Queensland Short Breaks and Holidays

The Daintree Rainforest in the far north of Queensland in Australia is a premier tour destination for anyone seeking the unspoilt natural splendour of a vast, ancient forest basking in a beautiful tropical climate.

The striking landscape of the Daintree region is rich and diverse, and includes spectacular scenery, mountain ranges, fast flowing streams and waterfalls, deep gorges and dense rainforest. The Daintree’s outstanding coastal scenery includes an unusual combination of tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and offshore reefs. The Daintree is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, and covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometres in North Queensland. It stretches from the Daintree River north to Cooktown and west to the Great Dividing Range, and is one of the most complex tropical rainforest ecosystems on earth. Its structural complexity and the diversity of its flora is unrivalled on the Australian continent.

The Daintree’s vegetation is among the most diverse in Australia. 13 different types of rainforest have been identified, from the tall forests of the coastal plains with massive curling liana growth and exotic buttress roots, through to the middle altitude forests with characteristic small-leafed species, and the montane forests with areas of heath-like vegetation that crown the mountain tops. The mangrove forests which line the mouth of the Daintree’s creeks and rivers have the highest species diversity for this habitat type in Australia. The wet tropical rainforests of North-East Queensland contain the richest variety of fauna found in Australia. While representing only 0.1% of the Australia landmass, the region is home to 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species, 30% of the frog, marsupial and reptile species, and 20% of the bird species.

Australia was much warmer and wetter many millions of years ago, and rainforests thrived as far inland as Ayers Rock. As the continent became more arid, these rainforests were gradually replaced by dry woodlands, grasslands and deserts in many parts of the continent. In the Daintree region, however, the climate and topography remained ideal for rainforests and so the area became a last refuge for Australia’s original rainforests. Within this refuge many species continued to survive without the need to adapt to new conditions. The descendants of these species still survive today in the Daintree and retain many of their ancestors’ original characteristics, some dating back more than 100 million years.

One species, commonly known as the Idiot Fruit (Idiospermum australiense), is among the rarest and most primitive flowering plants on earth. Discovered in 1970, it was possibly Australia’s most significant botanical find as it clearly demonstrated how ancient the Daintree Rainforests actually are. Of a total of 19 primitive flowering plant families remaining on the planet, 12 are found in the Daintree region, representing the highest concentration of such plants worldwide. These ancient plants could provides answers to questions about the origins of flowering plants in general.

The Daintree Forest area is undoubtedly of enormous intrinsic value and it is therefore important that visitors cooperate in its preservation. The disturbance of plant and animal life should be kept to a minimum. Avoid short cuts through the forest as the resulting trails can cause erosion and die-back. Use elevated boardwalks where ever provided. Of course, don’t pick flowers, take cuttings or collect rainforest seeds … please leave these magical forests just as you found them. Don’t forget the golden rule: Leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but photographs!

Anyone travelling in north-eastern Australia to destinations such as Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef should definitely consider a visit to the magnificent Daintree Rainforest. Few forests on earth share the climate, diversity, beauty, ancient heritage and sheer size of the Daintree. A must for adventure and eco tourists!

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian tour topics such as Great Barrier Reef Tours and Daintree Tours.

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The following list of activities around Noosa are generally free to enjoy but I can’t vouch that you will not be lured into spending some money along the way. That will depend on how strong willed you are!

Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout
Located a few minutes drive out of Tewantin on the road to Cooroy road, this is THE premier lookout on the Sunshine Coast. A ten minute walk from the car park takes you to stunning views over Noosa, the river, lakes and the hinterland. It is well signposted at the top of a steep hill on the way to Cooroy.

Watch the sun set over Noosa River
Watch the sun set over the river along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville and be in awe as the sun gradually sinks behind Mount Cooroy. Noosaville used to play second fiddle to Noosa bit it is now known as “The Golden Mile”. This is a unique experience only made more enjoyable if you have a glass of wine in your hand!

Coastal track in Noosa National Park
An easy 40 minute walk along well made tracks takes you to the superb views offered at Hells Gates. Look out for Koalas perched high in the trees in the car park. Watch surfers compete for waves with the dolphins. Be fascinated with whales migrating in season. Other wildlife you may encounter are Turtles and Goannas. An unforgettable experience.

Tanglewood Track
This is an alternative track through the Noosa National Park that takes you through about three or more unique types of rainforest. Head off from the carpark on this track and return by way of the coastal track. You will need to allow about 2.5 hours for the return trip. Be careful not to be run over by the hordes of joggers exercising in this beautiful rainforest.

Fishing in the river
Noosa is blessed with superb river fishing , both upstream and at the river mouth. You can also hire motor boats that are fully equipped with fishing gear for low cost. The ultimate in fishing is to go out on one of the offshore fishing trips that guarantee that you will catch the big ones. Several boats operate from the Noosa Marina in Noosaville.

Eumundi Markets
The markets are by far the biggest in Australia with 500 to 600 stalls to explore. To be a stall holder, the catch cry was that you have to “make it, bake it, grow it, or sew it”.

The main markets are on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with a smaller, newer market open on Sundays. If visiting the markets, it is worth staying a night in one of the many lovely bed and breakfast accommodations in Noosa or Eumundi as there is so much to do and see around this historic little township.

Swim or surf in Laguna Bay
The Noosa main beach in the bay is unique for the east coast of Australia in that it faces north. It is therefore ideal and safe for swimming. It also has moderate waves out toward the river mouth for learner surfers with lessons available. The serious surfers have superb waves along the reef adjoining the National Park.

Barbeque on the river at Noosaville
The Noosa Council provides lots of BBQ cooking facilities, tables and shelters at many points along the river in Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. Best of all, they are free!

A great place to spend a relaxing few hours with family and friends. Good playgrounds for the children.

The author and publisher Murray Maxwell is a Bed and Breakfast operator in the Noosa, Sunshine Coast region with several years experience with customer service needs and noosa accommodation.

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