The Daintree Discovery Centre offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and explore the largest and oldest rainforest area in Australia, while at the same time protecting the fragile environment.

The centre is a multi-faceted tourist experience, comprising of an Interpretive Display Centre, Elevated Rainforest Boardwalks, Canopy Tower, Aerial Walkway, Audio Visual Theatre, Environment Shop and Coffee Shop.

It gives tourists a chance to gain an insight into this age-old forest environment without damaging native flora and fauna.

Four hundred metres of elevated, timber boardwalks thread their way through the rainforest allowing the public to really experience this unspoiled wilderness for themselves.

The Cassowary Circuit and the Bush Tucker Trail are well sign posted and self-guided audio tours are available in a variety of languages.

There are strategically placed viewing platforms situated around the boardwalk where you can sit and enjoy the ambiance of the rainforest at your leisure.

They are an ideal place for taking photos, bird watching, or just relaxing and appreciating the ambience of the rainforest.

The Canopy Tower is a spectacular 23 metre viewing platform that allows access to the rainforest in a unique and intimate way.

The Tower comprises five different viewing platforms allowing visitors of all ages to access the various levels of the rainforest - from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy.

This spectacular mid-canopy walkway provides a living link between the new DCC Coffee Shop/Reception area and The Canopy Tower.

The Aerial Walkway allows unprecedented access to the mid-level rainforest and offers stunning views over McLean's Creek.

Constructed with visitor safety and comfort in mind, the walkway enables wheelchair access to both the Interpretive Display Centre and the base of the Tower.

The Display Centre is a large, open plan complex that offers a wide range of information about the rainforest.

Colourful displays incorporate pictures, easy to read text and audio-visual elements, with an interesting and educational focus to all exhibits.

The displays begin with an historical perspective starting with the big bang theory of evolution.

This is followed by an animated film that explores the formation of Gondwana Land and the 'age of the dinosaurs'.

The flora and fauna of the rainforest is presented in considerable detail including information about the Cassowary, Crocodiles and many other creatures unique to the Daintree.

The beautiful Ulysses Butterfly, the Giant Green Tree Frog, the strange Stink-horn fungi, the dreaded Stinging Tree and many other points of interest are included in the informative displays.

The  coffee shop offers a variety of light refreshments and is a quiet retreat where you can sit and observe the rainforest while enjoying a pot of our local Daintree tea or a choice of coffees, hot chocolate, a fruit juice and a choice of snacks. 

The Environment Shop offers a wide range of products including locally made jewelry, beautifully hand-crafted pottery, eco-style clothing, rainforest reference books, children's books and souvenirs.

So when you are visiting the Daintree, remember to stop off at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre for a view of this natural treasure you just can't get anywhere else.

It is a perfect place to gain some insight into the history and life of this fragile ecosystem while causing little to no impact on the way.

For more information about eco tourism or other attractions in the Cairns region, please check the following links:

> Daintree Rainforest

> Cairns National Parks

> Cairns Bushwalking

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