ONE OF THE MOST ENCHANTING REGIONS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, A VISIT TO TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND WILL FILL YOUR SOUL WITH A SENSE OF AWE. JUST A LITTLE WAY OFFSHORE IS THE BIGGEST REEF SYSTEM IN THE WORLD – THE GREAT BARRIER REEF – WHILE HUGGING THE COASTLINE IS THE MOST ANCIENT RAINFOREST ON THE PLANET: THE DAINTREE.
With pristine beaches and an abundance of activities on offer, ensure you dedicate at least a few days to soaking up all that this incredible coastal region has to offer.
A few days road tripping through Tropical North Queensland is truly a delight, starting with Mossman Gorge, about 20 minutes north of Port Douglas – which is said to have the second purest water in the world.
Once you arrive at the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre, a shuttle bus can take you two kilometres up the hill to the entrance of the National Park. Here a boardwalk leads you to the Mossman River and a truly idyllic natural swimming pool.
The rainforest is 140 million years old, and the best way to experience it is on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. As you walk among strangler figs, epiphytes and twisted vines, your Aboriginal guide will take you into a private section of the forest and teach you about
Aboriginal customs, traditional food and medicinal properties of the plants.
Visit: mossmangorge.com.au
Arguably the prettiest of the beaches in the Daintree Rainforest is Cape Tribulation Beach, located about two hours’ drive north of Port Douglas. For a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, Jungle Surfing and Jungle Adventures Night Walks are located on a private
reserve in Cape Tribulation. The 45-acre property borders the Daintree Cape Tribulation National Park and contains spectacular rainforest, creeks and views of the ocean and Great Barrier Reef. Fly through the jungle canopy on an exhilarating fully-guided zip lining tour between six tree canopy platforms. You may even spot some very rare and illusive tree kangaroos along the way.
Visit: Junglesurfing.com.au
About 10 minutes from the Mossman township is Cooya Beach, where you can take an unforgettable and fun Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour with Indigenous guides, brothers Linc and Brandon Walker. You will experience a beach, mangrove and coastal walk, and traditional Aboriginal fishing practices including mud-crabbing and spear fishing. The best part is that you get to eat what you catch afterwards!
Visit: kycht.com.au
Stay: Club Wyndham Port Douglas
Staff will be able to assist you with booking any of these activities.
