Heading North to answer the ancient call of wild coastal rainforest, this five-day journey takes you into some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and the untouched coast it spills onto.
Famous for being the place where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree truly is the place where the rainforest meets the reef, mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly.
Joining this tour, you can be certain you will immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the modern world. The raw, wild, ancient environment resembles a real-life Jurassic Park, where it looks entirely possible that dinosaurs could emerge from the lush undergrowth.
What to Expect
The Daintree covers 1200sq kilometres between the Mossman Gorge and Bloomfield River, and is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. An estimated 180 million years old, it is tens of millions of years older than the Amazon and contains living examples of unique ancient plants as well as thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles. You will only learn such things when accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
This is where Intrepid Travel step in. They not only work with the locals who know the destination like home, but they do so in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. The itinerary has been specially curated to empower and support local communities who’ve been hit hard by the pandemic, backing one of Intrepid’s core values of using travel as a force for good. So you know your money does to a good place.
The Daintree trip visits the world’s oldest rainforest and includes a meeting with a local family who hosted David Attenborough’s documentary crew when they were filming. The trip also includes a hike in Mossman Gorge, as well as learning how to throw a spear, identify edible plants and see how Kuku Yalanji people live in harmony with their changeable landscape.
Reconciliation is a big focus for Intrepid and on this trip, you can enjoy First Nations experiences where you will learn from the local Kuku Yalanji family. The Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this region for 50,000 years and have a deep connection with the land. Taking this tour with a local Indigenous guide to learn about the history of the rainforest, bush tucker and traditional medicine is the most authentic way to experience the culture.
Why you will love this tour
This tour takes you into the heart of the land the Kuku Yalanji people have called home for 50,000 years, into the complex ecosystem of the forest and deserted white-sand beaches. You will learn so much about this region, from hunting native plants from a First Nations guide to how diverse the rainforest eco-system is. You will encounter crocodiles and colourful birds on a cruise through mangrove thickets and walk under heavy green canopy in Mossman Gorge.
The most special part of this tour is the time you have to explore the world’s oldest and most magical rainforest — including a private area that isn’t open to the general public, the guided walk along the pristine, rainforest-rimmed beach of Cape Tribulation and the Kuku Yalanji people interactive afternoon.
Best of all, you are travelling with Intrepid Travel, a company that prides itself on the belief that with great travel, comes great responsibility.
Responsible business is at the heart of what Intrepid do. Intrepid is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference – by investing in local communities, human rights initiatives, wildlife conservation projects and the environment.
Who suits this tour
Adventure lovers will enjoy being surrounded by the great outdoors in its prime. Even if it is the bird lover in you, or insect fanatic. Maybe you have a keen eye for the flowers and plants. Either way, this tour has something for anyone that wants to get out and explore. This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves a lot of walking, allowing you to really get among nature. It can get hot and humid, so be prepared for the heat, and keep the water intake up. You will definitely need sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
Tour Inclusions
The tour covers most costs, so there is not too much more to pay when you get there. Over the 5 days you will get 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. All transport is taken care of in a private vehicle and your resort accommodation for 4 nights. Included activities are:
- Port Douglas Orientation Tour
- Visit to Barron Gorge Lookout
- Cape Tribulation Lookout and beach walk
- Daintree Rainforest Walk
- Cooper Creek nature cruise
- Mosman Gorge Walk
- Wetlands and native title experience
- First nation contemporary art class
Best of all, you are escorted by a deeply knowledgeable tour leader who is there to help, every step of the way.
For more on this tour visit www.intrepidtravel.com/au/australia/daintree-adventure-127497
Disclosure: The writer travelled on this tour with assistance from Intrepid.
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