The History of Daintree Village

WORDS by Byron Filmer

Nestled on the banks of the Daintree River sits the Daintree Village. Growing up in this small community has made the history of the Village mean a great deal to me. Before writing this piece, I spent time collecting photos, stories, and visiting significant locations to better understand my home's history and document information that may otherwise fade away.

While it might seem a sleepy little town today, its past tells a story of resilience, transformation, and community spirit, from its roots in logging and dairy to an eventual boom in tourism. The Daintree Village was once the furthest north a hire car could venture before the road to Cape Tribulation was sealed.

The Daintree Village is located just 40 minutes north of Port Douglas and sits along the southern bank of the Daintree River, meaning there’s no need to cross the ferry to visit. Many of the old buildings seen in photographs still stand, and the history of the Village lives strong in the locals. Visiting with some knowledge can make the experience so much more meaningful.

The Times of Timber

The story of the Daintree Village began in 1873, when George Dalrymple explored the Daintree River in search of a route to the Palmer River goldfields. Around this time, the first settlers were developing Mossman and Port Douglas. The river was named after Richard Daintree, who ironically never set foot in the region. Dalrymple’s report of abundant Red Cedar quickly drew loggers seeking fortunes. They believed they’d found an endless supply, but by 1888 the industry had collapsed as cedar stocks were nearly depleted and prices plummeted.

Still, that short-lived boom opened the gateway for the area’s first permanent settlers.

The Early Days

In 1879, John Whitehead Stuart and his brothers Gavin and Archie became the region’s first permanent European settlers. They planted fruit trees and established the first post office across from the current township. They were soon joined by families like the Reynolds, Fischers, and Osbornes, whose descendants still live in the region today.

The Kuku Yalanji people had lived along the Daintree River in small groups long before European settlement, calling the area Julaymba. Arthur Osborne is said to be the first white child born in the Village in 1883, and his family, like many others, played a central role in the development of the settlement and surrounding farmland. Early settlers hosted the region’s first schools and laid the foundations for farming and cattle industries.

When the Waters Rise

During the wet season, the Daintree River can rise quickly, cutting the Village off from the outside world for days or weeks. In the early days, floodwaters often destroyed crops, damaged homes, and made farming unpredictable.

Even today, flooding has left its mark. The flood following Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 was the largest ever recorded, with heights reaching 14.85 metres—surpassing the previous record by over two metres. To date, floodwater has never risen completely into the Village itself.

Near Abandonment

By the early 20th century, the excitement of the logging era had faded. The post office had closed, farming proved too difficult to sustain, and the Village faced a tough period. Some settlers left, the school closed, and at one point it seemed the Daintree Village might fade away entirely.

A Dairy Dream

The arrival of Lucas Hughes in 1921 signalled a turning point. He founded the Daintree River Development Co. and introduced dairy farming to the region. By 1924, a joint butter factory and timber mill stood where the caravan park now sits. The Village was alive once again; stores opened, and the school returned in 1924.

Without roads, the only way in and out was by boat or bridle track. The Osborne launches - The Daintree and The Echo ferried supplies, mail, and passengers between Port Douglas and Cairns. Road access wouldn’t come until 1933. Even electricity and mains water weren’t connected to the Village until 1966. Despite its remoteness, the community thrived. Throughout the 20th century, the Village even had its own cricket, netball, and tennis teams.