Take a walk on the wild side and get back to nature in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The peace and beauty of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest is complemented by exciting adventure activities and opportunities to mix with the locals – both two and four-footed species.
Here are seven fun-filled ideas to please every member of the family:
The Daintree Discovery Centre is an amazing place to start your Daintree adventure with
excitement and interest for families of all ages and mobility. Each visitor receives a fact-filled 68-page guide book, along with an audio guide in
eight languages. There is also a cool kids tour. Interactive displays are geared for all age levels to learn about the rainforest in a fun and entertaining
way. The whole family will be talking about the giant spiders, spiny leaf insects, beautiful snakes (that you can touch and handle if brave enough)
and the interesting collection in the Daintree aquarium. Be warned! There are some mighty Australian “Jurassic” dinosaurs lurking in the rainforest,
waiting for that perfect photo opportunity. One of the best attractions is the 23-metre high canopy tower that enables a fearless journey from the
forest floor to the tops of the rainforest giants.
What could be nicer – ice cream and joeys! Your kids will love slurping a delicious, healthy ice cream made from fruit grown on the spot while watching rescued baby kangaroos hopping about. Daintree Ice Cream Company is a treat in itself. Visitors are welcome to wander about its lush grounds and tropical fruit orchard and, depending on the season, see the fruit growing. Its wildlife rescue centre specialises in raising orphaned macropods – kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons (the smallest of this group only found in rainforests).
Everyone’s favourite clown fish can be found right here on the pristine reefs off Cape Tribulation. Your kids will be able to look for Nemo and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish as well as turtles swimming over colourful coral. Also watch for eagle rays, giant clams and starfish on the seabed. Two different snorkel sites make this a ‘Serengeti of the sea’ for the whole family. Children must be two years and over to travel on Ocean Safari.
Take a cruise with the monsters of the Daintree – saltwater crocodiles. These masters of the murk will impress the clan with their sheer size and strength and the brilliance of their engineering. This species has survived and continued to evolve for millions of years despite the efforts of the planets greatest predators – humans. Crocs specialised armour includes ridges on their back that ensure they glide through the water with virtually no ripple – all the better for a successful ambush. You won’t be cuddling one, and as the kids say, Respect!
Masons Swimming Hole behind Mason’s Café is a must do – the water is clear, its ringed by rainforest and scores of freshwater turtles and native fish thrive here. There are also lots of bright blue Ulysses Butterflies fluttering around, and your kids will love it – as the Mason’s sign says – “there are NO crocodiles in the swimming hole – they are in our burgers”. The café does a tasting platter of croc, camel and buffalo burgers. Find this spot at the home of Mason's Tours..
Take a stroll along one of the boardwalks that dissects the rainforest to experience this ancient ecosystem. You may even see a goanna! The most accessible walk for younger children is the Marrdja (Kuku Yalanji speak for rainforest) Boardwalk, a looped track that begins and ends at Oliver’s Creek and is just over one kilometre long. The kids can imagine they are George and Georgina of the jungle in this enchanted and diverse pocket that includes various mangrove species. Information signs add to an interesting interpretive experience.
Explore the rainforest canopy at Cape Tribulation and experience a bird’s eye view of the ancient Daintree Rainforest up to 15 metres above ground on a gentle, fully guided two-hour zipline tour with Treetops Adventures. As you glide along, keep your eyes peeled for the Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo that live high in the tree top, the gentle flowing creeks below, and the turquoise blue of the Great Barrier Reef in the distance. Suitable for ages 3 and up this is sure to be a super fun family day out!
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Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
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