The Daintree in Far North Queensland is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest in Australia. Upon some local advice, we found a great way to fully experience it begins with a night amongst the trees at the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa. The lodge provides stylish, simple accommodation with a good restaurant and knowledgable, helpful staff. Please do be aware that you go to bed to a cacophony of frog calls so bring your earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
Breakfast early the next day and meet the Cape Tribulation car ferry for a day of remote beauty. Drive the winding forest road all the way to Cape Tribulation (around one hour) which marks the end of the sealed road. The area has a car park from which to explore the beach and forest before heading back. Make the most of being on holidays and stop along the way at various points that take your fancy. Highlights include the Mangrove Boardwalk, Marrdja Boardwalk, Thornton Beach and the tree-top walk in the privately run Daintree Discovery Centre (Jindalba Boardwalk).
Besides the walks, the Jungle Bugs and Butterflies museum (aka the Daintree Entomological Museum) is well worth a look. It comprises a world-class private collection of rare and local Butterflies, Moths and Beetles. Also, keep your eyes peeled for wild Cassowaries which often cross the road at various points; we did actually see one which was pretty special. Also remember, you cannot swim here as you could be taken by a saltwater crocodile or stung by a box jellyfish, the deadliest jellyfish in the world. There is a waterhole for swimming accessible via Mason’s Cafe.
If you don’t want to swim, to beat the heat stop at the Daintree Icecream Company and enjoy homemade tropical fruit ice cream, made with fruits from their orchid with flavours varying according to the season.
