It is impossible to visit Cape Tribulation in Far North
Queensland without passing by the Daintree River. This mighty river, like the
ancient rainforest, is protected by local legislation and is a beauty to behold.
If you’re going on one of the Daintree
Rainforest tours that stops by the Daintree River,
here are some of the interesting facts before you set out on the water.
It Has Fresh water
The Daintree River is an estuarine river, meaning it holds
both fresh and salt water. The estuary near the ocean has high salt
concentration that flows into rest of the river as it winds through the forest.
This salty part of the river is where many of the fish lay their eggs.
It’s the First Thing You See
There is no way to enter the Daintree Rainforest
than to cross the river. Since there are no bridges crossing the river, the only
option is to ride the Daintree River ferry. This cable powered steel punt was
originally built to carry timber trucks to the south. Now, the ferry is loads
up to 16 tourist vehicles to the entry of the rainforest and the pristine Cape
Tribulation.
No Swimming Allowed
For anyone visiting the Daintree River it’s important to
remember this cardinal rule: never dip your limbs into the river! The river is
home to the famous salt water crocodiles of Australia. While these giant reptiles
are considered dangerous they are essential to the rainforest’s ecosystem and
are protected by law.
It’s Home to Mangroves
Another attraction in the Daintree River is the vast
mangrove forest that grows along its banks. These mangroves serve as a sanctuary
for baby fishes before they swim into the ocean. The concentration of such a diverse
fish population attracts many migratory birds to the area, making it a perfect
spot for birdwatchers too.
These are just some of the interesting things about the Daintree
River. Visit Far North Queensland to see these sights and more for yourself.
