The Daintrees Hidden Coastline

The Daintrees Hidden Coastline Information

This hidden coastline of mangroves, wetlands and wildlife is of significant importance and is facing unprecedented pressures from land clearing, pesticides and climate change.

The exotic Daintree River with its unique combination of World Heritage rainforests and Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef (GBR), is a haven for rich mangrove forests and crystal clear waters. Exploring the river by boat and on foot you will help assess the condition of the fringing mangrove habitats by conducting surveys, filming the shoreline, measuring habitats and conducting field biomass assessments.

You will meet with the Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional inhabitants of this area, at Mossman Gorge and learn about indigenous cultural heritage, the dreamtime narrative of the rainforest and the people's special relationship with the environment. The Kuku Yalandji people will describe traditional uses of rainforest plants, identify bush tucker sources, share their legends and explain the history and significance of cave paintings.

By joining this research project you will be helping to gather invaluable information on the health of one of Australia's iconic estuarine systems, which will be used to develop a national strategy for more effective management of valuable coastal tidal wetlands faced with climate change and local human pressures.