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Visitors welcomed back to the Daintree, what’s open

From 5am on Monday independent visitors can once again head north of the Daintree River to explore the wonders of the world’s oldest rainforest.

Guests spotting wildlife on a Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise, on the Daintree River. Photo: TTNQ
Guests spotting wildlife on a Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise, on the Daintree River. Photo: TTNQ

From 5am on Monday independent day visitors can once again head north of the Daintree River to explore the wonders of the world’s oldest rainforest.

Visitors will have access to favourites like the Daintree Discovery Centre, the Flora Villa Ice Creamery and the Daintree Ice Cream Company, Cooper Creek Wilderness walk, and Daintree fishing.

Couple at the Daintree Discovery Centre Treetop Aerial Walkway pointing outwards. Photo: TTNQ
Couple at the Daintree Discovery Centre Treetop Aerial Walkway pointing outwards. Photo: TTNQ

Solar Whisper, Crocodile Express, and Daintree Crocodile tours will be running daily river cruises and Daintree River Wild Watch will be running sunrise and sunset tours.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief cxecutive officer Mark Olsen said it was great news that the road would open to Thornton Beach after being closed for more than two months, with only organised tours allowed to take people north of the river in recent weeks.

“Sadly, the public still cannot head further north to Cape Tribulation and our thoughts are with the people who live and work there,” he said.

Aerial view of the Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise boat, heading up the Daintree River. Photo: TTNQ
Aerial view of the Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise boat, heading up the Daintree River. Photo: TTNQ

“After such a long wait for greater access to the Daintree National Park, I encourage accommodation providers to suggest their guests travel north and support the operators who will have faced 65 days without customers.

“There are guided walks, fishing tours, tropical fruit ice creams to taste and crocodile spotting tours open.

“Please check opening days and times as these vary with some operators starting later in the week.

Sunset at Alexandra Lookout, Daintree Rainforest. Photo: TTNQ
Sunset at Alexandra Lookout, Daintree Rainforest. Photo: TTNQ

“The Douglas Shire Card allows locals a free trip on the Daintree Ferry until February 28 and I encourage the community to make the most of this access.”

The road conditions for Alexandra Range to Thornton Beach have changed and parts will be under traffic control.

Hands holding scoops of ice cream at Daintree Ice Cream Company. Photo: TTNQ
Hands holding scoops of ice cream at Daintree Ice Cream Company. Photo: TTNQ

The Daintree Ferry is open from 5am to midnight.

Alexandra Range is open with a single lane from 5am to midnight.

It is open to vehicles under 12.5 metres in length and less than 25 tonnes.

Vehicles towing caravans, trailers or campervans must measure less than 12.5 metres or less than 25 tonnes.

Vehicles will be able to stop at the Alexandra Lookout. When leaving the lookout, vehicles will need to wait to join the end of the queue, and this will be under traffic control.

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dylan.nicholson@news.com.au

Originally published as Visitors welcomed back to the Daintree, what’s open

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cairns/visitors-welcomed-back-to-the-daintree-whats-open/news-story/656fcf04717de12664987f17bfe1dc20