The Daintree Discovery Centre – It’s The Best Start To The Amazing Daintree Rainforest
Get your Daintree Discovery Centre family pass tickets >>HERE<<.
The kids were strangely quiet as they strolled along the aerial walkway at the Daintree Discovery Centre. You see, we had these cool audio-guide devices that explain the wonders of the Daintree! They were engrossed in the ”kids” audio while we listened to the adult’s version.
”Mum, did you know it’s the oldest rainforest in the WHOLE WORLD!” Trillian yells out excitedly.
”Yeah, it’s 180 million years old!” yells back Ripley, just as excited.
The kids kept interrupting my audio with facts they found exciting. Eventually, I gave up trying to listen to my audio… but I didn’t really mind. I was actually really happy they were so into it and figured they were telling me all the best bits anyway.
Watch Our Visit to The Daintree Discovery Centre!
The Daintree Discovery Centre in Tropical North Queensland should be every family’s first stop when exploring the amazing Daintree Rainforest. Learn how the plant life here are essentially ”green dinosaurs!” In fact, 12 of the 19 primitive flowering plant families on Earth are found here.
To put it into perspective, firstly, the Amazon rainforest is around seven million years old and secondly, nearby Mossman Gorge is around 60 – 70,000 years old. So at a whopping 180 million years old, the Daintree is truly one of Earth’s most special, living treasures.
The Daintree Discovery Centre has a great set up that allows visitors to access every level of the rainforest without damaging the ecosystem. Families can explore via elevated boardwalks at ground level, to aerial walkways at mid-level, to a canopy tower high up among the rainforest treetops.
There are five easily managed self-guided tours at the Daintree Discovery Centre: The Aerial Walkway, Canopy Tower, Cassowary Circuit, Bush Tucker Trail and The Jurassic Forest.
There is also an interpretive display centre, reptile display, native fish display and a great coffee and gift shop.
Aerial Walkway
Walk 11m high at the mid-level of the rainforest along a sturdy walkway which showcases the large rainforest trees like the Daintree Hickory and their ”hangers on” such as vines and Elkhorn Ferns.
Canopy Tower
The Canopy Tower gets you right to the rainforest tree-tops at 23 metres high. It’s all uphill via steps of course! However, there are five viewing platforms with seating on every level to give tired legs a break. This also gives a unique perspective into the individual layers of the rainforest canopy.
Cassowary Circuit
The Cassowary Circuit is part of a natural Cassowary corridor that runs through the Discovery Centre. Cassowaries are a keystone species with over 150 rainforest plants relying on them to spread their seeds. Learn more about them on this beautiful stroll.
Jurassic Forest
The Jurassic Forest walk was a huge hit with our family! It’s a fun stroll through the beautiful rainforest with an added element of animated dinosaurs along the trail. Families will learn of the dinosaurs and megafauna that roamed the ancient rainforests of Australia. Learn why the Daintree rainforest has survived around 180 million years but the dinosaurs didn’t last.
My new favourite dinosaur? The Bullockornis Planei … or better known as the Demon Duck of Doom!
Bush Tucker Trail
The Bush Tucker Trail is fascinating and families will learn the traditional use of many local rainforest fruits, plants and insects. Make sure to try out the modern Bush Tucker lunch at the café which is inspired by the Bush Tucker Trail.
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great introduction to the Daintree Rainforest so make sure to make it your first stop when exploring this ancient rainforest in Tropical North Queensland!
Daintree Discovery Centre Tickets and How to Get There
Get your Daintree Discovery Centre family pass tickets >>HERE<<.
The Daintree Discovery Centre is located around 116km north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. If you don’t have your own vehicle, hire one from Cairns and take a leisurely drive up the coast. Crossing the Daintree River by the well-known ferry is fun!
Make sure to read out Ultimate List on Things to do Around Cairns!
Looking for more Cairns family holiday inspiration?
Head back to our Cairns page for more inspiration on family holidays and activities in and around the Cairns region in Tropical North Queensland. Alternatively, explore our home page for more Australian and worldwide inspiration.
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Cairns holiday resources
Best time to visit Cairns
April to September is often touted as the best time to visit Cairns for a great mix of warm dry weather, affordable accommodation and not too many people around. Winter temperatures in Cairns are VERY comfortable! In fact, many use a Cairns holiday as a way to escape the winter cold in other areas.
Stinger season runs from November to March with December to March usually being the hot/wet season.
Where to stay
For budget-conscious families, the Cairns Central YHA is a great choice!
For mid-range apartment accommodation with plenty of space for families, the Park Regis City Quays is a great choice. (our top choice!)
If you’re looking for five-star, Riley a Crystalbrook Collection, is a great choice in a fantastic location near the Cairns Lagoon.
Getting to Cairns
Cairns is a long way from Australia’s capital cities. Located 1,678km North of Brisbane and 2,414km North of Sydney, it’s a long road trip to get there. If you can’t stand the thought of a long road trip with kids, or just don’t have the time, there are regular flights from the capital and major cities.
Find a great deal on Trip.com.
Getting around Cairns
Getting around Cairns on foot won’t be a problem if your goal is to spend time on the reef and see the city. Particularly if you’re accommodation is within walking distance to the marina and esplanade like the three recommended above.
To head further afield to chase waterfalls, visit the Daintree Rainforest or head even further north to Cape Tribulation, hiring a car is a great option.
