|
001. VISIT the VILLAGE in the VALLEY
Daintree Village (population 100) is 20 kms by sealed road, into the valley, from its entrance at Wonga Beach. Situated on the banks of the famous Daintree River, the Village is clean, green and picturesque. The Daintree Village Jetty, one of the departure points for river cruises, is a short stroll downhill from the General Store in the main street.
002. BREAKFAST with the BIRDS
Ellenor's Place, restaurant in Stewart Street Daintree Village is now open
for breakfast from 8:00am. In the centre of the Daintree Village is Pioneers Park with a free electric Bar-B-Q. There is a picnic table, shelter shed, fresh water tap and a rubbish bin. It has become a gathering place after the dawn
wildlife tour on the river. The park is on the edge of some rainforest which is in the sun early morning and is a good bird spot. All you need to bring are the groceries, nearest supplies are at
the Daintree Store.
003. DAINTREE VILLAGE NATURAL WALK
Starts in the village. Click here for:
Daintree Village Natural Walk
004. LOOKOUT for a FLOOD LEVEL
Look out for the March 1996 flood level as you walk down to the Daintree Village Jetty, it is higher than you could imagine, most of the valley looked like an inland sea. To get an idea of how much a river can rise with one and a half metres of rain stand alongside the toilet block, on the corner of Stewart's and Dagmar Streets, and imagine starting your river tour there instead of where the Jetty is actually located.
005. BEHOLD the BIG BARRAMUNDI
Traveling around Australia you have probably come across the "bigs" whether it is a big banana, big pineapple or a big prawn. Daintree has it's own, the Big Barramundi, in the main street. Try some trick photography.
006. PICK a PICNIC SPOT (one of four, the others are 001, 007 & 051)
Next to the Daintree Village Shire Hall, in Osborne Street, is a children's playground with swings and seesaw, picnic tables and public toilet.
007. PICK a PICNIC SPOT (third of four)
Next to the Daintree Village Jetty overlooking the river are some picnic tables and there is one in the lower carpark.
008. HISTORIC HERITAGE
Daintree Village, being the only main centre for miles in the late 19th century, is steeped in history. The Village was supplied by boats using the high spring tides to get them up the shallow river. It wasn't long before there was a bridle path to Mossman and ultimately a road. The present 2 lane sealed road, is in part, recently completed, 1996. The oldest building is the Timber Gallery in Stewart's Street which was built in 1925. It is made from timber milled at where, stands today, the Daintree Riverview Caravan Park. An important part of the eco systems here are the termites which eat timber. It is quite amazing that this buildings is still standing. It may seem unusual , especially if you are from Europe, to marvel at a building less than 100 years old, but there are precious few left from our early days.
The old style shops opposite the Big Barramundi were rebuilt in 1996. Sadly the original shops burnt down in Nov 1995, the General Store was the oldest, also built in 1925. Sensibly the owners rebuilt to their former style in character with the Village atmosphere.
009. TIMBER GALLERY
Natures rainbow, captured in Australian native timbers. For over 20 years the Daintree Timber Gallery has sourced only the most unique to create their globally acclaimed works of art and utility woodware. The Timber Gallery is next to the Big Barramundi al fresco restaurant in Stewart's Street.
010. OGLE an ORIGINAL
Directly opposite the Big Barramundi is Daintree Originals and the information centre run by the Crocodile Express which is a tour boat company. Areas like Daintree attract crafts people and this charming shop is a retail outlet for them. Imagine ear-rings made from a palm tree that dries as hard as a rock! The owner takes a lot of care to find original merchandise for the shop. A low cost souvenir for someone at home.
011. POST a PARCEL
Like most country stores the Daintree General Store is also the Daintree Post
Office. Instead of carrying around all those special gifts Des or Mary will be only too happy to mail them for you to anywhere in the world. They still talk about the young fellow who mailed a coconut home.
012. WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Visit pristine old growth rainforest at Cooper Creek Wilderness with
a local
expert. Experience awe-inspiring fan palm galleries in the heart of the
world's oldest rainforest.
www.ccwild.com
013. EYEBALL ELIZA's pottery gnomes
Next door to Daintree Originals is Liz Bright's studio, gallery and workshop. Indulge your 'away with the fairies' fantasies by a walk through Liz & Ivan's delightful garden which leads the way to the studio.
014. DAINTREE at DAWN
Start the day with an extraordinary
wildlife tour on the river from the Daintree Village Jetty. Chris Dahlberg has been taking out small groups in his open boat since 1992. About 50 wildlife species can be seen on a normal trip, most of them being birds. The tour last 2 hours and departs at 6.30am in the winter and 6.00am in the Summer. e-mail Chris or Telephone 4098 7997
015. BREAKFAST after the BIRDS
Restaurants open for breakfast in the Daintree Village are Ellenor's Place and
the Big Barramundi, Stewarts Street phone 4098 6186 & 4098 6146. Back on the Daintree Road is the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa next to Barratt Creek bridge and the Crossroads Café at the ferry turn off.
In the low season the restaurants/cafes in the village may not open till later.
016. BUSHWHACK a BUSH-STONE CURLEW (one of two viewing spots)
During the night often a distant wailing sound can be heard close to the Village. It is the call of the nocturnal Bush-stone Curlew. They sleep by day on the ground just back from the bank of the river downstream from the Jetty. A stealthy walk from the lower carpark will let you see them and if you are quiet and don't go too close no harm will be done.
017. PHONE a PAL
There are only 4 public telephones in the Daintree Valley south of the river. One in the Village outside the Daintree Store, another in the carpark at the ferry crossing, Wonga Beach Road near the intersection with Oasis Drive and one at Caltex Wonga Beach. Mobile phones do not work in all parts of the Valley. Wonga Beach seems the best place for reception.
018. BINOCULAR A BIRD (
www.daintree.info/daintreebirdwatching.html
)
Daintree Village is a good place for birdwatching. One of the best walks can be done from the village. Start at the beginning of Stewart's Creek Road alongside Pioneers Park. This follows the river upstream and has very light traffic, be careful of it. The road will take you along the cliff above the river and then down through some rainforest , across a creek, more rainforest and then out onto the grass covered floodplain and along to the Stewart's Creek bridge. This is not far from where the film The Thin Red Line was shot in 1997. Not only look out for birds but listen for them as well especially in the rainforest parts. Some birds like the Lovely Fairy-wren are small but can be quite colourful. Lovely Fairy-wrens are only found in Cape York, of which Daintree is at the southern end, and the female is the most colourful of all the fairy-wrens in Australia.
019. OBSERVE an OSPREY (one of
three nesting spots)
Ospreys are universal sea hawks and great symbols of conservation. They are found in every continent, except Antarctica, and it was in the eggshell of Ospreys that DDT was found. Loosely translated this chemical was sprayed to kill insects which were then eaten by fish which were then eaten by Ospreys and the chemical then concentrated at the end of the food chain. One
noticeable symptom was the seriously weakened eggshell. The same story with the Peregrine Falcon. DDT was eventually banned because of this remarkable find. Ospreys thrive in Australia. There are 2, easy to find, nests. One is in the telecommunications tower near the entrance to the village. This nest was first built in 2001.
020. SPY on a SWIFTLET
Imagine a little bird without feet and legs and behaves like a bat. The White-rumped Swiftlet is only found in this corner of Australia and is one of the smallest swifts in the world. It is often found near the main river lookout where they scoop the water surface taking a drink. They have very stiff wings and glide a lot with their wings pointing below the horizontal. Rarely alone they can be found by the side of the road also, going backwards and forwards over grass eating their
insect prey. At dusk they use echo-location to navigate their way into their dark night roost.
021. LOOK from a LOOKOUT
There are some truly magnificent views to be had from lookouts over the river along the last 4 kms of the Daintree Road approaching the Village. The two southernmost ones afford good looks from Humbug Reach and from the northernmost one you can see the mouth to Barratt Creek and the length of Windy Reach.
022. CREEP up on a CROCODILE
On winter mornings the sun shines on the northern bank of the river at Humbug Reach right opposite two of the lookouts above (021.) If the tide is lowish sandy patches emerge. With those conditions, very often a crocodile can be viewed, by the naked eye,
lying in the sun. The clues are; winter (May to Aug), lowish tide, and sun. During the last four winters crocodiles have also been seen, on the far side of the river, from the Daintree Jetty during the day. And it is not unusual to see one at dawn or dusk swimming.
023. SET UP your SUNSET
The third lookout over Windy Reach is good for a glorious sunset. A deck chair, glass of wine, piece of cheese, camera on the tripod for the time exposure...........................
024. NATURE in NUMBERS
One of the most spectacular Daintree nature shows is from the Windy Reach lookout, in late Spring/early Summer, at dusk, if the Spectacled Flying-foxes have set up their maternity camp in Barratt Creek. The flying-foxes at this time of year fan themselves for most of the day. They become very dehydrated and right on dusk they fly down to the water in Windy Reach, just in front of the lookout, drink on the wing and then fly off into the sunset. Crocodiles are more active at this time of the year and may lie in wait for the flying-foxes as they come down to drink. Be early the twilight is quick, for times just check the time of twilight on the day before.
025. SPRUCE up at a SPA
The Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa is 3 kms south of the Daintree Village. The "Day Spa" and restaurant are open to the public, albeit, somewhat expensive. However if a treat is what you are looking for, it's the place for pampering.
026. MAKE out a MOUNTAIN
Our local mountain is Thornton's Peak and is only accessible on foot. It is about 1500 metres high making it the third highest mountain in Queensland. The taller two are not much higher and are just to the south of Cairns. Australian mountains are not high. You cannot always see the top but you maybe fortunate enough to be driving on a "Thornton Peak Clear Day".
027. ASSAULT an ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
There is only one ATM in the Daintree Valley. It is at Caltex Wonga Service
Station at Wonga Beach and is only accessible during shop hours, 5.30 am to
7.30pm. The one at the Daintree General Store in the village closed in Nov 06.
The nearest banks are in Mossman. The Daintree businesses take most credit cards and the General Store has EFTPOS. American Express is accepted at the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa.
028. RELAX IN A RESTAURANT
The only air-conditioned restaurant in Daintree is Papaya Café in the Village. If you wish to be cool at lunch during the hot months this one is for you.
029. CLIMB THE CANOPY TOWER
Climb the Canopy Tower…at the Daintree Discovery Centre. At 23 m
(76 feet) high, it provides the most amazing insight into the surrounding
rainforest – from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. The
Canopy Tower is cyclone rated, has 5 large viewing platforms and is used by
James Cook Uni to measure carbon flux as part of the Centre’s Carbon Offset
project. With specially built raised walks to protect the fragile root systems
of the rainforest, the Discovery Centre is open daily (except Christmas Day)
from 8.30am to 5pm. Phone 61 7 4098 9171
030. BAG a BARRAMUNDI
Of the many species of fish to be found in the Daintree River, Barramundi is probably the most sort after for tag and releases or eating. Large Barramundi have been caught from the Daintree Village Jetty with the simplest of hand lines. The Daintree Store and CaltexService Station at Wonga Beach carry bait and tackle.
031. INFORM an INFORMATION CENTRE
The people that own Information Centres are often that busy in their centre that they might miss something interesting or a new product. They would be only to pleased to hear from you of any new and interesting activities that you discover whilst you are in the area. There are three "Information centres" in the Village.
032. COFFEE at the CROSSROADS
The Crossroads Café is on the Daintree Road at the ferry turn off. It is
also open for breakfast which slots in nicely with
Chris Dahlberg's dawn river tour.
033. MEET a MAGPIE GOOSE
Most parts of the world have a wild goose. Ours is the Magpie Goose that was once found almost anywhere in Australia. These days it is only found in the north. Sometimes at dawn or dusk you can find them flying in formation not far from the Crossroads Café. To make sure of it however look in the billabong to the north of the ferry road. They can hide in the long grass but sometimes they are seen in the trees.
034. NAVIGATE the NATIONAL TRAIL
The National Trail idea was conceived by R M Williams. The two ends are Cooktown and Melbourne and it can be traversed on foot, trail bike, by horse or by donkey. Daintree is in the northern section. The very few that traverse it travel over Dagmar Range following the powerline to Stewart's Creek Road and come into the village. The way continuing north is basically the Upper Daintree Road to the CREB track which partly circumnavigates Thornton's Peak and comes down to the Bloomfield River near Wujal Wujal Mission.
035. CAUTION with a CANE TOAD
Two Cairns cane farmers were visiting Hawaii in 1935 and found that the South American Cane Toad was useful there eating insect pests. It was introduced here the same year. Be careful, they have 2 poisonous sacs on the side of the head. They hide during the day but become active of a night. They can be seen on the roads or around lights that are attracting insects. Did their introduction help the cane farmer? Well errr..No.
035. PACE a PLOVER
One of the common birds to be found in the open areas that you might want to walk is the Masked Lapwing. It is a large plover that breeds all year round and nests on the open ground. It's defence of the nest is to fly out of the sun and dive bomb anything that comes close The catch is, the bird has a spur in it's wing that sticks out like a cannon on the wing of a jet fighter.
036. COUNTRY CABINS
Situated at the southern end of the Daintree Village is Kenadon Homestead Self Contained Cabins with a tropical landscaped swimming pool & BBQ area. A working cattle station owner operated by the Osborne family, whose family history in Daintree dates back four generations. They were amongst the first settlers and pioneers of the area and one of two families whose descendents continue to live in Daintree. Good value for families and couples wishing to self cater. Phone/fax 4098 6142
Other Daintree accommodation options can be found here:
Daintree accommodation>>
037. CAMPING, CARAVANNING & CABINS
Daintree Riverview Caravan Park is located in the main street of the Village,
overlooking the river. Phone 4098 6119
038. ENCOUNTER an ESCAPE
Located in Stewart Street, just up from Pioneers Park in the Village, is Daintree Escape Tropical Cabins with spacious grounds and an in-ground swimming pool. The only accommodation property in the Village which advertises internet access and only one of two accommodation houses that has covered car parking. Contact Kathy and Simon Phone 4098 6021 Fax 4098 6023
039. SAVOR a SECRET
Executive Style Holiday Retreat located in the heart of the Tropical World Heritage Listed Daintree Cape Tribulation area. Fully furnished accommodation set amongst three acres of luxurious rainforest with its own secluded creek, swimming hole, and beautiful wildlife......pure indulgence for couples, families or for the perfect honeymoon.. See their web site:
www.daintreesecrets.com.au
040. COUNTRY COTTAGES
Three self contained timber cottages, situated away from each other and the main homestead to ensure your privacy. Riverhome
Cottages are in upper Daintree 5 kms upstream from the Village. A working cattle station with access to it's
own waterfall. Phone 4098 6225
041. CAUGHT in the CLOUDS
Cloud 9 is an up market accommodation pole house with spectacular views over the Daintree Valley. 3kms short of the Village it really is up in the clouds. Built of timber by Gerry Steen who was the original owner operator of the Timber Gallery in Daintree Village. Phone/fax 4098 6177.
042. IDENTIFY with INDIGENOUS
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is a 5 star resort located along the Daintree Road 3kms
short of the Village. The Day Spa uses indigenous products and is open to the public. Tollfree 1800 808010.
043. KINDRED SPIRITS at KINGFISHER (Julatten)
Whilst not close to Daintree Village (60 minutes drive in to the Tablelands) Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge deserves a mention. It is the opposite of the 5 star lodges cramped onto small land areas. Kingfisher Park has space and varied accommodation. If you are a serious birdwatcher then this is one of three Tableland accommodation places to make your base and the closest to drive to Daintree Village Jetty for Chris Dahlberg's dawn tour. Julatten is in the northern part of the tablelands and is close to the drier and more typical Australian countryside. It is also next to Mount Lewis where the endemic birds and mammals can be found. Phone 4094 1263 Fax 4094 1466.
044. TEA TIME
The Daintree Tea House is located along the Daintree Road 2kms short of the Daintree Village and alongside Barratt's Creek Bridge. This bridge is a one lane bridge with a Give Way sign posted on it's southern side. So take care when approaching it on your way into the Village. Also take care when leaving the Village in the event that any on-coming traffic does not notice the Give Way sign.
045. BUY A BUSINESS e-mail
Chris (Confidentiality assured)
There is usually a business for sale somewhere in Daintree. As we enter the tourist season there are less for sale. There is a
restaurant and a boat business for sale for $150 000 each. The boat business includes all the permits, the boat and promotional material.
046. SAIL a SLOOP
Port Douglas, 45 minutes drive from Daintree, has a Sailing Club and a Yacht Club Phone 4099 4386. They run WAGS (Wednesday afternoon gentlemen's sailing) where you can join the crew of an ocean racing boat for a few hours and go sailing with them. The Lonely Planet have publicised this and it has been reported to us that about 50 backpackers turn up on a Wednesday looking for a free ride. There are several sailing boats operate from Port Douglas, Synergy II, Animal Farm, Ragamuffin and Shaolin (Chinese Junk). Slipway and 2 Marinas (Closehaven & Mirage) with public moorings organised by the Douglas Shire Council at Mossman. There is usually plenty of room to anchor upstream.
O47. PICK PINNACLES
Pinnacle Village Holiday Park is a 4 star caravan park with cabins and two swimming pools at Wonga Beach. The feedback from their customers is consistently good. FREECALL 1800 222 728
048. RENT a RIVER BOAT
Hire a boat (no boat drivers licence needed) 4 passenger motor boats for hire from 6.00am. Minimum 3 hour hire for $70 and $10 per hour thereafter. Phone: 4098 6019 These are available from the Daintree Riverview Caravan Park.
Also at the Public Pontoon on the south side of the river and just upstream from the ferry. $ 80 for 4 hours or $140 for 8 hours. Phone 4090 7789.
049. CATCH a CATAMARAN
Two World Heritage Areas - One Great Day! Leave the crowds behind as you step
off the pristine sands of Cape Tribulation and set off for The Great Barrier
Reef to enjoy a full day snorkelling or Diving, discovering our fantastic Marine
Park. Rumrunner Cruises Phone 4098 9330
Rumrunner website>> |
|
