Tropical Rainforests – Where the Jungle Meets the Coast

Australia isn’t just desert – its rainforests are alive with sound, colour, and mystery. The mangroves, the deafening calls of tropical birds, and (if you’re lucky… or unlucky!) the odd cassowary encounter. I still remember hiding behind my other half when one appeared in front of us! These forests are vibrant, ancient, and accessible whether you’re taking a guided eco-walk, staying in a rainforest lodge, or just exploring on your own

Step into an Australian rainforest and you step into another world. The air feels heavy with humidity, the canopy is a riot of greens, and the bird calls echo around you. The forests are some of the oldest on earth – the Daintree in Queensland is over 135 million years old, older even than the Amazon. When you walk beneath its towering trees, you’re literally walking through a living piece of natural history.

One of my favourite rainforest memories was the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It winds up through the mountains from Cairns, past waterfalls and dramatic gorges, until you arrive in the little town of Kuranda. The town itself is a delight – full of quirky shops, markets, and cafés that are perfect for wandering.


The best part? You don’t have to come back the way you came. I took the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway down, gliding silently above the canopy, with nothing but endless green below me. It was magical – a completely different perspective on the rainforest.

Then there’s the Daintree – one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever visited. I stayed in a fairly simple lodge right in the rainforest, where you wake to the sound of frogs and birds instead of traffic.


One of the highlights was a small-boat trip out into the mangroves with a local guide. It was fascinating and just the right amount of thrilling. We spotted all kinds of wildlife – crocs sunning themselves on the banks, brightly coloured birds everywhere, and even a couple of snakes curled up asleep in the trees. It felt raw, real, and completely unforgettable.

The rainforests are alive with creatures you don’t find anywhere else. Tree kangaroos, butterflies the size of your hand, parrots in every colour of the rainbow – and, of course, the cassowary. They really do look prehistoric, with their tall crests and striking blue and black feathers. My heart still races remembering the one that casually strolled across our path.

• For explorers: take guided eco-walks to learn about the plants, animals, and Aboriginal culture of the rainforest.
• For relaxation seekers: stay in a rainforest lodge or treehouse and let the sounds of nature be your soundtrack.
• For families: boardwalks, canopy walks, and wildlife centres make it easy to get close to the action.
• For thrill-seekers: try zip-lining above the canopy or rafting the rivers that tumble out of the rainforest.

Just like the rest of Australia, rainforest experiences can be as frugal or indulgent as you want them to be. Camp in national parks, stay in simple lodges, or treat yourself to an eco-luxury hideaway with a private balcony in the treetops. Either way, the magic is the same – the rainforest is always the star of the show.

For me, what makes Australia’s rainforests unforgettable is the feeling they give you – like you’ve stepped into a primeval world that hasn’t changed for millions of years. It’s wild, beautiful, and unpredictable – and that’s exactly what makes it so special.