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In the Lonely Planet guide for Australia Daintree is the top #6 attraction. The guide book claims there are (among other things) mountain treks, self-guided walking trails, kayaking, croc-spotting cruises. However, the guide doesn't really offer a decent explanation what exactly is worth seeing there. They point to page 449, which only give some historic background of how the park was established. The chapter seems to be a listing of tour companies, restaurants and hotels arranged geographically, which just doesn't help to choose anything.

Could someone list the most worthy things (that are specific for this area/different from the rest) and how to visit them on a budget?

hippietrail
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Grzenio
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2 Answers2

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The Daintree is a prehistoric rainforest that could be considered a natural wonder of the world. However...

It has not been set up to be very tourist-friendly. To get through the rainforest itself, you pretty much need to be on a tour or staying at one of the lodges because the national park itself has not been developed like many others of Australia's - http://www.daintree.info/walks2.html lists some walks, but to get the most out of them a knowledgeable guide does not go astray.

Overall seeing the Daintree on a budget would involve staying at a cheaper hotel/hostel in Cairns or Port Douglas and renting a car for a day trip, as this should work out cheaper than a tour if you have more than one person going. Sights to see would include the Daintree Discovery Centre, Daintree Ice Cream Company, a croc spotting boat ride in the river, the beaches, and some of the walks above.

dlanod
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Crocodylus Village is a decent hostel near the Daintree Rainforest and Daintree River.

Has laundry facilities.

Price range on 4/5/2012: A$25-95

arboc7
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