DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK
Area: Queensland
Country: Australia


Location:
In tropical N Queensland, 14 miles inland NW of Port Douglas; 4 miles NW of Mossman. 50 miles N of Cairns and its international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
61 7

Website:
http://www.pddt.com.au

Position:
On the Mossman River surrounded by sugar cane fields.

Description:
Daintree National Park is a World Heritage listed site and the world's oldest living tropical rainforest. The nearest town is Mossman, which is not at all touristy but the commercial and administrative centre for the area. The village of Daintree is an even smaller township on the Daintree River over 20 miles farther N. Visitors to this area should forget Mossman and Daintree village and enjoy the forest, using Port Douglas for seaside resort facilities when required.

Suitability:
Seekers of seclusion and those wanting to experience the tropical rainforest.

Accommodation:
Several-higher category "lodges" in and adjacent to the park. The 3-star or less establishments in Mossman are not offered by tour operators.

Shopping:
Local shops at Mossman but nothing worth mentioning. Tourist-orientated shops at Port Douglas.

Beach:
None.

Entertainments:
Daytime: many variants on guided walks in the rainforest to spot plants, animals, birds, insects and generally wonder at the place. River canoeing. Mountain biking. Golf. Horse riding. Nightlife: a few rough pubs in Mossman. Otherwise Port Douglas.

Eating:
None except hotel restaurants themselves. Otherwise, at Port Douglas.

Public-transport:
Public bus service from Mossman and Port Douglas will divert to Silky Oaks Lodge on request but otherwise own transport recommended.

Local-excursions:
Mossman Gorge. Wilderness safari to Cape Tribulation. Daintree River cruise. Great Barrier Reef cruises. Fishing trips in open sea or in the estuary. Aboriginal tours. Scenic flights.