The two ancient, world heritage-listed rainforests of Queensland – Daintree and Kuranda –attract lots of travellers, especially wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the most potent attractions of the regions are the trek through Gold Coast, watching the turtles hatch in the South Pacific and exploring the beauty of the Hayman Island. Come and discover the lovely ways of connecting with nature in Queensland!
Spotting Sea Turtles
The Mon Repos Conservation Park, near Bundaberg, is home to one of the largest loggerhead turtle breeding grounds in the South Pacific. The region is best known for its underwater wonders that attract visitors from across the globe and capture their hearts for life. November to April is the best time to watch the sea turtles nest, while January to March is the time to see them hatch out on the beach. Ranger-led walks, offered by the park, are popular amongst visitors.
Skyrail Canopy Trip
The Skyrail takes you on a 7.5 kilometre scenic trip over the pristine rainforests of Queensland in about 2.5 hours. Relax in the comfortable six-person gondola cabins and relish the panoramic views below. Red Peak and Barron Falls are two Skyrail stations with facilities such as look-out points, boardwalks and Rainforest Interpretation Centre to help people appreciate and understand the beauty of the rainforests. With the exception of the Christmas, Skyrail trips are available throughout the year.
Hayman Island
A magical paradise of Australia, Hayman Island is immensely popular for its incredible range of native flora and fauna. Hayman is a special treat for bird-watchers as diverse species of birds such as kookaburras, kingfishers, painted lorikeets and white cockatoos inhabit the stunning natural environment of the island. Exploring the island on foot is a pleasure for wildlife buffs, especially due to the presence of colonies of Proserpine Rock Wallabies near the island’s numerous walking tracks.
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a fabulous way to discover the beauty of the rainforests. The journey winds through a landscape carved by Tweed Volcano, featuring crystal-clear streams and waterfalls. Just a handful of delightful highlights of the walk are Woonoongoora (known as ‘Queen of the Mountains’ to the local people), Green Mountains and the private camping area at Binna Burra. The appropriate time for this hike is between March and October. It takes about 3 days to complete the entire walk but certain stretches may be completed within 7 hours.
