Nature & Wildlife

The Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest living rainforest, estimated to be over 165 million years old. The Daintree National Park was added to the World Heritage List in 1988 in recognition of its universal natural values. The 1,200 square kilometres of tropical rainforest is home to tens of thousands of species of animals and plants, many of which are unique to the Daintree Rainforest.

Daintree Ecolodge offers a range of activities for guests to discover the nature and surrounding areas of the Daintree in an eco-sensitive way. The Daintree is a major attraction for bird watchers from all around the world due to the large number of species that inhabit the rainforest, many of which are endemic to Far North Queensland.

Daintree Flora & Fauna

Daintree Rainforest Trees

This spectacular rainforest features some of the oldest and largest trees on the planet. It also plays host to 13 of the world’s 19 primitive flowering plant species. Keep an eye out for the Ylang Ylang trees – a beautifully fragrant species that produces strangler figs.

Daintree Native Birds

The Daintree Rainforest is home to 430 species of birds, 13 of which cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. The Daintree is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Guests may encounter a Cassowary during their adventures – one of the largest birds in the world. Keep your eyes and ears open for the majestic Wompoo Fruit Dove, that can be identified by their mostly green body and rich purple throat, as well as their distinctive “woom poo!” call. Other species that you may come across in your bird watching adventures include the Lovely Fairy Wren, Black Bittern, Mangrove Robin, Little Kingfisher, Macleay’s Honeyeater and the Shining Flycatcher.

Musky-Rat Kangaroo

The Musky-Rat Kangaroo is the smallest species of kangaroo in the world, growing to similar sizes as a rabbit. It is believed that these ancient creatures have lived within Australian rainforests for over 20 million years.

Crocodiles

A visit to the Daintree is the perfect opportunity to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. The Daintree River is home to approximately 70 adult crocodiles, the longest of which reaching approximately 5 metres. Consider taking a crocodile cruise to learn all about these fascinating reptiles.

Daintree Insects

12,000 insect species can be found amongst the Daintree Rainforest. One particularly magnificent inhabitant is the Ulysses Butterfly, identified by its electric blue wings that span approximately 10cm wide.

Daintree Reptiles

Daintree wanderers may be able to spot a range of different reptile species along their journey. Some standouts may include the White Lipped Green Tree Frog (Australia’s largest native frog), or the mythical Boyd’s Forest Dragon.