Daintree Rainforest, North Queensland Australia
Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Display the Wonder of Nature
Sep 7, 2009
The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest are both located in North Queensland, Australia. Just north of Cairns and accessible through the towns of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, it is the only location in the world where two World Heritage Sites exist together in the same place. Although the Great Barrier Reef is the better known of the two, both offer unique and amazing views of nature in all of its splendor. If you have traveled the distance to experience the great reef be sure to take the time to explore one of natures most unique and fascinating ecosystems, the Daintree Rainforest.
The Ancient Daintree Rainforest
The ancient Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. At over 135 million years old it is also the largest stretch of tropical rainforest on the continent of Australia. Home to hundreds of unique species of plants, birds, insects and animals, the rainforest hosts a vast variety of living organisms some of which only exist within this diverse habitat.
Book a tour of the rainforest and be sure it includes a boat tour on the Daintree River, which flows through the rainforest. The river is lined by mangrove habitats, which are a combination of freshwater, ocean water and land. The knowledgeable river guides have keen eyes experienced at spotting camouflaged frogs, birds, snakes and crocodiles. A guide can spot a bright green frog sitting on a branch out in the open. From experience he knows this to be unusual behavior and after scanning the branches above he will be able to point out the large snake that had driven the frog out into the open. Chances are good that your guide will be able to bring you up close and personal with a large crocodile sunning himself on the river bank edge just feet from your boat.
Mossman Gorge
Many area tours include a stop at Mossman Gorge. The Mossman River has carved a gorge through the rainforest traveling out into the Coral Sea. There will be an opportunity to take a dip in this bolder and rock strewn river. Be careful, the rocks can be slippery and the water is cold. Listen to your guide describe the wonders of this fascinating ecosystem which eventually flows down the river into the Coral Sea feeding the Great Barrier Reef with it’s rich nutrients.
The Great Barrier Reef is a must see experience but don’t forget to add the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge to your list of sights to visit. These interlocking ecosystems remind us of the beauty and wonder of nature.
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