Daintree Rainforest Observatory Plan a trip
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Gearing up for a trip to the Wet Tropics? Let us help you make your Daintree Rainforest visit a great one.
Are you teaching/leading a high school (Year 10-12) or university class, or working on your own research project? When do you want to visit? Are your dates flexible? Contact our staff who will work with you to establish dates and times and what you need to make your visit a success.
When at the Observatory, bear in mind that internet access is via a satellite link with data limitation; scientific usage of our connection is prioritised over recreational use. There is no cellular phone reception at the Observatory itself.
We are 1.5 hours away from hospital services and medicine supply. The northern Queensland coast is subject to tropical cyclones from November to April, and their occurrence is unpredictable. Cyclones may affect scheduling.
The trip from the city of Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest Observatory can be made by car or bus. The trip is about 138 km (86 miles) and can take up to three hours. This trip includes a ferry across the Daintree river. The fee and opening hours for the ferry is described on the ferry service web page. The final part of the trip includes a short section of unpaved road.
If you are driving yourself, we recommend printing these driving directions to avoid errors as mobile/cellular phone reception is unavailable after the ferry. It's a scenic trip to the Daintree Rainforest Observatory but take care as wildlife are in abundance, especially around dawn and dusk. Take care around cassowaries and be aware of native wildlife such as spiders and snakes.
On arrival, visit the main office building and let the Station Manager know that you have arrived.