Population 78 (2006 census) State electorate(s) Cook Local time Thursday 9:38 AM Federal division Division of Leichhardt | Postcode(s) 4873 Postal code 4873 Lga Shire of Douglas | |
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Location 1,792 km (1,113 mi) NW of Brisbane
112 km (70 mi) N of Cairns
55 km (34 mi) N of Port Douglas Weather 31°C, Wind SE at 5 km/h, 78% Humidity | ||
Daintree is a settlement in North Queensland 111 kilometres (69 mi) north of Cairns and 56 kilometres (35 mi) from Port Douglas, Queensland. The McDowell Ranges are near the town while the Daintree River flows nearby. It takes its name from Richard Daintree, a pioneering geologist of British origin in North Queensland in the 1860s. It is within the local government area of Shire of Douglas (between 2008 and 2013, it was within the Cairns Region). At the 2006 census, Daintree and the surrounding area had a population of 78.
Contents
Map of Daintree QLD 4873, Australia
Overview
Daintree Village was first settled in the late 1870s and early 1880s by timber workers seeking Toona Australis commonly (if incorrectly) known as Red Cedar in the nearby Daintree Rainforest. There were sizeable stocks of "Red Cedar" near the Daintree River. Loggers moved stock down the river to the coast for transport using lashed rafts.
Dairy farms were later established allowing a butter factory to be opened in 1924. Beef farming later became a significant local employer.
As elsewhere in Queensland, tourism has become an important employer. Daintree Village became famous for early morning tours on the Daintree River and became very popular with visiting birdwatchers. These dawn river trips became a catalyst for the many B&B's that sprung up starting in 1993 and became an important employer of local families. Red Mill House, Daintree Village was the first B&B in the Douglas Shire in 1993 and paved the way for many others to follow.
Queensland's Wet Tropics became world heritage listed in 1986. Daintree is part of the wet tropics and the most famous national park close to the tourism hub of Port Douglas.