Page 93 - Port Douglas Magazine 42

Cape Tribulation
WELCOME TO THE WILDERNESS CROCODILE EXPRESS

A Timeless Journey through the Daintree Rainforest Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises

WORDS by Jamie Jansen No visit to the Daintree would be complete without a thrilling crocodile After an exhilarating day on the river, consider a stop at the Croc Xpresso

cruise. The Daintree River is one of the premier locations in Tropical North Café in Daintree Village, open daily for breakfast and lunch. Indulge in

Queensland for spotting these prehistoric predators. The perfect starting unique dishes like Croc Burgers, Croc Spring Rolls, and Barra Burgers,
n the hectic pace of modern life, we all yearn for a sanctuary where - the Daintree Rainforest is the only place on Earth where two UNESCO point for this adventure is the charming and historic Daintree Village. coupled with great coffee and Daintree tea.

we can escape the chaos and reconnect with nature. The Daintree World Heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Instead of turning right to the river ferry, continue north along Captain
IRainforest is one such haven, a timeless realm that immediately Reef. Rainforest-clad mountains sweep dramatically down to pristine sandy Cook Highway into Daintree Village - a quirky, historic town known as the greaterdaintree.com.au
envelops you in its serene calm the moment you step into its lush beaches, transporting you to a raw and wild environment reminiscent of a region’s original settlement. 07 4098 6120
wilderness. real-life Jurassic Park. Once there, Crocodile Express - Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises will take

Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough described the Daintree as “the This comparison is especially fitting if you are fortunate enough to catch a you exploring the oldest rainforest on Earth with their experienced river Save 10 percent by booking online

most extraordinary place on Earth”, and it’s easy to see why. This ancient glimpse of the elusive Southern Cassowary, a majestic flightless bird closely guides, offering guests the chance to see saltwater crocodiles, various bird with the promo code “DAINTREE”

forest, thriving for about 180 million years, predates the Amazon by tens of related to the emu. Found only in the tropical regions of North Queensland species and numerous reptiles in their natural habitat. Established in 1979,
millions of years. and Papua New Guinea, the cassowary has remained unchanged for about Crocodile Express - Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises specialises in guided
Commonly referred to as the Daintree Rainforest, this ancient ecosystem 40 million years. As a keystone species, it plays a crucial role in the rainforest wildlife tours focused on observing and learning about the rich flora and

is located within Daintree National Park, which is divided into two main ecosystem by consuming fallen fruit and dispersing seeds through its fauna of the Daintree Rainforest.
sections: Mossman Gorge and the stretch between the Daintree River and droppings, thus aiding the growth of many tree species. The company is unique in offering two separate cruises at different locations

Cape Tribulation. About a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, Mossman along the river. The first cruise departs from the Daintree Village Jetty and

Gorge features the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River cascading EXPERIENCES AWAIT explores the Upper Daintree, where varied habitats - from dense rainforests
over granite boulders. If you continue north and cross the Daintree River by Just as special as the forest itself are the experiences waiting to unfold. Each to mangroves - provide ample opportunities to observe an array of bird
ferry, you venture deeper into this ancient forest, leading you to the stunning corner of this rainforest reveals something new and magical. Wander along species and reptiles, including saltwater crocodiles.
landscapes of Cape Tribulation. wooden boardwalks or hike winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and

or take a refreshing dip in one of the pristine swimming holes. Don’t miss The second cruise departs from the Daintree Gateway Jetty, navigating the
A LIVING MUSEUM the opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the traditional estuary section of the river, which is home to the largest variety of mangrove

This breathtaking expanse is teeming with an astonishing variety of flora custodians, the Kuku Yalanji people, who have inhabited this region for more forests in the Southern Hemisphere. These mangroves play a crucial role in

and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. Recognised as one of the most than 50,000 years. Their strong ancestral connection to the forest is shown the ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest region.
vital and complex ecosystems in the world, the Daintree offers a remarkable through their sustainable living practices and deep understanding of the Each cruise lasts about one hour, with several departures throughout the day.

journey back in time, a living museum where unique plants coexist with land’s resources. Engaging with the Kuku Yalanji is not only enlightening; it Best of all, with their ‘Come Back Again Free’ policy, guests can enjoy extra

thousands of species of birds, animals, and reptiles in perfect harmony. offers a valuable opportunity to honour a legacy closely tied to the rainforest. cruises free of charge for up to 30 days - allowing you to experience both
Adding to its uniqueness is the extraordinary convergence of land and sea river cruise locations for the price of one.
Estuarine Crocodile