Q. Do need a 4WD vehicle to visit the Daintree?
A. The main road between the Daintree Ferry and Cape Tribulation, and access routes to your particular accommodation house, are suitable for conventional vehicles. If you wish to proceed beyond Cape Tribulation to the Bloomfield River (i.e. the coastal route to Cooktown) a 4WD vehicle is recommended
Q. During the 'wet' season does it rain continuously?
A. Generally, between December and April, the Daintree Region receives vast amounts of rain. However, this usually occurs in torrential downpours that last only a few hours at a time. When it's not raining the sun is out in full force highlighting the vibrant colours of the rainforest and the sea. Also, during 'the wet',
temperatures in the rainforest can be surprisingly mild due to the protective canopy layer of tall trees. Whilst the air is humid it may feel relatively cool.
Q. Do I need to be concerned about about crocodiles?
A. Crocodiles are one of Australia's most feared animals. The Daintree is home to two types of crocodile - the freshwater crocodile and the estuarine (or saltwater) crocodile. Although these animals are important to conserve, they can pose a serious threat to people. Freshwater crocodiles pose less danger but estuarine crocodiles are very dangerous animals. Estuarine crocodiles live in coastal rivers and estuaries in the Daintree National Park. Heed the warning signs and don’t swim in these waters. Better to take a river cruise and observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
Q. What about the jelly-fish?
A. Tropical waters in all parts of the world are prone to their own annoying and/or poisonous seasonal visitors. During summer in North Queensland the prevailing winds bring a variety of jellyfish to the the beaches. Jellyfish are rarely a problem on the beaches during the dry season (May to November) , and jellyfish occurrences on the outer reef are rare at any time of the year. Several types of marine stingers are found in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Daintree and some, particularly the box-jellyfish, can indeed be lethal. As a precaution wear protective clothing such as an inexpensive 'stinger suit' (a variety of which are on the market) or do not swim between October and May.
Q. Will I see a cassowary?
A. There are at least four known cassowary-crossing points on the road to Cape Tribulation with sightings common along the road to Cow Bay beach. Keep watch for the signs. If bushwalking or using any of a number of boardwalks be aware that cassowaries are potentially dangerous and must be treated with caution. Stay well clear but don’t run away from them if confronted - back away slowly. Under no circumstances should you attempt to feed a cassowary – this is an activity known to have particularly nasty consequences.
Q. Can we experience all that the Daintree offers in a day or two??
A. We strongly recommend that you stay for several days in the local area , to do it justice. Surveys have shown poor visitor satisfaction for people who try and see the whole area in one day. You will spend 6-8 hours in a vehicle, and have little time to appreciate what you see. You make 4 or 5 stops, get out of the vehicle, have a look, and then get back in and onto the next stop, and maybe fit in a short walk. Treat yourself - stay a few days - and fall in love with the place
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