Located on the northeast coast of Australia is the ancient Daintree rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest remaining tropical rainforest in the world; it is over one hundred and thirty-five million years old. On this page you will find a list of interesting facts about this rainforest written for both kids and adults. This information includes exactly where the Daintree Rainforest is located, how many different types of plant species are found there, why it is often referred to as "where the reef meets the rainforest", and much more.
Daintree Rainforest Quick Facts
The Daintree Rainforest is located on the north east coast of Queensland, Australia; along the Coral Sea.
The Daintree tropical rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on Australia.
The size of this rainforest is approximately 460 square miles (1,191 square kilometers).
This rainforest has a tropical climate all year long. Temperatures range from highs of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in the summer to around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in the winter.
The average annual rainfall in this rainforest is 79 inches (201 centimeters). The most rain falls from December to March (the wet season); downpours are frequent during this time.
This rainforest is named after the Australian geologist and photographer Richard Daintree who died in 1878. In Australia the town of Daintree, the Daintree River, Daintree National Park, and the Daintree Reef have also been named in his honor.
Daintree Rainforest Plant and Animal Facts
Approximately 3,000 different species of plants can be found in the Daintree forest; some so ancient they date back to before the age of dinosaurs.
Perhaps the most famous plant found in the Daintree Rainforest is Idiospermum australiense, known as the idiot fruit (also called the Green Dinosaur or Ribbonwood). This tree is extremely rare and is found nowhere else in the world besides the rainforests of Northern Australia.
The most popular and most dangerous animal found in the Daintree Rainforest is the Saltwater Crocodile. They are mainly found in the mangrove swamps but can also be found in the rainforest's rivers and on its beaches.
This rainforest is teeming with insects; with over 12,000 different species present.
The world's largest tree frog, the white-lipped tree frog (Litoria infrafrenata), inhabits the Daintree tropical rainforest.
There are numerous species of animals that live in this rainforest, many such as tree kangaroos, Boyd's forest dragon, and the southern cassowary can be found nowhere else in the world.
Daintree Rainforest Interesting Facts
An average of 400,000 tourist visit this rainforest every year.
This rainforest is divided into two separate sections; with an agricultural area dividing them.
This tropical rainforest is one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland Australia. The Q150 Icons are list of cultural icons put together in 2009 as part of the 150th anniversary of Queensland Australia.
Millions of years ago Australia was covered with numerous tropical rainforest. Australia's climate become more arid over time and most of the rainforests disappeared; with the Daintree forest becoming one of the last on that continent.
There are numerous camping sites and walking trails throughout the rainforest. Visitors to the rainforest will find many guided tours available.
People often refer to this rainforest as "where the reef meets the rainforest" since the trees and plants stretch all the way to the coastline of the Coral Sea where the Great Barrier Reef lies offshore.
For over 4,000 years the Daintree Rainforest was home to the indigenous Australian people called the Kuku Yalanji (also called Kokojelandji or Gugu-Yalanji).
In this rainforest you will find numerous different types of beautiful landforms including mountains, gorges, beaches, along with rivers and waterfalls.
This forest's wet season starts in December and ends in March or April. This is considered a prime time for tourism because the rush of water makes the waterfalls and rivers very active and more exciting to see.
The 87 mile (140 km) long Daintree River flows through the Daintree Rainforest. Salt Water Crocodiles can frequently be spotted in this river and along its banks.
A section of the rainforest is located in the Daintree National Park. In 1988 the United Nations designated this park as a World Heritage Site.
Along the edges of the rainforest where it meets the Coral Sea is known for its beautiful beaches. These spectacular beaches with their fine sand and sparkling clear water stretch for miles. Although amazing these beaches attract very few human visitors due to the presence of very dangerous crocodiles.
A popular tourist attraction in this rainforest is Mossman Gorge; known for its diverse animal and plant life, not to mention it's spectacular scenery.
The three major rivers in the Daintree forest are the Mossman River, Bloomfield River, and the Daintree River.
Like all tropical rainforest, Daintree has distinct layers, each supporting different plant and animal life. Starting at the very top of the highest trees is the emergent layer, followed by the canopy, then the understory, and finally the forest floor.
The government of Queensland, Australia has undertaken conservation efforts that will help preserve this beautiful rainforest. These efforts include the buying back of privately owned parts of the rainforest to preserve them.