Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park is located in Queensland along the coastline of far northeast Australia. Although a divided area, the national park boundaries encompass an area of 463.3 square miles (1,200 sq km).

The two different areas of the park are known as Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. The Mossman Gorge area is comprised of dense rainforest and mountain woodlands. The area provides visitors with a number of hikes to explore the rainforest and biodiversity.

The Cape Tribulation area features Mt. Hemmant, Mt. Sorrow, and Thornton’s Peak, pristine beaches, and Australia’s final significant collection of lowland rainforest.

There are three key rivers traversing the park. Mossman River is found in the lower southern part of the park with Bloomfield River and the Daintree River found further north.

The national park is renowned for the Daintree Rainforest which exemplifies biodiversity. The rainforest of Daintree is home to a number of rare species. Trees once thought to be extinct have been discovered to be living in the Daintree rainforest.

The Daintree Rainforest is home to over 430 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, and an array of mammals. The saltwater crocodile is probably the most exciting species found in the park.

Photos

Daintree National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

Daintree National Park is home to the renowned Daintree Rainforest. The tranquility of the dense biodiversity of the rainforest with hikes to explore the region is the highlight of the national park.

Daintree Rainforest

Hiking the scenic walks of the Mossman Gorge are some of the most popular park activities. Engaging one of the guided tours to experience the saltwater crocodiles is also exhilarating.  This is all part of the national park experience.  The heart of it all rests in the rainforest.

The larger Daintree Rainforest covers an area of 460 square miles (1,200 sq km).  The dense tropical rainforest that blankets the northern coastal region of Queensland, Australia is the largest continuous tropical rainforest on the continent.  It is considered the oldest living rainforest in the world.

Saltwater Crocodiles

The saltwater crocodile is officially known as an Estuarine crocodile.  It can reach lengths up to 20 feet (6 m) and weigh as much as 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). It is the largest of any crocodile, alligator, or caiman species. The Nile Crocodile might weigh more when the two species are similar in length.

Daintree National Park Trails

There are a good number of trails that allow visitors to explore the dense lush rainforest of the national park.  The tranquility of the rainforest beckons the casual hike allowing the senses to be enriched with the sounds, smells, and sights.

Mossman Gorge Rainforest Trail

This is a 1.9-mile (3.06 km) loop trail with minimal elevation gain. Visitors will meander through the rainforest with views of a nice waterfall.  It is a tranquil leisurely walk through the rainforest.

Kulki, Myall Beach Trail

This is an easy 4.0-mile (6.44 km) loop trail that is partially paved, partially boardwalk, and fairly easy terrain to navigate. Along with treks through the rainforest, hikers will also experience the beach coastline.

Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail

This is a challenging 4.1-mile (6.60 km) with an elevation gain of 2,312 feet (704.70 m). The in and out trail provides opportunities to see wildflowers, wildlife, parts of the Daintree Rainforest, and views of the beach.

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3

Park Protection

Daintree National Park was created to protect the oldest known rainforest in the world as well as the habitat for over 430 species of birds.  The park protects a rich biodiversity across both fauna and flora species.  The park is helping to ensure that the largest continuous tropical rainforest in Australia remains for future generations.