Tropical North

Where the world's oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef

On Australia’s northeast coast the world’s greatest marine showpiece, the Great Barrier Reef, meets the ancient rainforests of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Bathed by the Coral Sea the Great Barrier Reef draws you into a world of quiet lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and faraway islands.  A place of remarkable beauty and variety, the world’s most extensive coral reef system extends 2000 kms along Australia’s east coast.  Its diversity reflects the maturity of the ecosystem which has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, and it is home to 400 types of coral, 1500 species of fish and 4000 types of mollusc.  The reef is also the habitat of whales, dolphins, Dugongs, turtles and a variety of sharks and is an important habitat for shore, land and seabirds.

Over 135 million years in age the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest ecosystems on our planet.  Its 12000 sq kms account for only 0.2% of Australia’s landmass and yet is it home to a staggering diversity of flora and fauna including 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, 65% of our bat and butterfly species as well as 20% of our bird species.

Daintree flora and fauna includes primitive flowering plants and many endemic species such as the shy Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo and the Thornton Peak Medlomys.  Other residents include the metallic Blue Ulysses Butterfly, the strangely named Cuscus and Sugar Gliders while the rivers are home to crocodiles.  Approximately 430 species of birds live among the trees, including 13 species that are found nowhere else in the world.

Extending north, 1000 kms from the Daintree River is the wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf Savannah country – an area of wildlife, mountains, eucalypt woodland, mangrove, rainforests and mighty rivers.  Behind Cairns are the Atherton Tablelands, rich agricultural land where pockets of rainforest harbour bats, bandicoots and big-eyed frogs.   There are tortoises in the crystal-clear waters of volcanic lakes and platypus in the streams. 

Access

• The city of Cairns provides international and domestic flight access to the Tropical North

Seasons

• From April to October ‘The Dry’ season offers warm, sunny days, cool evenings and calm seas
• The hot, humid rain season knows as ‘The Wet’ is from November to March

Travel Tips

• Share a day in a private rainforest sanctuary with our local wildlife specialist
• Island resorts and luxury spas offer sublime comforts in contrasting habitats
• Coastal towns combine fashionable resorts with old-fashioned charm
• Tableland towns are characterised by their relaxed ambience and the colourful nature of both the residents and the bright flora and fauna
• Take an overland trip or helicopter safari to the tip of Cape York, Australia's most northerly point
• Luxury super yachts can be chartered for expeditions into the most northerly reaches of the Reef and Rainforest
• Learn the lore and mythology from an Aboriginal elder amongst the rock art galleries of the Quinkan country
• A private beach house is ideal for family hoildays, groups of friends or romantic couples with activity and seclusion combined
• Escape the mainstream on your private yacht, anchored off a deserted beach in the Whitsunday Islands