Daintree Discovery Centre
Mossman
The award winning Daintree Discovery Centre is the number one attraction in the Daintree. It is a self-funding eco tourism facility that specialises in providing interpretive information about the Daintree Rainforest and its environs. Located just 10 kilometres north of the Daintree River Ferry, the road is sealed all the way - you do not need a four-wheel drive vehicle. The Discovery Centre attracts visitors from all over the world and is highly regarded as a first class eco-tourism experience.
Visitors enjoy the spectacular Aerial Walkway - and maybe see a cassowary meandering along the beautiful McLeans Creek. You can climb the 23 metre high Canopy Tower, explore the Bush Tucker Trail or the Cassowary Circuit, or relax on the reclining benches and gaze up at the giant Strangler Fig. Experienced naturalists are available to answer questions and information is available in six languages.
The Centre has a large, colourful reception area, trendy gift shop sell a range of local arts, crafts and eco-clothing. The coffee shop boasts the best refreshments in the north.
Contact Details
Tulip Oak Road
Cow Bay
Daintree
Queensland 4873 Australia
To make an enquiry or a booking contact:
Phone: 07 4098 9171
Email: centre@daintree-rec.com.au
Web: www.daintree-rec.com.au
Entry Information
| Open Times: | Open 0830 to 1700. Closed Christmas Day. |
Entry Costs
| Entry | Cost | Validity |
| Adult | $28.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
Includes a 48 page Interpretive Guide Book valued at AUD9.95. |
| Child
(Aged 5-16)
| $14.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
|
| Concession | $25.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
|
| Family | $68.00 | 01 Apr 08
-
31 Mar 09.
|
Facilities
Cafe: Superb rainforest setting - light refreshments - wonderful coffee.
Car park: Adjacent to entrance.
Guide: Guided walks - Self guided walks using audio units (available in six languages). Guided group tours need to be booked in advance.
Interpretive Centre: Extensive displays on birds, butterflies, flowers, plants, cassowaries, crocodiles and much more. DVD theatre, Library, Creek Ecology.
Interactive Centre: Touch screen computers, DVD theatre, touch and feel, bird/frog calls.
Public Toilet: Disabled toilet and baby change table available for patrons.
Sheltered Area: Extensive undercover facilities, wide verandas overlooking rainforest, group meeting areas, break out/discussion areas.
Tour Desk: Information on local attractions/accommodation.
Visitor Information Centre: Accredited Wet Tropics Visitor Centre, Advanced Eco-Tourism (NEAP) Accreditation.
Viewing Platform: 23 metre high Canopy Tower has five large viewing platforms with interpretive information and seating at each level.
· Coach Parking
· Access With Assistance for the Disabled
· Toilet facilities for the Disabled
|
· First aid equipment
· Shaded Area
· Walking Tracks
|
Activities
· Birdwatching
· Animal Viewing
· Walking
|
· Bushwalking
· Guided Walks
|
Awards
· 2007: Finalist Qantas Australian Tourism Awards - Ecotourism.
· 2007: Winner Douglas Shire Council Sustainable Communities Award - Places of Visitation.
· 2007: Winner Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards 2004-2007.
· 2007: Winner Queensland Tourism Awards 'The Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award'.
· 2006: Finalist Queensland Tourism Awards - Ecotourism 2004-2006.
· 2005: Queensland Tourism Awards - Ecotourism.
· 2005: Telstra and Australian Government Small Business MYOB Award.
· 2005: Small Business Employer of the Year, Queensland Regional Training awards.
· 2005: Telstra Small Business of the Year Award.
· 2005: Cassowary Award, Wet Tropics Management Authority.
Further Information
* Any rates quoted are a guide only, please note that conditions may apply. This operator may have specials throughout the year. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.
Children: Children are welcome.
Disabled: There is access for guests with a disability. There is wheel chair access from the reception area, across the Aerial Walkway to the Interpretive Display Centre and the base of the Canopy Tower. Special drop off area in car park for guests with a disability.
Miscellaneous:
Whether you are with a pre-organised tour group of travelling independently there is a wealth of things to see and do. One popular option is to do a self-guided walk using their world-class audio guides, which now offer an indigenous cultural tour - interesting information on how the traditional local Aboriginal people made good use of the plants, animals and natural features of the rainforest.
With experienced staff, a large indoor interpretive display area, the latest touch screen technology, an audiovisual theatre and sweeping, all weather verandahs, the Centre offers information on birds, butterflies, cassowaries, crocodiles and much more.
The Centre launched a Carbon Offset/Bio-sequestration project in 2007. Part of every entry fee is being used to fund the community based project. This will see the Centre invest more than AUD25,000.00 in carbon offsetting via bio-sequestration in the first year, with the anticipation of continued growth as people come to realise that each time they visit the Centre, they will be helping to save the rainforest.
The Centre won the 2007 "Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award" at the Queensland Tourism Awards and was a finalist in the Australian Tourism Awards. In 2008 the Centre will be inducted into the Tropical North Queensland Awards Hall of fame after winning the Ecotourism Award three years running. It was also voted the 'Best Small Business in Queensland' at the 2005 Telstra Small Business Awards. The Discovery Centre is an accredited Wet Tropics Visitor Information Centre, has Advanced Eco-Tourism Accreditation and is a Planet Safe Partner.
Accreditation & Memberships