About The Daintree Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and explore one of the few remaining unspoiled pockets of lowland rainforest in Far North Queensland, while at the same time protecting the fragile environment.
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a multi-faceted venue comprising a:
Interpretive Display Centre
The Display Centre is a large, open plan complex of over 410 sq. metres. It offers a wide range of information about the rainforest. Colourful displays incorporate both pictures and easy to read text.
The Centre also offers a number of interactive information kiosks with touch screen displays to allow easy access to a variety of information suitable for all ages.
The displays begin with an historical perspective starting with the big bang theory of evolution. This followed by an animated film that explores the formation of Gondwana Land and the 'age of the dinosaurs'.
The flora and fauna of the rainforest is presented in considerable detail including information about the Cassowary, Crocodiles and many other creatures unique to the Daintree.
The beautiful Ulysses Butterfly, the Giant Green Tree Frog, the strange Stink-horn fungi, the dreaded Stinging Tree and many other points of interest are included in our displays.
Extensive balconies provide all-weather protection from the elements. They are an ideal place for taking photos, bird watching, or just relaxing and appreciating the ambience of the rainforest. They are also a great refuge if it's raining.
Coffee Shop
Our coffee shop offers a variety of light refreshments and is popular with visitors of all ages. It is a quiet retreat where you can sit and observe the rainforest while enjoying a pot of our local Daintree tea or a choice of coffees, hot chocolate, a fruit juice and a choice of snacks. We make a great cappuccino!
Souvenir Shop
Our Souvenir Shop offers a wide range of products including locally made jewelry, beautifully hand crafted pottery, eco-style clothing, rainforest reference books, children's story books and rainforest souvenirs.
Audio Visual Theatre
A 20 seat theatre offers a variety of highly acclaimed audio visual presentations complementing the environmental display. Visitors can select from a variety of DVD's that provide an insight into the rainforest which, until now, has been inaccessible to the public.
Elevated Rainforest Boardwalks
Visitors are encouraged to venture out into the actual rainforest itself. Four hundred metres of elevated boardwalks thread their way through the rainforest allowing the public to really experience this unspoiled wilderness for themselves - at the same time protecting the fragile environment.
Cassowary Circuit and the Bush Tucker Trail are well sign posted and self-guided audio tours are available in a variety of languages.
There are strategically placed viewing platforms situated around the boardwalk where you can sit and enjoy the ambiance of the rainforest at your leisure.
Guided Group Tours
Qualified staff conduct pre-booked group tours (min 10 people) both through the Centre and the local environs. The Discovery Centre is renowned for its excellent boardwalk tours and expert tour guides. DDC facilities are also available for study groups, seminars, workshops, meetings and nocturnal studies. (For group bookings click here)
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Audio units are available for hire. They are easy to use and extremely popular. Information is available in 6 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
Interpretive Guide Book
A 48 page Interpretive Guide Book is included with the adult entry fee. This informative text is full of useful information, and not only does it provide a comprehensive guided tour of DCC, it also includes entertaining information on birds, frogs, reptiles, weather, history, etc.
The Canopy Tower
Opened in 1998, the spectacular 23 metre Canopy Tower has been an outstanding success and allows unprecedented access to the rainforest in a unique and intimate way.
The Tower comprises five different viewing platforms allowing visitors of all ages to access the various levels of the rainforest - from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy.
As with the rest of the Centre, the Tower has been designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment but provide maximum access for all.
No other privately funded environmental agency in Queensland comes close to offering the same standard or range of facilities or services as DDC. The Centre has an exemplary track record of service and is recognised as representing a model of best practice in the eco-tourism industry of Far North Queensland.
Experienced staff will be pleased to welcome you and answer any questions you might have about the rainforest or the surrounding areas. If we can do anything to assist you please do not hesitate to ask.
The Discovery Centre is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Entry fee applies (concessions available).
