The Ancient Beauty of North Queensland's Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland in Australia's premier touring destination for anyone seeking unspoiled natural splendor of a vast, ancient forest basking in the beautiful tropical climate.

striking landscape of Daintree region is rich and diverse, and includes spectacular scenery, mountain ranges, fast flowing streams and waterfalls, deep gorges and dense rainforest. Daintree fantastic coastline contains an unusual combination of tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and offshore reefs. Daintree is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, and covers an area of ​​about 1,200 square miles in North Queensland. It stretches from north to Cooktown Daintree River and west to the Great Range Division, and is one of the most complex rainforest ecosystem on Earth. Its structural complexity and diversity of flora is unrivaled on the Australian continent.

Daintree vegetation is among the most diverse in Australia. 13 different types of rainforest have been identified, the high forest on coastal plains with massive curling liana growth and exotic roots support, to medium height trees with the characteristic small leafed species, and mountain forests with areas of heath vegetation, such as a crown of mountain peaks. mangrove forests that line the mouth of Daintree in streams and rivers have the highest species diversity for this habitat type in Australia. wet tropical rainforests of North-East Queensland contain the richest diversity of fauna found in Australia. Although it represents only 0.1% of Australia's landmass, the region is home to 65% of Australia's bat and butterfly species, 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species and 20% of bird species.

Australia is much warmer and wetter many millions of years, and the forest has progressed as far inland as Ayers Rock. As the continent became arid and the forest is gradually replaced by dry forests, grasslands and deserts in many parts of the continent. In the Daintree region, however, climate and topography remained perfect for the rainforest and the area became the last refuge for Australia's original rainforests. Within this refuge many species continue to survive without the need to adapt to new conditions. Descendants of these species still survive today in the Daintree and retain many of their ancestors of the original features, some dating back more than 100 million years.

One species, commonly known as the idiot fruit (Idiospermum Australiens), one of the rarest and most primitive flowering plants on earth. Discovered in 1970, it was probably the most significant botanical find Australia is clearly demonstrated in the ancient Daintree Rainforests are actually. Out of 19 primitive flowering plant families remaining on the planet, 12 are located in the Daintree region, which represents the largest concentration of such plants in the world. These ancient plants could provide answers to questions about the origin of flowering plants in general.

Daintree Forest area is undoubtedly a tremendous intrinsic value and therefore it is important that visitors to cooperate in its preservation. disturbance of wildlife, should be kept to a minimum. Avoid short cuts through the forest as a result of the trails can cause erosion and die back. Use elevated boardwalks wherever provided. Of course, do not pick flowers, take cuttings or collect jungle seeds ... Please leave this magical forest, just as they were found. Do not forget the golden rule: Leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but pictures

Anyone traveling in the north-eastern Australia to destinations such as Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef should definitely consider visiting the magnificent Daintree Rainforest. A little noise on Earth share the climate of diversity, beauty, ancient heritage and the sheer size of the Daintree. A must for adventure and eco-tourists!