Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rain Forest, possibly the most spectacular piece of scenic land in the whole of Australia. Not only for the amazing scenery, for the unique eco system, geological features but for the huge array of wildlife and flora that live in this unique region. A trip to the Daintree is a must for any one travelling around Australia.

Daintree Rainforest is the single largest block of tropical rainforest in Australia. It covers approximately 1,200 square kilometers stretching from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and West to the Great Divide.

The rainforest has the most complex ecosystem on earth. Its plant diversity and structural complexity is not seen anywhere else on the Australian continent. Daintree Rainforest is one of the few rainforests that have survived with the change in weather conditions around Australia. It is home to many species that were able to grow and survive during all these years. One of the popular species is the Idiot Fruit (Idiospermum australiense). It is one of the rarest and most primitive of the flowering plants. Daintree region is home to 12 of the 19 primitive flowering plants families on Earth. This proves the depth and strength of the Daintree Rainforests.

However, Daintree Rainforests offer more than mysterious species of plants. The landscape around the region is fabulous. It consists of amazing scenery, mountain ranges, streams and waterfalls.

Overall, it is not hard to see why the region is a World Heritage listed place.

As of 1988 the rain forest was World Heritage Listed and protected within Australia. There are many eco tourism resorts throughout the rain forest, and a lucky few even own eco friendly homes in this area. For now though most of the Daintree is home only to wildlife and the occasional tourist as well. This area is protected not only for its beauty, it is home to the largest number or rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna then anywhere in the world.

Located in tropical northern Queensland, the Rain Forest spans over 1200 square kilometers of land. The rain forest has been around for over 135 million years. Lieing between the Daintree River and the Bloomfield Rivers, one of the major attractions of the Daintree is Mount Tribulation National Park. Living within this area is 30% of Australia's Marsupial, Frog and Reptile species, 65% or Australia's Bat and Butterfly species and 20% of Australia's Bird species. Including 430 species of birds, 13 of which are found no where else in the world.

It has been stated that the Daintree Rain Forest is:

* An outstanding example of the major stages in earth's evolutionary history.

* An outstanding example of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes.

* An example of superlative natural phenomena.

* Contains important and significant habitats for conservation of biological diversity.

For tourists wishing to explore the Daintree Rain Forest, there are many options for accommodation from camping facilities to 5 star luxury hotels. With entertainment venues now available, beauty spas and fantastic restaurants the Daintree is now a popular area for those wanting a luxurious relaxing holiday. A holiday to the Daintree is very popular among honey mooners.

There are many walking tracks throughout the Rain Forest, popular tracks include the Myall Beach to Cape Tribulation Beach Walk, Dubiji Board Walk, Mardja Botanical Walk, and Mount Sorrow Ridge. These walks are designed for bush walkers to see the best of the Rain Forest. Whilst walking these tracks one should see the amazing beaches, lush rain forest, thousands of species of bird and wildlife, wilderness and lots of ecological information.

To get to the Rain Forest a flight to Cairns in Queenslands north is a must, from there a rental car, bus services, plane or boat will take you to the Daintree. To explore the Daintree there are many tour providers close to accommodation and the town centre who will be happy to show you around the area and explain the history and sights to all visitors.

The Daintree is such a special part of Australia, a place to experienced and learnt about. And now more then ever it is a place in need of protection, from humans, global warming, and land development. A must for any tourist wishing to see the real Australia.