Wet Tropics of Queensland
Mossman, Australia
04.05.2014
The Wet Tropics in Queensland - A Tropical Paradise in Mossman, Australia
A trip to the Wet Tropics in Queensland is like stepping into a tropical paradise. Located in the coastal town of Mossman, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Australia's diverse and unique landscape.
The Wet Tropics in Queensland covers an area of approximately 900,000 hectares and is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world. The area boasts a rich biodiversity, with over 3,000 plant species and a variety of endemic animal species. It is also home to some of the most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks in Australia.
The history of the Wet Tropics in Queensland dates back to over 180 million years ago when the supercontinent Gondwana started to break apart. This resulted in the formation of the Australian continent and the separation of the landmass that is now Australia from Antarctica. As a result, the Wet Tropics became isolated from other rainforest regions, leading to the evolution of unique plant and animal species.
The area is also rich in cultural significance, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back over 50,000 years. The Kuku Yalanji people are the traditional owners of the land and have a deep spiritual connection to the rainforest. Visitors can learn about their culture and traditions through guided tours and cultural experiences.
Daintree National Park
One of the most popular attractions in the Wet Tropics is the Daintree National Park, which is also a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Known for its stunning scenery and diverse flora and fauna, the park offers visitors the chance to explore the rainforest through a network of hiking trails and guided tours. It is also home to the majestic Mossman Gorge, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Wet Tropics in Queensland is also home to a section of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 600 types of coral, and countless other marine species. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the reef or go scuba diving to get a closer look at its vibrant marine life.
Cape Tribulation
Located in the northern part of the Wet Tropics, Cape Tribulation is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. This is also where the rainforest meets the sea, creating a unique landscape that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors can explore the area through a variety of outdoor activities, such as trekking, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply looking to relax in a beautiful setting, the Wet Tropics in Queensland has something for everyone. This World Heritage Site is a true gem of Australia and should not be missed.
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This area, which stretches along the north-east coast of Australia for some 450 km, is made up largely of tropical rainforests. This biotope offers a particularly extensive and varied array of plants, as well as marsupials and singing birds, along with other rare and endangered animals and plant species.
The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site consists of approximately 8,940 km2 of Australian wet tropical forests growing along the north-east Queensland portion of the Great Dividing Range. The Wet Tropics of Queensland meets all four of the criteria for natural heritage for selection as a World Heritage Site. World Heritage status was declared in 1988, and on 21 May 2007 the Wet Tropics were added to the Australian National Heritage List.
The tropical forests have the highest concentration of primitive flowering plant families in the world. Only Madagascar and New Caledonia, due to their historical isolation, have humid, tropical regions with a comparable level of endemism.
The Wet Tropics rainforests are recognised internationally for their ancient ancestry and many unique plants and animals. Many plant and animal species in the Wet Tropics are found nowhere else in the world. The Wet Tropics has the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests on earth.
