The Daintree Rainforest Environmental Centre (now known as the Daintree Discovery Centre) was built in 1988-9 and opened by Senator Graham Richardson on 26 June 1989. DDC is a privately funded enterprise.

How did it get started?

The original concept for an environmental centre in the Daintree Rainforest area came about following a visit to the region in December 1986. As a result of this initial visit, the Directors, Pam and Ron Birkett came to realise that the majority of visitors were leaving the area feeling as they did - disappointed and somewhat disillusioned with the lack of information about the rainforest available for visitors.

Damaging the rainforest: There was absolutely no provision for local, interstate or overseas visitors to actually experience the rainforest first hand, explore the fauna and flora, or begin to understand the historical, biological and social context of this unique wilderness. Unfortunately those who were venturing into the forest via commercially motivated, man-made walking trails were creating untold damage to such ancient areas as Noah Creek, desecrating the fragile under-story and disturbing the wildlife.

A personal commitment to eco-tourism: Following this initial foray into the rainforest the Birkett's subsequently contacted the government pointing out the urgent need for interpretive information - and more particularly for an environmental centre that would allow controlled access to the rainforest, while at the same time protecting the fragility of the environment. The government was fully supportive of the concept but was not prepared to commit funds to the project at that time. Undaunted, the Birkett's decided to go ahead and develop the Centre anyway.

The consultation process: After extensive consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the local Council, the CSIRO, and various educational and rainforest research centres, including local and overseas museums, Pam and Ron Birkett purchased two relatively untouched, freehold parcels of low-land rainforest bordering the National Park.

In 1988-9 the development of an educational interpretive centre in the Daintree Rainforest was no mean feat. There was no power, no telephone and limited local labour. However, after extensive consultation regarding the structure and design of the Centre a contract was finally granted to a local builder.

Selecting the location: Great care was taken with the selection of the property. While we wanted people to be able to find us, we wanted to be situated well away from the main road.

After much consideration we finally decided to locate the Centre in an unspoiled pocket of rainforest situated on the lower slopes of the Alexandra Range, just outside the area designated for World Heritage.

While the property has 180 metres of main road frontage along the Cape Tribulation Road, a deliberate decision was made to locate the major buildings (the Interpretive Display Centre itself and the staff residence) approximately 500 metres down Tulip Oak Road, well away from the main road.

This was based on advice received from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), the local Council and members of the World Heritage team - the goal being to preserve the aesthetic beauty of the area.

A Leader In Eco-tourism

The Daintree Discovery Centre soon established itself as a leader in the field of eco-tourism. The Centre specialises in the provision of environmental interpretive facilities and caters for both domestic and international visitors.

With the addition of a spectacular 23 metre high Observation Tower in 1998, and the Aerial Walkway in 2003, the Centre is quite unique and continues to gain recognition as a premier eco-tourism facility.