Daintree News

No rain, but plenty of birds!!

2012-01-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

While January can often be humid and rainy here in Daintree, this isn't the case this year (to date). Clear, cloudless days, cooler nights, few mosquitoes, but lots of frogs calling at night and birds at dawn.

A favourite bird for all at this time of year is the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, which come from New Guinea each October/November to nest in the small ground termite mounds of this part of the Wet Tropics and also a little further south. Jindalba Boardwalk, north of the Daintree River, and Stewart Creek Rd at Daintree Village are good places to find the nesting birds.

Other summer migrants include Metallic Starling, Pied Imperial Pigeon and Black Bittern - all of which can be seen in, or around, Daintree Village.

Daintree Village Heritage Walk now available on I Tunes

2011-11-12T02:56:00.000-08:00

Just out on the Australian Short Walks App.
The Daintree Village Heritage Walk, free after downloading the Australian Short Walks App from the App Store $1.99

Other Daintree area walks include Mossman Gorge, Mossman Historic Walk, Port Douglas Coastcare Walk and Port Douglas Historic Walk.

All walks are FREE after initial download of short walks app.

Download here

Smart Card enables Cairns locals to free ferry travel

2011-11-12T02:49:00.000-08:00

Read the council press release

Pick up your application form for a Daintree Smart Card now from the CRC offices.

As an Early Bird Incentive Cairns residents who make application for their Smart card before 1st December and who use their smart card at least once during the trial period will be in the running to win a Panasonic Blue ray Home Theatre System valued at $1,099 kindly donated by Tourism Tropical North Queensland.TTNQ

whales on the fringing reef

2011-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Close to the beach, migrating whales are scratching themselves on the reef,to remove their barnacles. Kayakers were treated to a great view of the whales swimming underneath the boats. Walkers on Myall Beach had a ringside seat to the whales spouting and cavorting.

Kingfishers in the Daintree

2011-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone's favourite 'the Kingfisher'.
Colourful, with huge bills and full of character, ranging in size from the Little Kingfisher at 12cm, to the Laughing Kookaburra at 48cm.
We are so fortunate here in Daintree, as seven out of Australia's ten kingfishers are either residents or visitors to the Daintree.
Over the cooler winter months, the Sacred Kingfisher is a regular, feeding in the fields of the Daintree Valley. Often seen on fence posts or power lines, they feed on insects and small reptiles. More turquoise in colour than the dark blue of the Forest Kingfisher, which also feeds in a similar manner and is more common.

A favourite with birdwatchers is the Little Kingfisher - tiny, elusive and a difficult bird for international birders to see in other parts of Australia. The Daintree River and it's creeks and even local still ponds are well known spots for this gem. Being 'true' kingfishers they only eat fish and other small aquatic animals.
At low tide on the Daintree River, you may be lucky enough to see one of these gems.

Fruit-Doves in the Rainforest

2011-04-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

The tropical lowland Daintree Rainforest has three brightly coloured fruit-doves, Superb, Rose-crowned and Wompoo, all of which are eagerly sought after by birdwatchers. Surprisingly difficult to see, they feed on fruit, usually high in the rainforest canopy.
This beautiful male Superb Fruit-Dove was lucky to survive, and make a good recovery, after hitting the window of a farmhouse in the Daintree Valley. It is normally difficult to see those beautiful colours in the rainforest. While reasonably common, good views are often just be chance.
Thanks to Donna Davis for the images.

Have an Eco Easter

2011-04-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

Showcasing the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world, tourism operators in the Daintree fittingly offer some of the most environmentally friendly experiences in the country. Not only are many attractions and accommodations in the Daintree ECO-certified, signifying their commitment to sustainable practices and high quality nature-based tourism experiences, but in many cases Daintree businesses use solar and hydro sustainable power. In fact, the Daintree Coast north of the river is home to Australia’s largest sustainable energy community. So if the only guilt you need this Easter is for all the chocolate you eat, then the Daintree’s the place to go. The internationally acclaimed Daintree Discovery Centre has been acknowledged as an Ecotourism leader for many years, with carbon offset programs and award-winning operations, but other local businesses are now joining them at the forefront of sustainable tourism. Following an independent audit by Cairns environmental consultants The Missing Link, Jungle Surfing is now proudly carbon neutral, with their tiny carbon footprint requiring just 140 trees to be planted annually to offset emissions. Jungle Surfing staff and friends last month planted the trees themselves in Cape Tribulation as part of the company’s Community Revegetation Project. Having last year established a nursery of native plants, many of which are endemic to the Daintree, this year the project literally came to fruition with more than 2000 free seedlings provided to local individuals and businesses along with expertise, advice and some essential elbow grease to plant the trees. For more information on Jungle Surfing’s environmental initiatives, or for free trees to plant to give yourself a carbon neutral holiday, please contact environment@junglesurfing.com.au For more information on ECO certified products in the Daintree, please go to http://www.destinationdaintree.com/daintree-ecotourism

The 'wet' season - best for birds and birding!

2011-03-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

February was the wettest on record in Daintree Village with 1640ml of rain, bringing the year's (2 months!) total to 2117ml by the end of the month.

March has arrived though and the weather has improved and visitors are coming. The 'wet' season is always best for birding, despite the sometimes-rainy conditions. The summer migrants are all still here, including the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher. The Little Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher are also more visible as the breeding season come to an end. Both have been seen on the pond at Red Mill House in recent days. Also in the garden is Australasian Koel, Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Yellow Oriole and others. A short, late afternoon walk with guests along Stewart Creek Rd from Daintree Village was very productive with Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze Cuckoo and female Australian Koel, plus a range of birds foraging for insects in the afternoon sun - Grey Whistler, Spectacled Monarch, Leaden Flycatcher, Fairy Gerygone, Graceful, Macleay's and Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Mistletoebird, Olive-backed Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, and Varied Triller. Others, chasing fruit, included Brown-Cuckoo Dove, Figbird and Wompoo Fruit-Dove. A lovely walk and a great introduction to the UK birders who had just arrived.

Cape Trib is back in business after Cyclone Yasi

2011-02-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

Cape Tribulation was on the very edge of Cyclone Yasi when it crossed the coast south of Cairns, last Thursday. We had minimal damage. Because the businesses operate on solar power and generators, there has been no disruption, and many businesses are now cleaned up and ready to go.

Tours now running -
Ocean Safari
Masons Tours
Jungle Surfing
Exotic Fruit Tasting

Plenty of places now open to stay
Cape Trib Beach House
Cape Trib Farmstay
PKs Jungle Village
Cape Trib Camping
Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm

The rainforest is looking wonderful - the reef is looking beautiful. The road to Cape Tribulation has been cleared, the ferry is operating and there is no problem with roads being flooded, now that the new bridge is in place over Cooper Creek. Port Douglas and Cairns are now open for business, with minimal damage.

Visit Destination Daintree for more info about itineraries, accommodation, and activities

Colour and movement

2011-01-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

Fast flying and extremely colourful, the Rainbow Lorikeet is a favourite bird for locals and visitors alike.
One of the more vocal birds, Rainbow Lorikeets are well known for the array of colours seemingly splashed over their bodies.

The Rainbow Lorikeet has a wide distribution; found in various parts of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Not restricted to rainforest areas, the Rainbow Lorikeet enjoys parks and gardens as well. The Rainbow Lorikeet possesses two toes facing forward and two backward for balance and ease of grasping, and grow to over 30 cm in length.Whilst mainly nectar feeders, these birds are extremely adaptable, eating fruit, berries, seeds, and even insect and their larvae if required. At this time of year, when blossom is hard to find, the fruit from the Umbrella Tree is a favourite.

Adventurous by Nature

2010-12-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

The new slogan for Tropical North Queensland is Adventurous by Nature and this fits well with the range of activities offered by Mason's Tours. This shot shows the Woobadda River crossing on the Bloomfield Track.
Check out Mason's Adventurous Tours

Garden Predators

2010-12-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

Nature can be cruel and whilst our favourite creatures may be green frogs and tiny birds, they also make great prey for some of the larger, more aggressive birds who share their habitat.
This week, we had a beautiful Olive-backed Sunbird nest, complete with two babies and with mum doing a fabulous job feeding and tending to them, just outside the busy lounge window. Safe as can be, we thought.
It only takes a second and the nest is raided and the babies gone - - the parents don't stand a chance. Unfortunately Black Butcherbirds also have babies to feed.

Check out the size of the bill and the hook on the end - - no wonder they are such successful predators.
The other common garden predator is the Laughing Kookaburra, Australia's iconic symbol. Specialising in skinks, frogs, lizards and small rodents, they too are successful predators.

Birds on the Daintree River

2010-11-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

The Daintree River is famous for its' wildlife, particularly crocodiles and a large variety of birds. The summer migrants include Black Bittern, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Metallic Starling and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, most of which can be seen from the river.

This is also the time of year for the Papuan Frogmouth to be nesting, often high above the the water's edge, making it easy to see from the river. 'Easy' isn't really the right word - the colours and patterns of the plumage enable the bird to disguise itself beautifully as it sits quietly and perfectly still next to the trunk or branch of a tree. The nest consists of just a few sticks, but they are great parents and usually breed successfully.

The Papuan Frogmouth feeds at night, just after dusk, mostly on insects, frogs and lizards.

Only found in southern Asia, New Guinea and Australia, Australia's Frogmouths are a real treat for international birdwatchers - there is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. The Papuan Frogmouth has a very small Australian range of distribution.

Gaudy and Gorgeous!

2010-10-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

The big news in the birding world is that the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher have returned from New Guinea for their breeding season. A spectacular bird - almost gaudy, with a bright red/orange bill, bright red feet, blue back and head, and orange breast. The long white tail, which is often seen first, flicks up and down as the bird sits and calls from perches in the mid-level of rainforest.

These birds arrive every year in late October/early November to nest in the small termite mounds on the forest floor. They are at least two weeks early this year and have arrived 'en masse' - some of which will continue further south as far as Mackay, while others will stay to settle in find a mate. The conditions are perfect this year with the termite mounds being moist and easy to excavate.

We look forward to a productive season for these very special birds.

Farming , pastures and birds

2010-10-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Daintree is famous for it's rainforest but, for birdwatching, a range of habitat is important. Part of that mix here in the tropical lowlands are the paddocks and pastures of local farmland.
The cattle that graze the pastures are followed by large numbers of Cattle Egrets, waiting expectantly for insects to be disturbed in the grass. Farm dams and waterways are homes to ducks, lapwings and plovers as well as egrets and kingfishers.
Various grasses in the fields, when the seeds mature, provide feed for a range of seed-eaters, including the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, that can be seen in large flocks feeding on the grasses.

Golden-headed Cisticola are often seen, during their breeding season, singing madly from the top of grasses or on the wires of fences. They enjoy wet, swampy areas and degraded paddocks and slopes.

Other birds often seen on fence wires include Red-backed Fairy-Wren, White Breasted Woodswallow and occasionally a treat like Australia's smallest cuckoo, the Little Bronze Cuckoo.

Don't underestimate a drive along one of the beautiful valleys of the Daintree River and it's creeks, if birdwatching in the area. You will almost always see Rainbow Bee-eater, Forest Kingfisher, Australian Pipit, Masked Lapwing, Cattle Egret and many more interesting species.

Vines, nectar and Honeyeaters

2010-08-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

While not a native plant, the commonly-grown Flame of the Forest (or New Guinea creeper) and Jade Vine both flower profusely at this time of year and the Honeyeaters love them.
A rampant climber, the Jade vine originates from The Philipines and has long racemes of up to 1/2 meter of stunning blue and green pea-shaped flowers.

These flowers are full of nectar and are extremely popular with green ants and also with Macleay's Honeyeater (pictured), Dusky Honeyeater, Yellow-spotted Honeyeater, Graceful Honeyeater and also the Olive-backed Sunbird.

The New Guinea Vine, also from the Leguminosae family, has vivid red flowers and similarly attracts the honeyeaters. Down at Scommazons, opposite the Mossman Golf Course, several Blue-faced Honeyeaters are also enjoying the nectar from the flowers. These are normally a dry-country bird, but are often seen at that part of the lowlands.They are a lovely bird.

Birding Updates

2010-07-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

July is a busy month for visitors, but unfortunately the weather wasn't so great for the school holidays this year. It is still warm though, so everyone is happy.
Winter is often best for viewing raptors here in the lowlands, particularly throughout the cane harvesting season. The kites are the most common with Whistling Kite, Black Kite and Brahminy Kite often being seen circling the cane fields between Daintree and Mossman at this time of year..
A beautiful chestnut and white bird, the Brahminy Kite is also often seen along the Daintree River and it's associated creeks. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, insects, reptiles and sometimes small rodents.

Most common is the Black Kite, with it's distinctive shallow fork at the end. Often seen in groups, the Black Kite will eat carrion or live rodents, insects and small reptiles and can be seen perching out in the open.

Thanks to Dan Irby for the photos.

Birding Updates

2010-07-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

A busy month for Daintree with Australian school holidays and summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, so lots of visitors to the area. The weather hasn't been so favourable for the Reef over the last week or so, so many people are having a day or two in the Daintree instead.
Winter is an interesting time for birds in the Daintree - not so many species, but some of the more difficult birds can be easier to see. Spotted Catbird and Victoria's Riflebird are great examples of that. The winter wake-up call is often the Spotted Catbird.
The Cattle Egret numbers are high over the winter and the classic sight of them flying down the Daintree River in large flocks in the evening and in the early morning is fabulous.

Cattle Egrets feed in the fields alongside the cows, waiting to pick up grasshoppers and other insects that have been disturbed from the grass. They are an extremely successful species and the numbers worldwide are increasing. At night they roost communally in one of two trees, usually beside the river.

A great reason to do an evening, late afternoon or early morning river cruise on the Daintree River.
Thanks to Dan Irby for the photos.

Birding Updates

2010-06-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

The sugar cane harvesting season (The Crush) runs from mid June until completion, which can be as late as December. Much of the coastal lowlands is under sugar cane, so it is a significantly busy time for the farmers, the Sugar Mill at Mossman and everyone else involved. This year the conditions have been favourable and the season has got off to a good start.
Interestingly for birdwatchers, the 'Crush' means an increase in birds of prey locally as they follow the harvesters searching for any rodents, snakes and other creatures that have been disturbed. Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite and even Wedge-tailed Eagle (not a usual resident of the wet lowlands) descend on the cane fields, and you can see quite large flocks of Kites feeding on the ground after the harvester has been through.

Some other great winter birds include the Victoria's Riflebird ( an endemic to the Wet Tropics and one of the Birds of Paradise) and the Spotted Catbird. The Catbird's name is derived from it's call - not meow, but like someone is strangling a cat! A beautiful bird which is difficult to see because of it's colourings, but is more visible in winter as it comes out of the forest a little more to find fruit. They are happy with pawpaw and fallen citrus if there are no rainforest fruits about.

2010-06-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

Over the last month, Mason's Tours have been using our spare time designing a new 1/2 Day Walk. A small hill at the back of our property looked like it might yield a view, and we actually found two of them!

We have now found a workable track down off the ridge, and the next step is to plan the rest of the walk!

Birding Updates

2010-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Glorious weather in Daintree as 'winter' sets in - sunny, warm days and clear, cool nights.
'Winter' birds dominate with increased numbers of fantails, flycatchers and monarchs at this time of year.
The Daintree River is excellent for early morning birdwatching all year, and presently some of the special birds include Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and Papuan Frogmouth can be seen from the river.
The Papuan Frogmouth feeds at night, usually on insects, frogs, small rodents and lizards, and roosts during the day - often close to the river. They have the soft, patterned plumage that allows them to be well hidden when sitting near the trunk of a tree. They are often very difficult to find and can easily be mistaken for a branch.

Birding updates

2010-05-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

Dryer weather and less humidity since the Easter deluge and the Daintree comes into it's own for visitors - it's a fabulous time of year.
A little quieter for birds, but some some great sightings nevertheless.
This is the season for flycatchers, monarchs,fantails and honeyeaters. In the colder months the Lewin's Honeyeater comes down from the cooler Atherton Tableands region to spend time in the lowlands. The rattling 'machine gun' call is distinctive and always a good sign that winter is on it's way.
A common large honeyeater in Daintree is the Helmeted Friarbird - noisy, gregarious and bossy, they are very versatile - eating fruit or insects. They are one of the easiest birds to attract to garden feeders.

Spotted at Jindalba boardwalk this week was the Noisy Pitta - a fabulously bright ground feeder which is often difficult to find, and also Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove - another favourite with birders.
Also seen along the Mossman Daintree road was Barking Owl, one of the few owls seen in the Daintree. Barking Owl, named for it's call, can often be heard in the wee hours of the morning in Daintree Village.

Birding updates

2010-05-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

As the weather dries out, there have been some great rainforest birds seen north of the Daintree River in recent days.
Regular sightings of a male Cassowary with three chicks picking up fallen fruit in the Daintree Icecream Company orchard, delighting visitors. Female Victoria's Riflebird has been seen along Dubuji Boardwalk and Wompoo Fruit-Dove at Jindalba Boardwalk.

On the Daintree River and on Stewart Creek there have been good sightings of the Great-billed Heron, Australia's largest Heron and one of the most elusive. This is one of the target species for birdwatchers visiting the Daintree.

Another target species for visiting birdwatchers is the Little Kingfisher, which has been seen regularly on the pond in the garden at Red Mill House in Daintree Village. A shy, elusive Kingfisher, it is Australia's smallest at only 11cm. An aquatic Kingfisher, it prefers dark, narrow places with overhanging vegetation. Everyone's favourite!

Birding Updates

2010-04-18T00:46:00.001-07:00

An excellent week for birds in the Daintree, with the weather markedly improved. No rain to speak of and the hum of lawnmowers dominates as everyone tries to catch up with the ever-growing grass. Temperatures are still up to 30 degrees by day, despite it being mid-April.

The numbers of the summer migrants have reduced greatly - Pied Imperial Pigeons, Metallic Starlings and Black Bittern are all more difficult to see, and there seems to be just one or two young Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers remaining. The adults have all gone back to New Guinea where they will stay until the migration south begins again in October for breeding.

Some birds that have become easier to see though, over the past week or so include the Topknot Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove and Spotted Catbird. The Wompoo Fruit-Dove has the remarkable ability to disguise itself despite it's bright purples, greens and golds.

Another common, and colourful, bird at this time of the year is the Rainbow Bee-Eater, Australia's only bee-eater. They often sit on fences, fly out hawking for insects, and returning to the same spot to eat them. A pleasure to watch!

Birding Updates

2010-04-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

A very, very wet Easter and beyond with over 1 metre of rain falling in the past 12 days.
Birdwatching has been difficult due to the conditions, and it's difficult conditions for the birds as well with food supplies being harder to get.
Some good raptors have been seen lately with juvenile White-bellied Sea- Eagle in Daintree Village and Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Kestrel all seen in the valley.

A common bird seen beside the road is the Pheasant Coucal, a member of the Cuckoo family. The poor things fly really clumsily, particularly when wet, and can be seen crash-landing in trees and in cane fields. The breeding plumage is particularly beautiful.

New website for the daintree

2010-03-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

A new website has just been launched to provide detailed information to help visitors to the daintree. You can check it out here:

Destination Daintree

Regeneration in the Daintree

2010-03-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Many local companies are committed to sustainablity and have projects in place to minimize their impact on the local area.

Jungle Surfing Canopy just donated its first "treedlings" to a local revegetation project! Their environment officer, Antoinette, set up the native nursery last year and has been lovingly tending the seedlings, hardening them off, and now they're ready to start re-foresting the Daintree. The first batch went to Whet Restaurant in Cape Tribulation.

Mason's Tours have just started to reveg a three hectare area adjacent to the site of their proposed rainforest centre, the process begins with killing the weeds and grass that prevents the natural regeneration. The site has been allowed to naturally regenerate over the past ten years and Mason's have now signed a Voluntary Declaration (VDEC) over it and plan to have it fully reveged over the next 15 years. The VDEC is their way of compensating for any potential damage done by the construction of boardwalks along Myall Creek.

The Daintree Discovery Centre is also heavily involved in local revegetation and is a Carbon Neutral company.

The picture above shows an area where introduced lantana has been killed and the area is now ready for replanting with native species

Birding updates

2010-03-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

Mixed weather in the Daintree in the last fortnight with some heavy falls of rain mixed with hot and humid days and some gorgeous star-filled nights.
Some excellent birds seen locally with Little Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher and Great-billed Heron on the Daintree River and Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Spotted Catbird and Victoria's Riflebird (all special rainforest birds) seen on the local birdwatching walk of Stewart Creek Rd near Daintree Village.
A Southern Cassowary has been a regular visitor to the Daintree Discovery Centre.
A favourite bird with locals is the Olive-backed Sunbird (previously called the Yellow-bellied Sunbird), who charms us all by building beautiful little hanging nests, often very close to human activity - in doorways, at the top of stairs etc. They are nectar feeders, but at this time of year when the flowers are wet, they will glean under the eaves of buildings gathering insects for food. Australia doesn't have any hummingbirds, and these little chaps are the closest thing we have with quite similar rapid wing movements.
The male has a bright blue-black chest, while the female has a plain yellow chest and belly.

Cape Trib Road to be all weather

2010-03-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

Cooper Creek Causeway 'over' after rain...take a close look because after this year it will be a thing of the past! The Cairns Regional Council are currently calling tenders for the construction of high level causeways over both Cooper and Mason Creeks. This will mean that the road all the way to Cape Trib Beach House ...is more or less all-weather. This work is long overdue, and will mean that the last real excuse not to visit Cape Trib in the wet when the forest is at it's best is removed. See you next Green Season!

Birdwatching in the Daintree

2010-03-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first of the updates on the birdlife of the Daintree.

A little background:

Daintree, in Tropical North Queensland, is internationally recognised as one of Australia's premier birdwatching locations. Over 430 species of birds have been recorded in the area encompassing the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef region of Australia. This is more than half the bird species for the entire continent. By combining visits to Daintree on the coastal lowlands, the upland rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands and the drier country of Mareeba and beyond, plus the tidal flats and off-shore islands, birders can appreciate the great diversity and number of the region’s birds within only 1 ½ hour’s drive from Cairns.

Summer migrants to Daintree, including Black Bittern, Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Channel-billed Cuckoo and Metallic Starling, are seen from October/November until March/April, making it the best time of year for Daintree birdwatching, despite the chance of rain.

So, with this in mind, it is a fabulous time of the year to be birding in Daintree.

Recent sightings of interest include Southern Cassowary (both north and south of the Daintree River), Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher as they feed up their young preparing to fly back to New Guinea for the winter,

Great-billed Heron building a nest on the Daintree River, Azure Kingfisher and the elusive Little Kingfisher, who disappears into the Mangroves for breeding over the wet season, but is becoming much more visible again in the last week or so.

The Green Season in the Daintree

2010-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

On the night of Saturday 20th 2010, Cape Tribulation received 256mm of rain, or about 10 inches in the old money. This is entirely normal for this time of the year, and not a really big fall. Our record for a day, set in 1981, is 818mm, or about 33 inches!

In fact the road was open again at about 4pm, despite one remaining low level causeway at Cooper Creek. This causeway will be raised this year, and make the road nearly an all weather prospect.

The photo shows Woobadda River on the Bloomfield Track north of Cape Tribulation, with one of Mason's Tours's 4WDs crossing after rain.

Paddling around the Cape Trib Headland

2010-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

A recent video showing the view of Cape Tribulation from a different perspective. Sea Kayaking at Cape Tribulation
A pleasant morning spent paddling around the Cape, exploring the coastline of the Daintree, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Daintree Cassowary killed in hit and run

2009-12-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

A really sad story which has happened in the last few weeks. Read the full story on the Rainforest Rescue site:
Daintree cassowary killed in hit and run

Daintree Gets New Nature Refuge

2009-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

A new Nature Refuge has been created in the Daintree rainforest through a declaration by the Queensland Parliament.

Lot 22 Camelot Close at Cape Tribulation was purchased by not for profit organisation Rainforest Rescue in April 2007. “That’s when the work began to create the Nature Refuge” said Kelvin Davies CEO of Rainforest Rescue.

Read more on their blog

Daintree Discovery Centre – Winner on a World Stage

2009-11-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

The Daintree Discovery Centre has just been awarded a prestigious international award for ecotourism at the 70th Skal World Congress being held at the Palace of Arts in Budapest, Hungary from 1 – 6 November 2009. The Centre’s tourism submission entitled ‘Sustainable Ecotourism’ was declared the winner of the 8th Annual Skal International Ecotourism Awards in the category of ‘General Countryside’.

Directors Ron and Pam Birkett were presented with the award during the Opening Ceremony overnight.

Competing against tourism businesses from 48 countries around the world, the local Daintree attraction has now been internationally recognized as leading the world in Ecotourism best practice.

The Centre is being specifically recognized for implementing a rigorous Carbon Offset / Bio-sequestration program as a means of minimizing its carbon footprint.

The Daintree Discovery Centre has been informing and educating visitors to the Daintree for more than 20 years.

According to Director Pam Birkett, to be selected as the world’s leading ecotourism business in this internationally prestigious award is something all Australians should be proud of.

‘It’s wonderful to be recognized on the world stage and to know that our best practice ecotourism business in the Daintree is more than competitive with other projects in the world.’

Tree snake joins boat cruise for lunch

2009-10-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

Solar Whisper had some extra excitement on one of their Daintree River cruises this week. David White describes the incident:

"We stopped to look at a tree snake and as we got closer it became very inquisitive, constantly smelling the air with its forked tongue. The snake then swam over and started climbing up on to the boat next to me. After assuring everyone that they are completely harmless, I picked it up and instantly it slithered up my arm and behind my head and onto the top of the croc cam monitor. There was a strange squawk and the snake came out with my resident pet boat frog in its mouth.

If it happened in the tree we would all just watch with morbid fascination as that is nature, but seeing I introduced the snake to the boat I could not just watch, so I pried the snake’s mouth open and denied him his lunch. Freddo is fine."

Check out the wildlife photos

Dragon in the forest

2009-09-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

The Boyds Dragon is often seen in the forest during the day. It has a unique defence mechanism - it thinks that if it does not move, then you won't see it! This gives you lots of time to set up a great photograph. This photo is taken by Anna-Katharina Pantli, a visitor to Cape Tribulation, staying at Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm.

Star apples - new season

2009-08-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Star apples have just started fruiting at Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm. A wonderful marshmellow flavour which is enhanced by a squeeze of lemon. Serve as a desert. Yummy!

Dugong Rescued at Cape Tribulation

2009-08-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

Cape Trib locals save animal from certain death.
Written by Holly Robertson,Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette, August 20, 2009.Photos by Sharon Mason, Mason's Tours

A dugong that became beached at Cape Tribulation was rescued in a three-hour operation when locals and tourists banded together in a show of community spirit on monday.

The dugong, a fully grown male, was stranded at Coconut Beach about 11am on Monday after it became trapped on an exposed reef flat when the particularly low tide raced out.

Once beachgoers realised the animal was in trouble, local tour operators, backpackers and even a honeymoon couple from Italy pitched in to help National Parks rangers free the dugong.

Although the dugong sustained minor cuts from the coral, when it was released into the ocean around three hours later, it swam happily into the blue water.

Early morning ride to Noah Creek Mouth

2009-07-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

A great cycle along the beach to the mouth of the Noah Creek - a wonderful protected estuary filled with crocodiles and a great view of the mountains.

Mountain Biking to the Extreme

2009-07-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ferntree Rainforest Lodge is proud to host Australia's best-known international mountain bike race, the Crocodile Trophy which has established a reputation as the longest, hottest and hardest off-road cycling event on the planet.

The race attracts a field of professionals and amateurs from all over the world, including legends of cycling, to test themselves against the demands that only the Outback of Tropical North Queensland can offer.

A race of contrasts, The Trophy takes riders from the beautiful World Heritage Listed rainforest of the Tropical Tableland, to the dusty, endless red dust of the Australian Outback within the space of one day's ride. Some come to win, most finish the race just happy to have survived. The glory is in grasping the "saltie" at the race finish in beautiful Cape Tribulation. The Crocodile Trophy is awarded to every rider brave enough to finish this ultimate survival test.

Green Star Rating awarded to Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa

2009-07-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa is proud to have been awarded with a Green Star rating.

The standards for Green STARS were developed in a partnership between AAA Tourism and Green Globe under the guidance of the Australian Government established Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

Some of the key initiatives the Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa have undertaken are (to name a few):

* Environmentally-friendly water treatment and septic system
* Native flora regeneration program
* Mini-bars have been removed from all rooms and have been replaced with a wholesale order system. (Guests are provided with a list of beverages available for purchase, selected beverages are then delivered to the Room)
* Telephones will be removed from the Rainforest Retreats, ensuring the ultimate Eco experience without distraction. (Emergency Phones will be available for use in close proximity to Rooms)

To be awarded a Green STARS endorsement a property must achieve the designated minimum point score against the set of practical environmental criteria. For full details of the criteria, download Green Star Guidelines [pdf 65KB]

A magical morning at Cowie Beach

2009-07-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Blue skies, warm sunny days, low tides which stretch out for hundreds of metres - a magical morning at Cowie Beach. We had the beach to ourselves for a couple of hours, wandering across the sand flats, herding soldier crabs, and enjoying the warmth on our backs. Cowie Beach is about 30 minutes drive north of Cape Tribulation, on the Bloomfield Track.

Mason's Store and Cafe Opening Times

2009-06-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Masons Store

New Opening Times

From Wednesday 01 July 2009

9:30am to 7pm

Takings in the early morning do not justify
opening early at this point.

Mason’s Café

Open daily

10:00am to 5pm

Who is looking at who?

2009-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

This White Lipped Green Tree Frog was discovered recently on a Mason's Nightwalk. At times it was hard to work out who was the spectator as the frog moved its head from side to side, checking out the walkers. Everyone was able to get fantastic shots, and this specimen was a really bright green.

White Lipped Green Tree Frogs can be seen any time of year, but are easier to spot in the green season, when they migrate to castal swamps at Cape Tribulation and breed in their thousands. The croaking sound like aboriginal clicking sticks from a distance.

Mason's nightwalks are on real jungle trails, with boardwalks or concrete paths. It is real jungle all the way. The guide carries a spotlight and all guests are given rechargeable flashlights.

Why not try the excitement of a Mason's Nightwalk when you come to the Daintree?

Jungle Surfing Awarded Advanced Eco Certification

2009-06-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Jungle Adventures Cape Trib are proud to announce that their products Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours & Jungle Adventures Nightwalks have been awarded Advanced ecotourism level Certification under the ECO Certification Program through Ecotourism Australia. Through a rigorous assessment process, Ecotourism Australia awards this prestigious certification to “Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities”.

Jungle Surfing and Jungle Adventures Nightwalks take visitors flying through the rainforest canopy by day and along the bustling forest floor at night. “Our team are passionate about our unique environment and we all recognise that our livelihood and the future protection of the Daintree depends on conservation and sustainability” said General Manager Sheena Walshaw. “So we’re absolutely committed to achieving best practice in environmental, social and economic responsibility.”

“Travellers today are looking for assurance that their great experiences don’t come at the environment’s expense, and so they should. The ECO Certification Program provides that assurance, and we’re really proud to have achieved the Advanced level Certification. It’s not an easy process, but it’s great to know ‐ and for our customers to know ‐ that we’re doing the right thing for the future of the planet.”

The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism Australia is: "Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation". The ECO Certification logo means that you are guaranteed to experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction or accommodation that looks after the environment. The ECO Certification program assures you that certified products are backed by a commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature‐based tourism experiences.

New Rainforest Experience in the Daintree

2009-06-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Finally, a rainforest experience that showcases the best of the world's oldest surviving rainforest - without modification! Travelers to tropical north Queensland are directed into a variety of 'Daintree Rainforests' featuring artificial structures including boardwalks, vehicle-based tours, bike-riding, horse-riding, bunjy-jumping, parachuting, hang-gliding, zip-lining, cable-gondolas ... the choices are incredible. But the greatest difficulty would seem to be the getting into pristine rainforest without any gimmickry at all.

Genuine old-growth rainforest, spectacular in its grandeur is presented not through the construction and maintenance of a formal trail network, but rather through the knowledge and memory of the inhabitant guide.

Over twelve months of familiarisation has brought a new concept of a longer, more intensive guided tour to fruition. So far, perhaps only a dozen small groups having undertaken the experience by day, and a mere four single bookings at night. The rewards are quite clearly beyond those that have become so familiar to us from our formal network of presentation trails. Unadulterated wilderness has been particularly gratifying for a determined minority of travellers.

At about the halfway point in the experience, a rather tricky creek crossing requires the concentration of the party to descend a 10-metre embankment down a steep decline. Much thought will need to be given to this aspect of the experience, but in the meantime a somewhat precautionary scramble has to suffice.

Interested persons, wanting to experience this spectacular and inspirational rainforest should contact Cooper Creek Wilderness for more information or to lodge an expression of interest through our booking page.

Weather is fantastic

2009-02-19T23:21:00.000-08:00

Despite all the media hype, the weather at Cape Tribulation has been generally fantastic in February. While it is true that some areas, notably Ingham and Karumba have suffered massive floods, we have not.

Ingham is well south of Cairns, near Townsville, and Karumba is on the west coast of Queensland, nowhere near here. The picture was taken on the Valentine's day weekend, a couple of kilometres east of Cape Trib, and shows the wonderful calm conditions, and blue skys. The fish were biting too!

While it is true that March can be a very wet month here, I urge anyone thinking of coming here to ring first and ask about the weather on 07 40980070, rather than relying on the media.

Striped Possums seen mating

2009-01-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

Matt, one of Mason's Tours guides, has recently broken his Striped Possum drought in specatacular fashion!
On the estuary section of his walk he heard nioses similar to the calls of Flying Foxes, but closer inspection revealed that it was two Striped Possums mating.
The group was able to watch the two possums for some time. It was a lucky sighting as they are more commonly seen in the winter months.

The photo was supplied by a guest on one of our nightwalks

Mason's Cafe Opens

2009-01-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Mason's Tours are pleased to announce the opening of Mason's Cafe. The cafe has been operational for some years but was previously leased and traded as Myall Creek Takeaway. Run by Sharon Mason, the cafe serves burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches,wraps, shakes, fresh juices and much more. Sharon is commited to having daily specials, and offerings so far have included Thai Fish Cakes, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Lasagne (including a yummy vego version), and Chicken Pasta salad.
Mason's Cafe sells Tichum Creek Coffee, grown on the Atherton Tableland, west of Cairns. 'Mario's Blend' is delicious, and the ground coffee can be purchased on site if you wish to take some home. Local Daintree Tea is also served, and likewise can be purchased on site.
All cakes and biscuits served on Mason's 4WD Tours are prepared in the Cafe, and being freshly baked are proving popular. Ann Mason has trained Sharon to make all the old favourites such as Banana and Walnut cake so look out for the family recipes on your next Mason's Tour.

Sharon has also begun serving more decadent home made cakes at the cafe!
Mason's Cafe also can cater to groups who want lunch as a one off or on a regular basis. Please phone 40980016 to order. Our Green season hours will be 1030 to 1600, but this may vary so ring to check if you are not sure.
Mason's Cafe is 34km north of the Daintree Ferry midway between Cape Trib Resort and Spa and PK's Jungle Village

Jakfruit Season nearly here

2008-10-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Exotic Fruit in Season - September

2008-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

As the weather warms up, the exotic fruit starts to ripen. Here are some photos of fruit in the orchard at Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm in mid September

Daintree River Report 25th August, 2008

2008-08-25T04:05:00.000-07:00

Hi,
We have been blessed with Fat Albert’s (5m croc) presence for three days this week which is more than usual. It may have something to do with all the feral pigs we’ve been seeing lately, but now there is one less as Elizabeth (2.5m croc) was swimming around with a small one in her mouth.
The Sunbirds are taking longer to build their nests than usual as they only work on sunny warm days; I guess that’s why they are called Sunbirds.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises
http://www.solarwhisper.com/

Daintree River Report 4th August, 2008

2008-08-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

Hi,
The crocs have been great as usual due to the sunny days. The snakes went into a mini hibernation due to the very cool nights and were quite hard to find. Luckily we had one very reliable 1 ½ m tree snake shedding its skin. When they are shedding, they cannot see very well as the skin is lifting off their whole body including the eyes, so the vision goes blurry.
Spring seems to be in the air early as the Orioles are using their mating call and we saw four happy snakes on top of each other today.

David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree River Report 28th July, 2008

2008-07-28T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This week the weather is absolutely stunning and the river is beautiful. Thornton’s Peak appears really close with the clear air and is a great backdrop to the emerald green of the mangroves and rainforest; the sort of green that we are accustomed to and people from Adelaide marvel at.
Today we saw lots of crocs, many colourful birds, a python, 2 tree snakes, fish, crabs, butterflies and a Blossom Bat.

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 28/7 - 2/8

2008-07-28T01:12:00.000-07:00

Although most of last week was windy, the weather improved on the weekend with calm winds and sunshine. I went out in the boat and Coral Trout is once again on the menu!

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not to the previous levels and the weather is forecast to be fine most of the week. The early part of the week in particular looks like it will be glorious weather.

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks again this week. The nights are cool and this is a great time for those who don’t like insects to visit.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCool morning along the coast, cold on the tablelands with widespread frosts.Fine and sunny. Light to moderate S to SE winds and afternoon seabreezes nearthe coast. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Cool to cold morning. Widespread frost areas onthe Tablelands.
Outlook for Thursday ... Fine. Cool morning.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCool morning along the coast, cold on the tablelands with widespread frosts.Fine and sunny. Light to moderate S to SE winds and afternoon seabreezes nearthe coast. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Cool to cold morning. Widespread frost areas onthe Tablelands.
Outlook for Thursday ... Fine. Cool morning. There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees and washouts, but open with care.
Tides this week are high early morning and low early to mid afternoon.

Daintree Caost Weekly Report 21/7 - 27/7

2008-07-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Once again the relentless southeast wind has continued, sometimes dropping to 10 to 15 knots, sometimes up to 30knots. The best day was Saturday.

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, not sure what later in the week will bring. I am still waiting for calm weather to go fishing!

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well. A couple of warmer nights have seen snakes active as well. Boyds Dragons are coming out, so the bonus is that more wildlife is seen in wet weather.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTPatches of rain. Light to moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Widespread areas of rain, with some moderate falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Widespread areas of rain, with some moderate falls.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots increasing to 15/20 knots by evening. Seas from 1.3 to 1.6 metres outside the reef, 1 to 1.4 metres inside the reef. Light rain. Tuesday: SE/E winds 20/25 knots increasing to 20/30 knots south of Cairns. Seas 2.2 metres north, 2.8 metres south of Cairns outside the reef. Seas 1.6 to 1.8 metres inside the reef. Light rain. Wednesday: S/SE winds 20/25 knots north, 20/30 knots south.
There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees and washouts, but open with care. Tides this week are tending to neap with no really high daytime tides.

Solar Whisper Daintree River Report 14th July 08

2008-07-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hi,
The conditions on the river have been excellent for all wildlife with some great sightings of the Great Billed Heron and Little Kingfisher. One day the huge Heron remained all day on a log directly over the place where we have been seeing a little hatchling croc and we have not seen it since, so it may have become one of the 99% that don’t make it (from the egg to adulthood).
We have had a 3 ½ m croc in our area that we don’t know. It is either a big female or a young male and we will have a better idea when it starts to interact with other crocs.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Daintree Coasts Weekly Report 14/7 - 20/7

2008-07-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

The weather last week has been ok, but the southeast wind seems relentless, sometimes dropping to 10 to 15 knots, sometimes up to 30knots. Unfortunately rain is forecast for midweek.

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, not sure what later in the week will bring. I am still waiting for calm weather to go fishing!

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well. A couple of warmer nights have seen snakes active as well.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTMainly fine except for some isolated coastal showers, mainly during the morningand evening. Moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Widespread showers near the coast, tending moreisolated over the Tablelands. Outlook for Wednesday ... Widespread showers, easing during the day. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef and to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots reaching 20/25 knots in the north. Seas to 1.7 to 2.2 metres outside the reef and to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees, but open with care. Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon all this week

Daintree River Fishing & Photography Tours - Award

2008-07-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Travelling in Australia Magazine, Issue 117 May 2008

Daintree River Fishing and Photography Tours has been selected as Runner Up for Australia’s Best Fishing Experience in the Travelling in Australia Magazine’s 20 Best Experience Awards.

The nomination was one of many supplied by various tourism bodies to an international panel of premier Aussie specialists, who voted in secrecy for the best of the best.

“This award is a significant acknowledgement of your contribution to, and recognition from, the inbound tourism sector”. - TIAM

Daintree River Report 30th June, 2008

2008-06-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hi,
The weather has provided great conditions for all wildlife spotting; even pigs. One morning we saw two sows with about twelve piglets chewing and digging up everything. The two mothers then laid down for the kids to have a drink and one little piggy was going from one mother to the other to see which milk was better.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 30/6 - 6/7

2008-06-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry no report last week, too busy and didn’t get to it until Friday

The weather on the Daintree Coast has been a mixed bag last week, with some sunny days, and some days with misty rain. Today looks good with the sun shining, and the outlook is for fine weather later in the week. The days are cool and even with high humidity, it is comfortable weather, even for southerners!

The wind is forecast to ease on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the strengthen on Thursday, so those wanting to visit the reef should try to do so on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots, easing to 15/20 knots by afternoon. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef and to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef and to 1.3 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, increasing to 20/25 knots in the north.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated coastal showers, and drizzle patches on the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere.Light to moderate S to SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated coastal showers, and drizzle patches on theTablelands. Light to moderate S to SE winds. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Moderate to fresh S to SE winds.
There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open.
The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees, but open with care.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon all this week

Daintree River Report 26th June, 2008

2008-06-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

Today was much nicer than yesterday and the crocs enjoyed the sun on their backs. We had Scarface out and his ex girlfriend Elizabeth. Plenty of tree snakes, four species of kingfishers and the Brahminy Kites were very active.

Thanks for your support.

David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

http://www.solarwhisper.com/

Daintree River Report - 23 June 2008

2008-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Some very cool days this week have made the crocs stay in the water but all the more eager to get out when it warms up. We have seen two frogs become part of the food chain; one to a snake and the other to a Brahminy Kite. The birds have been very good with sightings of all the regulars plus some rare ones.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com/
info@solarwhisper.com

The White Tailed Rat (Giant Tree Rat)

2008-06-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

These huge (up to 700g) rats are common on the Daintree Coast. The most commonly seen evidence of them is Coconuts with round holes chewed in them. The rats have strong teeth and are able to open a Coconut in about one hour. Once they can get their upper and lower incisors inside, they can strip all the flesh out.
Most visitors imagine tha Coconuts are native and the rats introduced, but the reverse is true. Coconuts are first recorded on the Frankland Islands in about 1838, but the White Tailed Rats are part of a group of rats called 'old endemics' that have probably been in Australia for at least a couple of million years. It is believed their ancestors 'rafted' here on masses of vegetation ripped out in tropical storms in Asia. Although cute, these rats are capable of doing real damage in you home; teeth that can open coconuts can open almost anything! Thsi one was photgraphed on a Mason's nighwalk on 13 June 2008.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 16/6 - 22/6

2008-06-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

This week the weather has been showery, with strong winds and cloudy weather. While it is disappointing for visitors, this weather is ideal for the forest, and is what makes this area so special. It is interesting that most of Cape York gets similar rainfall to us in the Wet, but virtually none in the dry. It is this ‘Dry Season’ rain that allows the rainforest to grow here. One definition of Wet Tropical Rainforest suggests that in order for it to grow, 100mm average rain must fall over the two driest months of the year.

Wildlife has been good to us this week with Cassowaries being seen all around the area, even one on our Volleyball Court at the shop! Boyd’s Dragons have been regularly seen on Mason’s Nightwalks, and snakes have been active. Crocodile sightings have been good on the rivers.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.7 metres, reaching 2 metres north outside the reef. Seas 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers. Tuesday: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.7 metres, reaching 2 metres north outside the reef. Seas 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Wednesday: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCloudy with isolated showers on the north coast, extending to the remainder ofthe coast overnight. Moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered coastal showers, tending to patchy drizzleon the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere. Moderate SE winds. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered coastal showers, tending to patchy drizzleon the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere. Moderate SE winds.

All roads are open, but drivers coming north from Cairns should be aware of roadworks at Clifton Beach, Redcliff Point, north of Wangetti and at Port Douglas. All are under traffic control and delays are likely. The Bloomfield Road is open, but very rough with lots of potholes. Until it is graded it will continue to worsen. Rain will make the surface slippery.

Tides this week are high in the morning, low in the afternoon with no really big highs or lows

Now Showing At Whet Flicks

2008-06-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

SHOWING 13th - 19th June 2008

RUN FAT BOY RUN

Love. Commitment. Responsibility. There’s nothing he can’t run away from. Dennis is a clueless and slightly overweight guy, who left his pregnant fiancée five years earlier at the alter. When he discovers that Libby has found a new partner, frustration grows, and Dennis vows, that for once in his life, he will finish something - a marathon.

Starring: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria
Director: David Schwimmer
Rating: M
Genre: Romantic Comedy

SHOWING 13th - 26th June 2008

DEATH DEFYING ACTS

During Harry Houdini’s tour of Britain in 1926, the master escapologist enters into a passionate affair with a Scottish psychic. The psychic and her daughter attempt to con Houdini during a highly publicized séance to contact his mother whose death has haunted him for many years. However all does not go to plan…

Starring: Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall

Director: Gillian Armstrong

Rating: PG

SHOWING 20th - 26th June 2008

SEMI-PRO

When the national Basketball league announces a plan to discard all the squads except the top four teams, Jackie Moon rallies his teammates including Monix and Clarence 'Coffee' Black to work together for glory and popularity, to make their basketball dreams come true.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin
Director: Kent Alterman
Rating: M
Genre: Comedy

Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm products now ECO Certified

2008-06-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm now has both the Bed and Breakfast Cottages and the Exotic Fruit Tasting as ECO Certified Ecotourism products. This certification is a guarantee that you will experience genuine and authentic tours, attractions and accommodation, that look after the environment.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 9/6- 15/6/08

2008-06-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 9/6- 15/6/08

It has been windy and showery for the most part on the Daintree Coast this week. You have to think we are paying for the wonderful fine weather in April!

The weather has been ok for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. Unfortunately wind is forecast to continue this week.

The cloud cover this week made it warmer, especially at night, and snake sightings were good, with Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes making an appearance.

Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River, and remarkably I have regularly been seeing a croc on a riverbank only a few kms from Port Douglas. (not on a tour). Mason’s nightwalks have had excellent croc sightings over the last week again.

Forecasts:

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef and 2.5 metres outside the reef. Scattered showers.Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef and 2.5 metres outside the reef. Scattered showers. Thursday: SE winds 20/25 knots.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers about the coast and nearby ranges. Areas drizzle aboutSouthern Tablelands. Isolated afternoon showers west of the Tablelands. Moderateto fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coast and ranges. Areasdrizzle about Southern Tablelands. Isolated afternoon showers inland.Outlook for Thursday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges, tending isolatedon the Tablelands and mostly fine further inland.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon, but no tides are particularly high

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 2/6- 8/6/08

2008-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been cool, with moderate to strong winds, but the wind moderated on the weekend, and Saturday and Sunday were spectacular.

The weather has been great for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. Unfortunately wind is forecast to increase this week.

The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. In fact I have been cold in the forest this week, an unusual experience.

Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River, and remarkably I have regularly been seeing a croc on a riverbank only a few kms from Port Douglas. (not on a tour). Mason’s nightwalks have had excellent croc sightings over the last week too.

Forecasts:

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SW winds 10/15 knots, shifting SE during the day. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef in northern waters. Tuesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots north of Cairns. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef. Seas increasing to 1.7 metres north of Cairns. Isolated showers. Wednesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots north of Cairns.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFine. Light winds and afternoon coastal seabreezes.Outlook for Tuesday ... Mostly fine, just isolated coastal showers developinglate in the day. Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers. Mostly fine inland.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon until Friday and neap during the day on the weekend.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 26/5- 1/6/08

2008-05-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been a bit rainy, with moderate to strong winds, but the forest looks fantastic.

The weather has been ok for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. The rain has bought out the reptiles and amphibians, with frogs and Dragon Lizards appearing on nightwalks. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Despite the rain, good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered coastal showers, tending isolated about the Tablelands and mainly finefurther inland. Moderate to locally fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers, tending mainly fine furtherinland. Moderate to locally fresh SE winds.Outlook for Thursday ... Isolated coastal showers. Fine elsewhere. Moderate tolocally fresh SE winds.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots outside the reef and north of Cairns. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef on a 1.5 to 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.7 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.8 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers.Thursday: SE winds 25/30 knots north of Cairns. SE winds 20/25 knots remainder.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week neap during the day, until the Friday when they are high early am and early pm.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 18/5- 24/5/08

2008-05-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been very pleasant with cool nights and warm days. The wind has mostly calm. The forecast is for more of the same.

The weather has been great for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. Unfortunately it also means a drop in reptile and amphibian activity in the forest, but the payoff is that when animals are seen, particularly at night, they may be things like the Striped Possum, rarely seen in hot weather. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFine with chiefly light winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers developing later. Fineelsewhere. Light to moderate SE winds. Outlook for Thursday ... Isolated coastal showers grading mainly fine aboutthe Tablelands, and fine further inland. Moderate SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, reaching 15/20 knots in northern waters. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Winds tending SE/E inshore in the afternoon. Seas to 1.3 metres outside the reef and 0.8 metre inside. Wednesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, reaching 15/20 knots in northern waters. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Winds tending SE/E inshore in the afternoon. Seas to 1.3 metres outside the reef and 0.8 metre inside. Thursday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots outside the reef by evening.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough.

Tides this week are high in the early AM and low by afternoon, until the weekend when they are neaps.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 12/9 - 18/9/08

2008-05-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

Now I am back from Honeymoon the weekly report will be every week!

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been very pleasant with cool nights and warm days. The wind has been moderate, but not unusually strong. The forecast is for more of the same, but with some rain to add in the mix.

The weather has been reasonable for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. Unfortunately it also means a drop in reptile and amphibian activity in the forest, but the payoff is that when animals are seen, particualry at night, they may be things like the Striped Possum, rarely seen in hot weather. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered coastal showers grading isolated on the Tablelands and mainly finefurther inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered coastal showers, grading isolated on theTablelands and mainly fine further inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered coastal showers, grading isolated on theTablelands and mainly fine further inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots generally, winds reaching 20/25 knots in the far north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.8 metres outside the reef on a 1.4 inside the reef. A SE swell to 2 metres. Scattered showers.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas 1.8 metres outside the reef, 1.4 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough.

Tides this week are high in the early AM and low by afternoon.

CINEMA IN CAPE TRIB

2008-05-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

NOW SHOWING AT WHET FLICKS

FRIDAY 2nd May - Thurs 8th May

MOVIE MEAL DEAL PACKAGES AVAILABLE

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Phone: 4098 0007

THE BUCKET LIST
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman
Showing Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun - 2pm & 8pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat - 4pm
Rated: M

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they "kick the bucket".

27 DRESSES
Stars: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman
Showing Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun - 4pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat - 2pm & 8pm
Rated: PG

Jane is an idealistic, romantic and completely selfless woman...a perennial bridal attendant whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss - with whom Jane is secretly in love - Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid" lifestlye

Cinema at Whet - American Gangster

2008-04-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Nobody used to notice Frank Lucas (Washington) the quiet driver to one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream.

MOVIE MEAL DEAL PACKAGES AVAILABLE

SHOWING AT WHET

18th April - 1st May

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL PHONE 4098 0007
Lot 1 Cape Tribulation Road Cape Tribulation Qld 4873
TICKETS: $15 Adults, $10 Kids, $40 Family (2A,2C 4-14yrs)

Big Screen Comes to Cape Trib

2008-03-29T03:20:00.000-07:00

Whet Flicks at Cape Tribulation would have to be one of the most remote cinemas in the world and one of the smallest with only 26 seats.

The tiny venue is the vision of Whet Restaurant owners, chef Matt Wenden and wife, Michelle, who say visitors to the Daintree need more entertainment options.

Located upstairs behind the restaurant, the cinema is fully carpeted and airconditioned, boasts an impressive 12ft screen, and booming surround sound.

Leather lounges, recliners and body-length bean bags offer comfy seating options, while the restaurant bar below serves drinks - all of this while watching a new-ish film.

"We get our movies four to six weeks after they're released at the box office, and before they go to DVD, so they're quite new, Ms Wenden siad.

Screening session times are daily at 4pm and 8pm, and ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 children or $40 for the family.

Crossing Woobadda River 16 March 08

2008-03-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

With all the rain on the Bloomfield Track, the Woobadda River has remained high. The river crossing is washed out and the entire front of the 4WD is submerged during the crossing. A snorkel is essential to ensure the success of such a crossing. Mason's Tours have modified their vehicles to make such crossings possible. Please think twice about trying it this deep in a rented or your own 4WD.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 17/3/08 - 23/3/08

2008-03-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

The Wet Season is still here, with significant falls still occurring. So far we have had more than 1m of rain this month. The place is now fully waterlogged, even the frogs are giving up, they have had too much of a good thing! I bought gumboots last week…

I feel very positive about the weather later in the year, as a good wet often means better weather later on. Let’s hope I am right!

Not a good week for the reef unless the winds moderate on Wednesday. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

Rumrunner will not be running between the 22ns March - 4th April due to yearly Boat Maintenance, however Ocean Safari will continue to operate ½ Day Reef Tours during this time.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFlood warning current for the Tully and Murray Rivers. Scattered showers aboutthe coast and adjacent ranges but widespread north of Cairns during the morning.Isolated showers and local thunderstorms further inland. SE winds, fresh andgusty at times.Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated showers about the coast and rangesincreasing to scattered later in the day Isolated afternoon showers inland. SEwinds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers most parts but just isolated in thefar west. SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Strong wind warning issued for waters south of Cairns.Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/30 knots south of Cairns, easing to 20/25 knots by late morning. SE winds 20/25 knots to the north. Seas to 2.5 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas easing to 1.5 metres inside the reef. Scattered squally showers.Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef.Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but after heavy rain, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.
Yesterday a small rental car attempted to cross Emmagen Creek and was swamped. It is likely to be a write off or a costly repair bill. This crossing is currently challenging for a large 4WD, so why they did this is a mystery.
Please be careful crossing flooded creeks!

The Bloomfield Track is currently closed. I drove as far as the Bloomfield Crossing, and was stopped deep, fast water. The Woobadda River is very deep. I would only recommend heavy duty 4WDs attempt the Bloomfield road at present, and don’t try a crossing that is too deep for your 4WD. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with some high enough to flood the Bloomfield Causeway.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 10/3/08 - 16/3/08

2008-03-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Wet Season arrived last week, with a number of significant falls, Cape Trib received a number of big falls, with 278mm received in one night. This was small compared with Port Douglas, which received 424mm one night, their highest fall since 1911!! Cape Tribulation had about .7 of a metre of rain last week.

It was good to see my local knowledge works, both Tuesday and Wednesday were the wettest as per my prediction…

The Daintree River reached moderate flood level last week, with Ferry operations halted briefly at high tide; the ramps could not reach the ground! There was severe localized flooding at Cape Trib, with vehicle movements limited on Wednesday, it is worth noting that most roads around Cairns were closed too.

Not a good week for the reef until the winds moderate on Wednesday. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers about the coastal fringe this morning with more isolatedshowers redeveloping tonight. Local early drizzle patches on the Tablelands thena mostly fine day. Fresh and gusty SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers about the coastal fringe. Isolatedshowers inland but mostly fine. Fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coastal fringe. Isolatedshowers inland but mostly fine. Moderate to fresh SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres on a 2.0 metre SE swell outside the reef. Seas to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres on a 2.0 metre SE swell outside the reef. Seas to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but after heavy rain, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. There is a mudslide on Noah Range, with one lane open only.

Last week near Mossman two rented cars were submerged because the drivers attempted to cross ridiculously flooded streams.

The Bloomfield Track is currently closed. I drove as far as Meleelee Creek on Saturday, and was stopped by a huge fallen tree. I have advised the Council of this, but as yet no word on it’s removal. The road is covered in fallen trees and I had to drive over several logs to get that far. The river crossings are washed out and full of large rocks, and in one case a huge tree. I would only recommend heavy duty 4WDs attempt the Bloomfield road at present. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with some high enough to flood the Bloomfield Causeway.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 3/3/08 - 9/3/08

2008-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Once again no significant rain to report on the Daintree Coast. It has been humid, overcast, and generally wet seasonish, with showers etc, but there has been no real rain. It seems as if the Central and Southern Coast of Qld is getting all the rain this year. There have been isolated incidents of heavy rain, but the Bloomfield Track is in the best condition I have seen it in March due to the lack of significant rain.

There is enough water around for the frogs though, and each night we get a variety of frog calls serenading us to sleep.

This week again has the chance of rain, with my local knowledge suggesting Tuesday or Wednesday could see heavy rain; it often comes 3 days after a southeast change…

Not a good week for the reef unless the winds moderate, which looks unlikely. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTA flood warning is current for coastal streams south of Cairns, including theTully and Murray Rivers.Showers, rain periods and thunderstorms with some moderate to heavy falls.Moderate to fresh SE winds, strong about the coast.Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers and rain areas, coast and adjacent rangeswith moderate to heavy falls. Showers elsewhere. SE winds, strong about thecoast.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers and rain areas, coast and adjacent rangeswith moderate to heavy falls. Showers elsewhere. SE winds, strong about thecoast.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
A gale warning is current.
Monday until midnight: S/SE winds 25/30 knots, though lighter inshore early. Winds increasing to 30/40 knots offshore during the day, and possibly extending to inshore waters in the evening. Seas 3 metres outside the reef, increasing to 3.5 metres during the day. Seas 2 to 2.5 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers, rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: SE/NE winds easing to 25/30 knots during the morning. Seas decreasing to 3 metres outside the reef, and 2 metres inside the reef. Rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: SE winds 25/30 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.

The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. Yesterday, Mason’s Tours went through, and encountered a flash flood upon their return to Emmagen Creek. It was necessary to ford about 1m of water to return. Today we cancelled the tour, as more rain has fallen, and the rivers are likely to be too deep. Those attempting the track this week should plan to avoid high morning tides at the Bloomfield Causeway.
Tides are very high morning and low afternoon all week, with the daytime tides tending to neaps later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 25/02/08 - 02/03/08

2008-02-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the lack of a report last week, I had an all day meeting in Port and a busy week, and by the time I got to it the week was nearly over!

Once again no significant rain to report on the Daintree Coast. It has been humid, overcast, and generally wet seasonish, but there has been no real rain. It seems as if the Central and Southern Coast of Qld is getting all the rain this year.

The humid conditions mean that the frogs, lizards and snakes are out in force, and during the last week some nightwalkers with Mason’s Tours were treated to the sight of a Crocodile killing a wild pig. The next night he was still there guarding his kill.

This week again has the chance of rain, but winds are moderate, and it should again be a good time to visit the reef. There are two boats on the Daintree Coast, Rum Runner for a relaxed day out and scuba diving options, and an exciting ½ Day Trip snorkeling with Ocean Safari.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Rain areasnorth of Cairns with localised moderate to heavy falls. Light to moderate E toSE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms and areasof rain with possible moderate to heavy falls.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms and areasof rain with possible moderate to heavy falls.

UPDATEDNorth Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: S/SE winds 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres. Showers and squally storms.Wednesday: SE winds 10/15 knots shifting W/SW at 10/15 knots over northern waters. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with the daytime tides tending to neaps later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 28/1 - 3/2/08

2008-01-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last weeks weather was cooler, the southeast change dropped temperatures a bit and we had one decent rainfall during the week. This bought out the red eyed green tree frogs in huge numbers, and closed the Bloomfield Track for a day. The coastal swamps filled again, and the White Lipped Green Tree Frogs are calling in huge numbers again.

This week again has the chance of rain, but winds moderate, and it should be a good time to visit the reef. There are two boats on the Daintree Coast, Rum Runner for a relaxed day out and scuba diving options, and an exciting ½ Day Trip snorkeling with Ocean Safari.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated showers developing during the afternoon with isolated thunderstormspossible west of the Tablelands. Light winds and moderate afternoon coastal seabreezes. Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers increasing to scattered with isolatedthunderstorms and tending to rain areas at night.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers and rain areas with some moderate to heavyfalls about the coast and ranges. Isolated thunderstorms.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter SW winds inshore early. Local NE seabreezes inshore during the afternoon. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.6 metres inside. Isolated showers.Tuesday: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter SW winds inshore early. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.6 metres inside. Isolated showers. Wednesday: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.

The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.
Tides are neap early in the week with highs in the early morning from Friday

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 21/1/08 - 27/1/08

2008-01-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

To sum up last week in a word….hot. For once it is raining everywhere else in Qld EXCEPT the Daintree Coast. We have had lovely fine hot days with the odd afternoon heat storm. From the looks of the forecast there is more to come.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTContinuing sultry with mostly light NW to SW winds and afternoon coastal seabreezes. Isolated showers during the afternoon with some local thunderstormsinland. Showers tending scattered tonight as winds turn SE and freshen. Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers and isolated thunderstorms with some moderateto heavy falls near the coast south of Cairns.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers with moderate to heavy falls chiefly coastand ranges.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:A strong wind warning has been issued for Tuesday.Monday until midnight: W/SW winds 10/15 knots at first with seas to 1.2 metres. S/SE winds at 15/20 knots developing over far southern waters during the morning then spreading across most areas south of Cooktown by evening. Seas rising to 1.7 metres outside the reef. Showers and isolated thunderstorms increasing to rain in the south.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots increasing to 20/30 knots by late in the day. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef rising to 2.5 metres late in the day. Seas to 1.2 metres inside the reef rising to 1.7 metres. Showers and isolated storms.Wednesday: SE winds 20/30 knots.
The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.
Tides are high in the morning tending to midday later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 14/1/08 - 20/01/08

2008-01-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

The last week has seen lots of sultry weather again, with patches of rain, typical for this time of the year. Strong westerly winds last night continue today.
The rain has really made the forest green up and there are birds, lizards, frogs and snakes everywhere. It is a great time for wildlife spotting.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTShowers and thunderstorms mainly afternoon and evening and tending to rain areasat night. Local moderate to heavy falls in southern parts. Light to moderate NWto N winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Further showers and thunderstorms tending to rainareas in the south with some moderate to heavy falls. Winds tending S/SE in thesouth.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers and thunderstorms. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls.
Tuesday: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls.
Wednesday: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.

2008-01-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Boyd's Forest Dragon

2008-01-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

These beautiful lizards are endemic (restricted) to The Wet Tropics World Hertaige Area, which stretches from Townsville to Cooktown. Although they can be seen all year round, they are much easier to find in wet weather. They sleep at night in the rain on thin trees as per the picture, but also occasionally on the ends of branches, facing inwards.
Described in some books as rare and vulnerable, they are locally common on the Daintree Coast.
I have noticed that mosquitos feast on them, finding blood by going in between the scales. Perhaps there is some kind of relationship, as it seems likely that this would be an excellent way to transmit disease between dragons.
The scales on their necks are enlarged, giving the impression of large white dots. This is probably just decoration. The spikes on their backs are sharp and strong, making them a less appetising meal for a python, whereas the ones on their necks are quite soft, like a chicken's comb.
Scientists call them an 'Ectotherm' they rely totallly on air temperature to regulate their own temperature. To do this, they can change colour slowly from light to dark. They also will hug a tree at night, becoming the same temperature as the tree to prevent being found by infared hunters like the Amethystine Python. In the morning I have seen them hold their whole body away from a tree to allow warm air to circulate.
They rarely if ever sunbake. Boyds that are in sun for very long begin to pant, and as one of my reference books notes " a panting dragon is near death".
They have a sticky tonge which shoots out and they eat insects as well as worms and anything else that catches their eye. They will pounch off a tree, having spotted movement on the ground. Their favourite food, according to researchers, is ants.
There are many places that visitors to the Daintree Coast can see these lovely, but well camoflaged lizards; The Marrdja Board Walk, Jindalba and Dubiji, but the best way is to take a nightwalk with a local guide. They are hard to spot and most local guides have years of experience at finding them.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 7/1 - 13/1 with extra paragraph!!

2008-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

The last week has seen lots of sultry weather, with patches of rain, typical for this time of the year. Despite the best efforts of the media in suggesting it was going to happen, no-one has been blown away by a cyclone.
Our weeks weather will likely be influenced by ex tropical cyclone Helen as it crosses the Gulf Coast today. If the Rain Depression comes across this way, we will get heavy rain, if it passes south of us, it will fine up. Bets anyone?
The rain has really made the forest green up and there are birds, lizards, frogs and snakes everywhere. It is a great time for wildlife spotting.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated thunderstorms tending to rain tonight. Somemoderate to heavy falls developing during the day. Light to moderate N to NWwinds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rainwith moderate to heavy falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rain.Some moderate to heavy falls. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: NE/N winds freshening to 15/20 knots with seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: N/NW winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: N/NE winds 15/20 knots becoming SE in the south 15/20 knots. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rainevents. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. High tides this week start at 9am today and slide to midday by Sunday. Lows start at 3pm and slide to 8pm by Sunday. There are also some good lows around sunrise from Frday.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 7/1 - 13/1

2008-01-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated thunderstorms tending to rain tonight. Somemoderate to heavy falls developing during the day. Light to moderate N to NWwinds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rainwith moderate to heavy falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rain.Some moderate to heavy falls. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: NE/N winds freshening to 15/20 knots with seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: N/NW winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: N/NE winds 15/20 knots becoming SE in the south 15/20 knots. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rainevents. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. High tides this week start at 9am today and slide to midday by Sunday. Lows start at 3pm and slide to 8pm by Sunday. There are also some good lows around sunrise from Frday.

Crossing Coopers Creek 30/12/07

2007-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

This group of travellers has an exciting crossing of Cooper Creek on their way to Cape Tribulation. Coopers is the last low level causeway on the road, and willl hopefully be replaced with a high level one in 2008.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 31/12/07 - 6/01/08

2007-12-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

It’s been a nice wet end to 2007, with a number of significant falls over the last week. The Wet season has arrived and now all the creeks are flowing nicely, with water everywhere. The rain has cooled it down somewhat as well. We can now hear thousands of White Lipped Green Tree Frogs in the swamps, from a distance they sound like Aboriginal Clicking Sticks.
From the forecast it seems that rain periods are likely to continue this week. The winds will be light to moderate during the week, but localized strong winds can experienced in association with Monsoonal Storms.
Its very hard to accurately predict monsoonal weather, hence the Weather Bureau saying ‘Scattered Showers’
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated coastal showers tending scattered with areas of rain over far northernparts. Moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, rain in the north.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, rain in the north. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: S/SE winds to 15/20 knots. Seas abating to 1.7 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell, and to 1.2 metres inside. Scattered showers.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, afternoon seabreezes inshore. Seas abating to 1.2 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell, and to 0.8 metre inside the reef. Scattered showers.
Wednesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, afternoon seabreezes inshore.
The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but there has been localized flooding, in places, particularly at Cooper Creek. Despite repeated requests our Council has still to build a high level causeway there. The flooding abates quite quickly when the rain stops, so there have been no days where the road has been cut all day. Those in small cars should be cautious about crossing, I have seen some very ‘bold’ drivers this week, and I would say a couple have been very lucky. Also keep in mind that a car rental company would rather their car in one piece and the hirer alive at the conclusion of the rental period. Ask your self if it’s really worth the risk to catch a flight…
The Bloomfield Track is currently closed, not officially, but there are large fallen trees blocking it. I will go and have a look this afternoon and see the extent of the problem. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. My 2007 tide chart has run out so no tide info until I get a new one! Happy New Year!

Frog Season on the Daintree Coast

2007-12-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately one of the amphibians we see more of at this time of the year is the Cane Toad. Cane Toads were introduced as ameans of controlling insect pests in Sugar Cane. Unfortunately this attempt at biological control was poorly researched, and the toads don't do any good for Sugar Cane.
Not long after the Toads were introduced, a chemical called Suscon Blue provide the neccesary insect control.
The toads have prospered, and spread rapidly through Queensland, and The Northern Territory, and even into New South Wales.
The problem with Toads is that they are poisonous and many native animals catch and eat them, mistaking them for edible native frogs. With few exeptions, any native animal that does this will die. Quolls, Birds, Snakes, Lizards and even Crocodiles have been affected.
It would be great to be able to eradicate this pest from our rainforests, but a means of doing so is yet to be devised.

Frog Season on The Daintree Coast

2007-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Another common frog here is the Stoney Creek Frog. Although they are strictly speaking a Tree Frog, they have less ability to climb than most other Tree Frogs and are mostly seen on or near the ground.

Many stories I have read about the Daintree talk of a mysterious creature that makes a maniacal laughing noise in the forest. I too was puzzled by this until many years ago I actually observed this frog as the culprit!

They are also capable of a noise rather like a baby crying, usually made when a predator has got them.

When their legs are extended they reveal quite beatiful colours inside, which some refrence books claim are used in mating rituals. Apparently the males repeatedly extend the legs at this time.

Frog Season on The Daintree Coast

2007-12-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

This time of the year, Frogs become much more active. With the onset of warmer weather, more insects, and rain many frogs take the opportunity to feed and breed.

This White Lipped Green Tree Frog was photographed on a Mason's Tours Nightwalk in December 2007.

These beautiful Frogs are very common on The Daintree Coast and can be see after rain from the boardwalk to the Cape Restaurant at Coconut Beach Lodge.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 24/12/07 - 30/12/07

2007-12-23T15:31:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas one and all!

Still great December weather, with warm humid days, some rain, and lots of sun. This weather there is nothing better than a dip in a local swimming hole to cool off. There are public pools at Mason’s Shop and at Emmagen Creek, and some private tour operators offer a swim if you join them on a tour.
Jellyfish are now out in force, and swimming along the Daintree Coast should not be contemplated unless a stinger suit is worn. Remember that Box Jellyfish are coastal, and do not extend out to the Barrier Reef.
With Christmas approaching, a reminder that some businesses are not open for Christmas Day. Most Resorts and Restaurants are of course open, but many tour operators are closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Now for next week’s weather:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated showers about the coast. Isolated afternoon and evening showers andthunderstorms on and west of the Tablelands. Light winds with moderate coastalseabreezes. Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated afternoon and evening showers andthunderstorms. Merry Christmas.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: NW/NE winds 5/10 knots with inshore seabreezes 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.0 metre outside the reef and to 0.6 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Tuesday: E/SE winds 10/15 knots with afternoon NE seabreezes. Seas to 1.2 metre outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef. Increasing showers. Wednesday: E/SE winds 10/15 knots with afternoon NE seabreezes.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open. Storms can bring down the odd tree so drive carefully. There has been no flooding recently. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Cooper Ck Causeway mid morning Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in fair condition. Some mud/rough patches are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are about 0.5m deep and will have rocks in them after flooding. Low clearance 4WDs may have trouble. I recommend all crossings be walked before driving, except Bloomfield Causeway which has a Croc risk. The Bloomfield Causeway has subsided on the northern downstream side and it is important you do not drive on this area. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Bloomfield Causeway mid morning Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
.

Tides – are high morning tending to early afternoon later in the week. Early in the week the tides are extremely high.

Pre booking is advised as most places are close to full over Christmas

Happy christmas from the Daintree River

2007-12-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

Daintree Coast Weeekly Report 17/12 - 23/12

2007-12-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

So far we have had great December weather, with warm humid days, some rain, and lots of sun. This weather there is nothing better than a dip in a local swimming hole to cool off. There are public pools at Mason’s Shop and at Emmagen Creek, and some private tour operators offer a swim if you join them on a tour.
Jellyfish are now out in force, and swimming along the Daintree Coast should not be contemplated unless a stinger suit is worn. Remember that Box Jellyfish are coastal, and do not extend out to the Barrier Reef.

Now for next week’s weather:

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated overnight showers on the coast and inland. Mostly fine on the
Tablelands. Light to moderate SE to NE winds. A moderate to high fire danger.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges chiefly overnight
and morning.
Outlook for Thursday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges chiefly overnight
and morning.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots and NE inshore seabreezes. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to about 0.7 of a metre inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots rising to 15/20 knots during the late afternoon and evening. Seas to about 1.2 metres outside the reef rising to 1.7 metres. Seas to about 0.7 of a metre inside the reef rising to 1 metre. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, becoming 15/20 knots offshore.
Thursday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, becoming 15/20 knots offshore.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open. Storms can bring down the odd tree so drive carefully. There has been no flooding recently. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Cooper Ck Causeway between 8 and 9am.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in fair condition. Some mud/rough patches are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are about 0.5m deep and will have rocks in them after flooding. Low clearance 4WDs may have trouble. I recommend all crossings be walked before driving, except Bloomfield Causeway which has a Croc risk. The Bloomfield Causeway has subsided on the northern downstream side and it is important you do not drive on this area. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Bloomfield Causeway between 8 and 10am.

Tides – are low morning and high afternoon until Wednesday when the lows go to the afternoon

Pre booking is advised as most places are close to full over Christmas.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 10 -16 December 07

2007-12-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

We are all getting used to the warmer weather now, the last week has been glorious! It has been ideal weather for the reef, and tourists and locals have been making the best of it.

Now that we have had the first rains, and the northerlies are here, we do not recommend any swimming on beaches in the Daintree Coast. There are no stinger nets here and the risk of stingers is too high. Try swimming in a waterhole at Emmagen or Mason’s instead.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFine. Light to moderate SE to NE winds. A moderate to high fire danger.Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine and mostly sunny. Outlook for Wednesday ... Mainly fine. Isolated coastal showers in the farnorth.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE/E winds 10/15 knots with inshore afternoon E/NE sea breezes. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef. Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots with inshore afternoon E/NE sea breezes. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, 0.8 metres outside the reef. Wednesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open. Storms can bring down the odd tree so drive carefully. There has been no flooding recently.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in fair condition. Some mud/rough patches are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are about 0.5m deep and will have rocks in them after flooding. Low clearance 4WDs may have trouble. I recommend all crossings be walked before driving, except Bloomfield Causeway which has a Croc risk. The Bloomfield Causeway has subsided on the northern downstream side and it is important you do not drive on this area.

Tides – are high morning and low afternoon until Friday, when the highs go to afternoon

Although the accommodation houses are not as busy, we still recommend pre booking

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 3/12/07 - 9/12/07

2007-12-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been HOT! Last weekend had temperatures up to 37% so the creeks were a welcome place to cool off. Some storms have been visible, but we have had very little rain. The winds have tended to afternoon northerlies.

Now that we have had the first rains, and the northerlies are here, we do not recommend any swimming on beaches in the Daintree Coast. There are no stinger nets here and the risk of stingers is too high. Try swimming in a waterhole at Emmagen or Mason’s instead.

Forecast:Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, tending to areas of rain overnight.Chiefly light winds. A moderate to high fire dangerOutlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms tending torain areas at times.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots reaching 15/20 knots at times during the morning south of about Cairns. Winds tending E/NE 10/15 knots inshore in the afternoon. Seas 1.2 to 1.5 metres. Showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls. Overnight rain areas.Tuesday: Variable winds 5/15 knots with afternoon NE sea breezes about 10 knots. Seas 0.5 to 1 metre. Showers and isolated thunderstorms. Morning rain areas.Wednesday: Variable winds 5/10 knots with afternoon NE sea breezes.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open. Storms can bring down the odd tree so drive carefully. There has been no flooding recently.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in fair condition. Some mud patches are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are about 0.5m deep and will have rocks in them after flooding. Low clearance 4WDs may have trouble. I recommend all crossings be walked before driving, except Bloomfield Causeway which has a Croc risk. The Bloomfield Causeway has subsided on the northern downstream side and it is important you do not drive on this area.

Tides – are high morning and low afternoon all this week, so afternoon beach walks are the go.

Although the accommodation houses are not as busy, we still recommend pre booking

Solar Whisper on the Daintree River

2007-11-27T02:19:00.000-08:00

We have had some very large tides this week with the full moon so we have been watching carefully for any nesting activity. On Saturday we found Elizabeth (2.6m croc) crashing around in long grass at the top of Pig Island which will be a great spot for us to watch the whole nesting process.

In our area we have about 5 or 6 nesting females laying an average of 50 eggs which adds up to about 300 per year. We are still looking at about 4 or 5 hatchlings from this year and only 1 one year old from last year when we had the floods from cyclone Monica. There is no chance of a crocodile population explosion.

Thanks for your support.

David & Tyna White

http://www.solarwhisper.cominfo@solarwhisper.com

Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140

Daintree River Ferry - Christmas Day

2007-11-27T02:17:00.000-08:00

The Daintree River ferry operating hours on Christmas Day 25th December 2007 will be:

7.30am – 10.30am and 2.30pm - 5.30pm