreats offer the perfect location for a refreshing dip to break up your walk through the Gorge. Warning : Safety is your responsibility, swimming in Mossman Gorge can be dangerous and is done so at your own risk. Water conditions can change quickly and are not monitored or supervised. Before entering the water assess the conditions based on your skill level and use extreme caution.

Ngadiku Dreamtime WalksA "must do" for every visitor to Mossman Gorge are the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the local Indigenous people. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language. The walks take visitors on a journey along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering cool rainforest streams.

o Dreamtime Gorge WalkYou are welcomed with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony that cleanses and wards off bad spirits. The walk then meanders through stunning rainforest and takes in traditional huts or humpies. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identify bush food sources and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationship with this unique tropical environment. Your guide demonstrates traditions like making bush soaps and ochre painting. At the end of the tour enjoy traditional bush tea and damper.Features:

Traditional smoking ceremony Stories of the Kuku Yalanji culture and traditions Experienced Indigenous guides Intimate group tour (approx 15 guests) Exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land Visit a sacred ceremony site Soap & ochre paint making demonstration Bush tea and damper

Duration approx 1.5 hoursDeparts 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm daily

1 Apr 2015 - 31 Mar 2016

Adult $60.00

Child 5-15 years inclusive $30.00

Infant 0-4 years Free

Family Pass - 2 Adults + 2 Children $150.00

Children must be accompanied by a paying adultPrice includes shuttle bus return ticket from the Mossman Gorge CentreThings to remember

Have the best possible time at the Gorge by packing the following items:

Insect repellent Light weight cotton clothing Hat Sunscreen A comfortable pair of walking shoes Umbrella/Poncho

Level/Grade of the walks - EasyWheelchair accessibility - No

Half Day Touro Mossman Gorge Indigenous Half Day Tour

Your half day tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up from Port Douglas, approximately 25 minutes from Mossman Gorge. Experience the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and discover pristine waterfalls, mountains and vivid flora and fauna. Your experienced Indigenous guide will demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush soaps and ochre paints. After your guided walk, spend time browsing through the centre’s contemporary Indigenous art gallery, visit the gift shop or relax at the Mayi Café.Features:

o Return transfers from Port Douglas accommodationo 1.5 hour Dreamtime Gorge Walko Experienced Indigenous guideso Exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji lando Stories of the Kuku Yalanji culture & traditionso Traditional smoking ceremonyo Bush tea and damper

Departs from Port Douglas AccommodationPickup from 8.30am. Return from 12.15pm

1 Apr 2015 - 31 Mar 2016

Adult $90.00

Child 5-15 years inclusive $47.00

Infant 0-4 years Free

Family Pass - 2 Adults + 2 Children $244.00

Children must be accompanied by a paying adultPrice includes shuttle bus return ticket from the Mossman Gorge CentreThings to rememberHave the best possible time at the Gorge by packing the following items:

Hat Sunscreen Comfortable walking shoes

Water bottle Insect repellent Light weight cotton clothing Towel Umbrella/Poncho

Level/Grade of the walks - EasyWheelchair accessibility – No

Cairns - Mossman Gorge TourWhen travelling from Cairns to Mossman Gorge, you have two tour options. The first is the Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Tour, which includes a tour conducted by an Indigenous guide, who will take you through private Kuku Yalanji land, on secluded pathways, teach you about bush tucker and complete your tour with bush teaand damper.

If you prefer to explore on your own terms, the self-guided Explore the Gorge tour, includes your transfers to Mossman Gorge, entry into the national park and a number of self guided walks for you to explore, at yourown pace.

Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Tour (Includes guided Indigenous Tour)Your half day tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up from Cairns, approximately an hour and a half from Mossman Gorge. You will be welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony, and then your Indigenous guide will demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush food and traditions like making bush soaps and ochre paint. You will be taken on a tour of private Kuku Yalanji land by your experienced tour guide along secluded nature walks, visiting culturally significant sites, traditional bark shelters and past meandering cool rainforest streams.

After your guided walk, spend time browsing through the centre’s contemporary Indigenous art gallery, visit the gift shop or relax at the Mayi Café.

Features: Return transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches accommodation Driver commentary included 1.5 hour Dreamtime Gorge Walk Experienced Indigenous guides Exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji land Soap and Ochre making demonstration Traditional smoking ceremony Bush tea and damper

Departs: from Cairns & Northern Beaches Accommodation Pickup from 10am. Return from 3.30pm

1 April 2015 - 31 March 2016

Adult $115.00

Child 4-14 years inclusive $60.00

Infant 0-4 years Free

Family Pass - 2 Adults + 2 Children

$327.00

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult

Explore The Gorge Tour (Self-guided Tour)Your tour beings with a convenient hotel pick up from Cairns, approximately an hour and a half from Mossman Gorge. Journey into the wonders of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and discover pristine waterfalls, mountains and vivid flora and fauna.

With approximately 2 hours free time to explore Mossman Gorge at your own pace, enjoy swimming at the beach area, bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from the Mayi Café.Features:

Return transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches accommodation Driver commentary included Approximately 2 hours free time to explore Mossman Gorge at your own pace Walk the River Circuit Track or the Rainforest Circuit Track (optional) Driver guided walk (optional)

Departs: from Cairns & Northern Beaches accommodation.Pickup from 10am. Return from 3.30pm

1 April 2015 - 31 March 2016

Adult $70.00

Child 4-14 years inclusive $39.00

Infant 0-3 years Free

Family Pass - 2 Adults + 2 Children $211.00

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult

How to bookTo book Cairns - Mossman Gorge tours, contact Down Under Tours

Phone: (07) 4035 5566Email: res@downundertours.com

What to bringHave the best possible time at the Gorge by packing the following items:

Hat & sunscreen*

Comfortable walking shoes Water bottle* Insect repellent* Light weight cotton clothing Towel* Swimmers Umbrella/Poncho

*Can be purchased at Mossman Gorge