Native to central and northern Queensland, this elegant palm is at home in the high rainfall environment of the Daintree Rainforest
A familiar evergreen tree along the tropical coast of Queensland, usually developing a short broad trunk and wide spreading branches.
Found in northern Queensland, Aru Islands and Papua New Guinea.
A fascinating and strange looking epiphytic plant of far north queensland with a symiotic relationship with ants, butterflies and mistletoebirds.
This species is essentially of the coastal swamplands and is distributed intermittently from the Johnstone River at Innisfail through eastern Cape York Peninsula and into New Guinea.
Often also called a "Snake bird" due to its appearance when swimming, where its long neck protrudes from the water and looks like a snake.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Suliformes > Anhingidae > Anhinga > Anhinga novaehollandiae
Often just referred to as "Figbird", the Australasian Figbird is the only Figbird in Australia.
Previously considered a sub species of the Purple swamp hen but now recognised as its own species.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Gruiformes > Rallidae > Porphyrio > Porphyrio melanotus
A tree of medium size with a spreading canopy, closely resembling a mango tree in appearance.
Easily recognised and common in the Daintree Rainforest, Licuala ramsayi's common name "Fan Palm" is apt.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Arecales > Arecaceae > Licuala > Licuala ramsayi
Previously considered a subspecies of the Asian koel, Australian koels are also known as Stormbirds or Rainbirds due to there propensity for singing more before rain.
This species of she-oak is common along the coast between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, often supporting epiphytes.
A strikingly coloured kingfisher native to Eastern Australia and New Guinea
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Coraciiformes > Alcedinidae > Ceyx > Ceyx azureus
These plants grow within the damp shaded conditions of the tropical rainforest. The pale-green leaves contrast beautifully with the dark shades of the surrounding vegetation.
One of the many outstanding native hibiscus of tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Malvales > Malvaceae > Hibiscus > Hibiscus meraukensis
Bar-shouldered doves are native to Australia and New Guinea and can grow to up to 30cm.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Columbiformes > Columbidae > Geopelia > Geopelia humeralis
Fascinating, amphibious fish, that can skip across the water to avoid predation, and spends most of its life on land.
BARRINGTONIA inhabits the coastal lowlands of north-east Queensland and attains a height of about 15 metres.
Large, epiphytic, ferns found in wet, tropical areas like the rainforests between Cairns and Cape Tribulation
The genus Barringtonia is confined to the tropic regions of the world.
Large ground dwelling bird that is becoming rare, especially south of Cairns.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Charadriiformes > Burhinidae > Esacus > Esacus magnirostris
Often mistaken for Asplenium australasicum, this fern is native to the tropical rainforests of north eastern Queensland
This majestic evergreen tree occurs in the rainforests from north-eastern New South Wales to tropical Queensland, and produces masses of brilliant blossoms during early summer.
Up to 58cm in length, this is a large bittern, found in wetland areas.
More closely related to the Australian magpie, Black Butherbirds are proficient hunters and nest raiders.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Artamidae > Melloria > Melloria quoyi
A common raptor, often seen between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, occasionally in flocks.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Accipitriformes > Accipitridae > Milvus > Milvus migrans
Also known as Hickory wattle, this species is endemic to the North Eastern Queensland and New Guinea.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Acacia > Acacia mangium
A small wading plover found throughout much of Australia
Often known as the Jabiru, the Black-necked Stork is a truly impressive bird of wetland habitats.
A medium sized, black and white wader found in fresh and brackish wetlands and mangroves.
A very important pioneer species in the rainforest, quickly providing food, shade and leaf mulch for establishing new areas.
Much maligned by swimmers in Australia (especially on the east coast), the Blue Bottle (also called Portugese Man of War) has a very painful sting.
Usually found in the northern parts of Queensland and the Kimberleys
Growing up to 30cm, these starfish are found around often found in the shallow reefs and sea grass beds off Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.
Striking butterfly that holds the record for most types of vision receptor cells of any insect.
A tropical species of sea urchin often found in shallow fringing reefs.
Slightly smaller than the Laughing kookaburra, the Blue-winged kookaburra is native to the rainforest areas of northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Coraciiformes > Alcedinidae > Dacelo > Dacelo leachii
Often referred to as "Cotton tree", this has to be one of the most striking trees in the Daintree region.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Malvales > Malvaceae > Bombax > Bombax ceiba
(Dendrobium smillieae)
The BOTTLE-BRUSH ORCHID is distributed from the Burdekin River, to the tip of Cape York Peninsula, and then on into New Guinea.
A distinctive bird of prey, with white head and breast, and red-brown wings and tail.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Accipitriformes > Accipitridae > Haliastur > Haliastur indus
A magnificent shrub growing to a height of 3 metres, it grows in the harsh conditions of inland tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Proteales > Proteaceae > Grevillea > Grevillea decora
Also known as the "brown pigeon", or "pheasant pigeon", Brown cuckoo-doves occur along the east coast and up into the tablelands, all the way from Cape York to the Victorian border.
A magnificent tree from the rainforests of tropical Queensland, where it attains a height of about 30 metres, but grown in cultivation it is unlikely to grow so tall.
A tall woody climber common along the watercourses in lowland rainforests of tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Phaseoleae > Mucuna gigantea
When you hear a scream at night, it is quite possibly just one of these interesting birds.
These ancient, spore bearing, vascular plants are closely related to ferns.
The BUTTERCUP ORCHID extends from north-eastern New South Wales to the top of Cape York Penninsula.
This is not actually an orchid, but is actually in the Milkweed family.
Although it may look like a fern (hence its common name), this is in fact a cycad, of the same genus as the "Zamia Fern".
A species of green macroalgae common on the Great Barrier Reef.
Large and spectacularly coloured butterfly endemic to north eastern Australia
A hemi-epiphyte of lowland rainforest, with an interesting adaptation for capturing light under the canopy
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Alismatales > Araceae > Pothos > Pothos longipes
This is a fascinating mangrove with spectacular flowers, exploding fruit and a puzzled to intrigue.
It is also known as a "Puzzle nut" or "Cedar mangrove" due respectively to its fruit and relation to Red Cedar.
This is not actually a lily, but a ginger and is in the turmeric family (yes it is edible).
CAPE YORK WATTLE is a small shrub occurring in Cape York Peninsula and some adjacent off-shore islands.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Acacia > Acacia humifusa
Found only in far north Queensland and New Guinea, the Southern Cassowary is the second largest bird in the world (after the ostrich).
Producing the large blue, egg shaped fruit that is a favourite of Cassowaries, this tree is reliant on the Cassowary to spread the seed through the rainforest.
Often easy to spot, in paddocks with cattle on the side of the road, where they feed on insects.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Pelecaniformes > Ardeidae > Bubulcus > Bubulcus ibis
A beautiful bird and butterfly attracting plant found in far north Queensland.
One tends to overlook the native terrestrial orchids of tropical Queensland for they are somewhat overshadowed by the epiphytic species.
The CLUSTER FIG is a tree of medium height with a spreading canopy, and occurs along the coast of northern Australia.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Rosales > Moraceae > Ficus > Ficus racemosa
A very attractive climbing fern with tough, wire like, stems, native to north east Queensland and Polynesia
As is often the case common names can be confusing for this is not the COCKY APPLE of the Planchaonia genus.
This iconic species can be found along almost all the beaches between Cairns and Cape Tribulation.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Arecales > Arecaceae > Cocoeae > Cocoeae Cocos
This is the most common tree fern of both the coastal and highland rainforests of tropical Queensland.
The uncommon white form of the COOKTOWN ORCHID has warm appeal in its apparent fragility.
Queensland's state floral emblem, the COOKTOWN ORCHID is a popular and attractive horticultural species and has been cultivated widely for many years.
Found in the coastal areas of far north-eastern Queensland where it trails over bushland, adjacent to the beaches and on rocky headlands.
This is a common understory plant in the rainforests throughout Queensland and may attain a height of about 6 metres.
The COTTON TREE is common along the seashore dunes and estuaries of tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Malvales > Malvaceae > Hibiscus > Hibiscus tiliaceus
COWLEY MYRTLE is a bushy little shrub which grows to about 1 metre and is distributed along the foreshores of tropical Queensland as an understory occupant of the open forests.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Myrtales > Malvaceae > Myrtella > Myrtella obtusa
A common fern, seen growing on rocks or on other trees in the rainforest.
Mainly orange-yellow, with black markings, cruiser butterflies stand out in the rainforest, and feed. on native passion vines (Passifloraceae)
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Insecta > Lepidoptera > Nymphalidae > Vindula > Vindula arsinoe
Common along waterways in the high rainfall coastal areas and adjacent tableland regions.
The Double-eyed fig parrot is the smallest parrot found in Australia.
Also known as Sea cows, Dugong are the only mammals in the ocean that are strictly herbivorous.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Mammalia > Sirenia > Dugongidae > Dugong > Dugong dugon
This is the giant of our terrestrial orchids, attaining a height of up to 210cm when in flower, however it is often much shorter.
A subspecies of the Great Egret found throughout Oceania and Asia.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Pelecaniformes > Ardeidae > Ardea > Ardea alba modesta
A medium sized fish hunting raptor, common along the coast and rivers.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Accipitriformes > Pandionidae > Pandion > Pandion cristatus
Interestingly, this species can either be white, or grey.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Pelecaniformes > Ardeidae > Egretta > Egretta sacra
Also know as the `Australian Water Dragon`, Eastern Water Dragons are excellent swimmers and climbers.
A fascinating example of a prehistoric plant, commonly referred to as a "fern ally", or club moss.
Appearing like grass seeds at a distance, closer inspection of this delightful species reveals one of the most delicate of the tropical wildflowers.
The genus name Typhanium is derived from typho meaning, "to burn", referring to the acrid juice in the plant.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Alismatales > Araceae > Typhonium > Typhonium sp.
The range of this beautiful tree extends from Illawarra in northern New South Wales to the Bellenden Ker Range in north Queensland.
A common trailing plant of tropical Queensland, inhabiting the grassy undergrowth on the wet plains; near creeks, bogs and waterholes of the inland areas.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Byblidaceae > Byblis > Byblis liniflora
Found in along the coast between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, you will often spot these fishers, near a river close to the coast.
Commonly seen in disturbed areas, like roadside embankments, this fern forms in masses as it spreads over a wide area.
An erect herb with tuberous roots, it is prolific in wet grassland of tropical Queensland.
The largest living bivalve mollusk and found on the Great Barrier Reef, the Giant Clam can grow to over 1 metre and over 200kg in weight and live for over 100 years.
Waterlilies bloom for most of the year in the lagoons and gently flowing waterways of tropical Queensland.
This sedge occurs in all eastern states. The long narrow leaves have very sharp saw-like margins, and the black inflorescence appears atop a stout stem up to 2 metres tall.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Poales > Cyperaceae > Gahnia > Gahnia sieberana
A tough vine of the coastal sand dunes and sea-shores.
A scarlet orange mushroom of the waxcap genus, found worldwide.
Mention the GOLDEN ORCHID and one's thoughts automatically go to the eastern lowlands of tropical Queensland where it thrives in exposed situations on trees and rocks.
Native to north-eastern Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea lowland tropical moist rainforests.
Very difficult to distinguish from the Yellow-spot honeyeater and the Lewin's Honey Eater, however can be identified by the call.
This dainty little orchid is found as far north as the Bloomfield River in Cape York Peninsula.
The genus is limited to Australia and these elegant plants are a familiar sight with their crown of long narrow leaves and tall, slender flower spikes.
Also known as the Common eggfly, or Blue moon butterfly, this butterfly is a model mother.
Australias largest heron, it hunts its prey in shallow water.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Pelecaniformes > Ardeidae > Ardea > Ardea sumatrana
Greater Crested Terns can be seen in large colonies along the rocky coast and small islands between Cairns and Cape Tribulation
This small wader can often be spotted along the intertidal areas between Cairn and Cape Tribulation hunting for food.
If you are spending any time in between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, you are bound to meet or possibly eat these angry insects.
A shy and inconspicuous bird found foraging for fruit in dense rainforest.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Oriolidae > Oriolus > Oriolus flavocinctus
The boggy, infertile soils of the coastal flats of tropical Queensland are often dominated by this small tree, which has thick layered bark.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Myrtales > Moraceae > Melaleuca > Melaleuca viridflora
A common, attractive, and harmless snake common in the wet tropics of northern Queensland.
Found throughout coastal Queensland and on some off-shore islands.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Liliales > Smilacaceae > Smilax > Smilax australis
A small insectivorous bird of the "old world" passerine order.
This species is named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, the famed botanist of Captain Cook's voyage.
This small tree occurs in the rainforest understory and commences flowering when little more than a metre tall.
This tall climber favours the rainforests and sheltered gullies of coastal Queensland.
A small open tree, favouring the heathlands of the north-eastern coast of tropical north-eastern coast of tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Acacia > Acacia legnota
Found along the east coast of Queensland, this varient of the Hemeted friarbird has a large knob on its bill as well as a bare grey facial skin and a red eye.
A medium tree making a magnificent display with masses of brilliant yellow flowers during winter.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Acacia > Acacia crassicarpa
Common in most coastal swamps and littoral margins where it sometimes forms groves.
The largest species of cycad, growing to over 15 metres in height.
A small open, spreading tree from inland Cape York Peninsula favouring the higher stony ridges.
This giant fern can have fronds up to 9 metres long (the longest of any fern in the world) and has been at home in Australia for over 300 million years.
This is the KING ORCHID of tropical Queensland and the ROCK LILY of New South Wales.
One of the Monitors often refereed to as "Goanna", they can grow to over 2m and are often seen foraging for food.
An iconic Australian bird with the one of the most distinctive calls of any Australian bird.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Coraciiformes > Alcedinidae > Dacelo > Dacelo novaeguineae
Preferring the wetter areas of eastern Australia, this small bird is often seen in the upper branches of trees, feeding on fruit and insects.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Meliphagidae > Meliphaga > Meliphaga lewinii
A communal bird that lives on the edges of swamps and rivers where it can feed.
A tall attractive shrub which occurs along the coastal lowlands and on the offshore islands of tropical Queensland.
Also known as the Sacred lotus, or Indian lotus, this water plant has spectacular flowers up to 20cm in diameter.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Proteales > Nelumbonaceae > Nelumbo > Nelumbo nucifera
Only occurring in north east Queensland and the Gulf country, the Lovely Fairywren is a lively little bird.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Maluridae > Malurus > Malurus amabilis
Often also called Humphead Wrasse or Napolean Wrasse, this is the largest fish of the family Labridae, and males can grow up to 2 metres in length.
A vigorous inhabitant of the coastal dunes, with attractive trifoliate leaves.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Vigna > Vigna marina
MARSHWORT is another fof the beautiful aquatic plants inhabiting the freshwater ponds, lakes and slow flowing streams of the tropics.
Often maligned for their bold (and aggressively defensive) nesting habits, Lapwing Plovers are usually shy and harmless.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Charadriiformes > Charadriidae > Vanellus > Vanellus miles
This rush-like perennial often occurs in similar habitat to the GRASSTREE (Xanthorrhoea).
An appealing prostrate shrub attaining a height of about 1 metre and is found over the inland areas of Cape York Peninsula.
An eye catching perennial growing to a height of approximately 1.5 metres.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Indigofera > Indigofera pratensis
Prolific in disturbed areas of rainforest, especially along the edge of farmland and roadsides.
Often seen in large flocks, following fruiting trees, Metallic Starlings are a glossy black with a coloured purple-green "sheen" to the coat which gives them there common name.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Sturnidae > Aplonis > Aplonis metallica
As its name suggests these active birds feed mainly on the berries of mistletoe plants (although it will catch insects to feed its young).
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Dicaeidae > Dicaeum > Dicaeum hirundinaceum
This summer flowering tree occurs in Cape York Peninsula on flat or gently undulating terrain where it attains a height of about 10 metres.
You will usually see these by night, where they are attracted to lights, and end up on you verandah.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Insecta > Coleoptera > Scarabaeidae > Protaetia > Protaetia fusca
Most often seen on dinner plates, this is an impressive crab found in the estuaries between Cairns and Cape Tribulation
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Malacostraca > Decapoda > Portunidae > Scylla > Scylla serrata
Also known as the Rufous Night Heron, this is a medium sized heron that is mostly nocturnal.
Closely resembling the cultivated banana plant in appearance the native species is common in the lowland tropical rainforest, especially along watercourses.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Zingiberales > Musaceae > Musa > Musa banksii
A herb, attaining a height of about 4 metres, this native ginger is found in the rainforests of lowland tropical Queensland.
An exciting shrub with smooth, light coloured bark, growing to about 5 metres.
An evergreen climber with an interesting flower, fairy basket style seed pod and a breeding ground for huge butterflies
NATIVE JASMINE is found on the coastal lowlands and some off shore islands of north-eastern Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Oleaceae > Jasminum > Jasminum aemulum
Attaining a height of 5-6 metres, the NATIVE KAPOK is a slender deciduous shrub.
This native creeper grows along tropical mainland foreshores, and on some offshore islands.
This remarkable little perennial flourishes in the moss and humus upon rocks which are kept damp by the tropical "wet".
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Gesneriaceae > Boea > Boea hygroscopica
A common root climber in the tropical rainforests of North Queensland, where it often attains a considerable height.
If you are outside at night, especially in open grassy areas, you are likely to encounter this critter.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Mammalia > Marsupialia > Peramelidae > Isoodon > Isoodon macrourus
A course climber forming tangled thickets, occurring in both coastal and inland areas.
One of the largest spiders in the world, the Giant Golden Orb Spider can reach a total length of 20cm (body size of up to 5cm).
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Arachnida > Araneae > Nephilidae > Nephila > Nephila pilipes
A small, but distinctive, member or the orb weaver family (Araneidae).
An epiphyte common around the Daintree Rainforest with a white flower and "pencil like" leaf.
A beautiful robust orchid, it occurs on the ranges and highlands of tropical Queensland and occasionally in the lowland gorges.
This tree occurs mainly among the mangroves right along the Queensland coast and is particularly plentiful in tropical areas.
It climbs over trees along water courses and along the verge of the rainforest in tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Lamiaceae > Faradaya > Faradaya splendida
Also known as the yellow-bellied sunbird, you will often find the nest of these beautiful birds in public places, like verandas and gazebos.
Common in tropical north Queensland, the Orange bushbrown feeds mainly on rotting fruit, but will also feed on nectar and sap.
Looking around tidal mud banks will often be rewarded with a sighting of these interesting and showy crabs.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Malacostraca > Decapoda > Brachyura > Ocypodidae > Uca coarctata
Building huge mounds for nests, these chicken sized megapodes are a regular sight between Cairns and Cape Tribulation.
Related to octopus, squid and nautiluses, cuttlefish are considered one of the most intelligent invertebrates.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Mollusca > Cephalopoda > Sepiida > Sepiidae > Sepia > Sepia elliptica
Also known as the Crested hawk, this is a small long-tailed hawk with a distinctive crest on its head.
A dark, dabbling, duck with growing up to 55-60cm in size.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Anseriformes > Anatidae > Anas > Anas superciliosa
An attractive twiner from the dense rainforests of the tropical tablelands.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Bignoniaceae > Pandorea > Pandorea nervosa
The longest of the frogmouths, the Papuan Frogmouth grows to around 53cm.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Podargiformes > Podargidae > Podargus > Podargus papuensis
Agressive little crab that will take on anything that doesn't fight back.
A large (up to 70cm) species of cuckoo that is found in far north Queensland and New Guinea's sub tropical moist lowland rainforest.
A large, attractive, mostly white pigeon that can be seen between Cairns and Cape Tribulation during the wet season.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Columbiformes > Columbidae > Ducula > Ducula bicolor
A commonly seen wading bird along the coast between Cairns and Cape Tribulation
A truly beautiful, bushy shrub, found in the swamplands of north-eastern Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Myrtales > Myrtaceae > Melaleuca > Melaleuca polandii
This species must surely be one of the prettiest shrubs of the rainforests of tropical Queensland.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Myrtales > Myrtaceae > Syzygium > Syzygium wilsonii
The young shoots of the POWDER-PUFF WATTLE with a fleecy coating of pale yellow and brown are almost as attractive as the inflorescence.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Acacia > Acacia flavescens
These are a small (less than 4cm) crab that lives in mangrove areas.
A small tree found in Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands.
Also known as the Black-backed Shelduck or the Burdekin Duck, this is a strikingly coloured black and white duck with green bands on the top of the wings that can be seen from above when in flight.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Anseriformes > Anatidae > Tadorna > Tadorna radjah
An aptly named and striking bird commonly seen around the Daintree Region
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Coraciiformes > Meropidae > Merops > Merops ornatus
An unmistakable, brightly coloured parrot of the rainforest and woodland areas.
Dilenia is a tropical genus, the only Australian species, alata is endemic.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Dilleniales > Dilleniaceae > Dillenia > Dillenia alata
Found in many localities within tropical Queensland this species presents a particularly beautiful display on the flats of Sheppard Creek at Jowalbinna, west of Laura.
A small parasitic shrub which bears cascades of brilliant flowers. Host trees are predominantly wattle (Acacia sp.).
This parrot is found in grassland, savannah and woodland of northern and north-eatern Australia as well as New Guinea.
A sub-family of the scarab beetle, "Rhino Beetles" are an impressive (and almost intimidating) insect.
An undescribed species of the genus Tecomanthe, similar to "Fraser Island Creeper" (Tecomanthe hillii).
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Lamiales > Bignoniaceae > Tecomanthe > sp. Roaring Meg
Also aptly named the Assasin fly, these insects are a large, impressive fly with a nasty reputation.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Insecta > Diptera > Asilidae > Zosteria > Zosteria sp.
Scarcely attaining a height of 4 metres this shrub is an understory inhabitant of the lowland rainforests of North Queensland.
Found in the open forest of Cape York Peninsula this spectacular mistletoe makes a magnificent display.
Also known as the black-billed spoonbill, it is often encountered wading on intertidal flats using its wide bill to catch small fish, crabs and frogs.
The Polynesians believed this medium sized kingfisher had power over the waves, hence the common name of Sacred kingfisher.
North Queenslands iconic apex predator, this is why you don't swim in the rivers up here.
Have you ever wondered what the tiny balls of sand are on our beaches, well this little crab is responsible.
When out on the ocean, you may come across a giant red/brown or greenish "slick" and wonder what it is.
The male shining flycatcher is a black, and shining, dark blue, whilst the female is brown with a white belly.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Monarchidae > Myiagra > Myiagra alecto
This is a slender twiner on light sandy soil in central Cape York Peninsula.
The stems of this plant may attain a height of 4 metres with leaves up to 40cm in length.
The only Australian Drongo, it can be easily identified by its forked tale and glossy black plumage.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Dicruridae > Dicrurus > Dicrurus bracteatus
These cute yet noisy flying mammals are a common sight, in huge numbers along the Daintree River.
A vigorous, fleshy herb, the SPIDER LILY carries a multitude of buds upon a tall stately stem.
The fine spidery flowers, broad, glossy leaves and sweet fragrance are qualities enough to make this orchid a favourite.
Another superb native orchid from the tropical north.
A recent arrival to Australia, now with a resident population on the Daintree River.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Anseriformes > Anatidae > Dendrocygna > Dendrocygna guttata
Known as GIMPI-GIMPI in southern Queensland and STINGER in north Queensland this would surely be, literally, the most abused plant in the tropics.
Also known as the Small leaved fig, Ficus obliqua has a unique method of getting to the light in the rainforest
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Rosales > Moraceae > Ficus > Ficus obliqua
A small, native, stingless bee which plays an important role in pollinating many species.
This is one of the smaller Crinum to be found in tropical Queensland.
An aquatic plant found in shallow freshwater ponds in all mainland states.
Ranging from the Fitzroy River north to the Endeavour River, this fragrant orchid flourishes from sea-level to about 1000 metres.
Named after the river where it was first spotted, near the Caspian Sea, this is a small migratory wader often seen in shallows around the coast.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Charadriiformes > Scolopacidae > Xenus > Xenus cinereus
Sir Joseph Banks and Solander collected five Australian species of TRIGGER PLANTS during their enforced stay at the Endeavour River in 1770.
This fern has more slender leaves than the more well known Birds nest ferns, and is restricted to north eastern Queensland
An occupant of some of the harshest country in Cape York Peninsula this sparse, twiggy shrub enhances the area with a distinctive but pleasantly sweet perfume.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Myrtales > Myrtaceae > Homoranthus > Homoranthus sp.
This is the largest Australian carnivorous plant.
Probably the best known species of the genus, the TWINING GUINEA FLOWER is a vigorous trailing plant.
Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio Ulysses) are one of the iconic species of the Daintree Region, however, did you know these interesting facts about our colourful friends.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Insecta > Lepidoptera > Papilionidae > Papilio > Papilio ulysses
The genus is limited to this one species, which is endemic to Australia.
A member of the cuckoo-shrike family, varied trillers a common in the Daintree Rainfores where they like the warm humid environment.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Campephagidae > Lalage > Lalage leucomela
This delightful shrub deserves wider recognition. It favours fesh-water swaps, lagoons, water courses and low lying open woodlands.
A species of the eastern tropics distributed from the Burdekin River to the Endavour River.
The largest bird of prey in Australia, Wedge-tailed eagles are a magnificent sight with an unmistakable "wedge shaped" tail.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Accipitriformes > Accipitridae > Aquila > Aquila audax
Adapting to human habitat well, these small swallows are quite colourful and a common site between Cairns and Cape Tribulation.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Hirundinidae > Hirundo > Hirundo neoxena
A large, distinctive raptor with a white head, body and wings and grey upperparts.
A small (15-20cm) ground dwelling bird in the Rail (Rallidae) family.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Gruiformes > Rallidae > Amaurornis > Amaurornis cinerea
A medium sized heron common throughout Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand.
An icon of the Daintree Rainforest, the White-lipped tree frog is the largest tree frog in the world.
A large, spectacularly coloured fruit dove found in tropical north Queensland and into New Guinea.
A vigorous, woody creeper which extends along the coastline of the eastern states and is common in north-eastern Queensland.
The WOODY CAPER has dull green leaves and carries numerous pale cream flowers.
A stately perennial, which grows to a height of about 1 metre.
Related to the more well known stinkhorn, Bridal veil (Phallus indusiatus), the fruiting bodies of these fungi put on a spectacular display.
Considered an endangered species in Australia, necklacepod is a legume with distinctive yellow flowers and seed pods.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Fabales > Fabaceae > Sophora > Sophora tomentosa
Also known as the Lesser lewin, this olive-brown and grey bird is endemic to north Queensland.
Eukaryota >Animalia > Chordata > Aves > Passeriformes > Meliphagidae > Meliphaga > Meliphaga notata
A thick set dragonfly, found in northern Australia around still, fresh water.
Also known as the "Cananga Tree" or "Ilang-Ilang", the perfume from this tree is often used in aromatherapy and perfume.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Angiosperms > Magnoliids > Magnoliales > Annonaceae > Cananga > Cananga odorata
This is not actually a fern, but a cycad in the Stangeriaceae family
In ages past, cycads and associated plants were widespread and formed a substantial percentage of the world's vegetation.
Eukaryota >Plantae > Cycadophyta > Cycadopsida > Cycadales > Cycadaceae > Cycas > Cycas media
