Winter is the best time to visit the Daintree.
North of Cairns, the Daintree is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, and it extends even down to the edge of the Coral Sea. As a National Park, and UNESCO World-Heritage site, the region abounds with wildlife species from marsupials and reptiles to bats and butterflies. In preparation for exploring this diverse ecosystem, there are a few things you should know.
In the Daintree, climate conditions vary through the year, but tend toward the rainy and humid side. It’s part of Queensland’s Wet Tropics for a reason. The good news is the temperatures stay warm all year round, ranging from 90 to 77 degrees. The winter is dry season, which sees far less rainfall than the monsoonal summertime when frequent downpours occur. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the best conditions occur, even though you should still expect some rain.
Also, just because it might be overcast doesn’t mean you’ll be safe from the sun. Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from those strong Australian rays, and don’t forget the mosquito repellent. While cooler in temperature this time of year, the jungle canopy can get pretty dense with mosquitos and other bugs, so pants are advisable. Keeping your legs covered is furthermore advisable due to the well camouflaged spiders in the area. The good news is there are no poisonous species that dwell here — although spiders like the common Golden Orb may appear threatening: they’re about as big as your hand!
While winter is low season in Australia, it’s a popular time to visit the Daintree because of the fair climate. So, make your travel arrangements well in advance. If you are planning a trip, there are plenty of things to do in the area. It’s best to create an itinerary that will take you through not only the Daintree but also Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Mossman is home to rainforest viewing decks above a river while Cape Tribulation offers spectacular beaches.
Beyond that, you might want to commit time to explore Port Douglas, the other access point to the Daintree beyond Cairns. From Port Douglas, many travelers visit the Great Barrier Reef, which is also popular during the winter — water is still warm and drier conditions means greater visibility within the seas.
- Contributed by Megan Snedden
Exploring the Daintree in Winter: What You Need to Know from Cairns & the Tropical North Things to Do