Jungle Escapes - Adventures and Tours are based in Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland; Australia. Our location is a scenic three-minute drive or picturesque 20-minute walk from the centre of town.
The large property is privately owned old growth rainforest allowing us exclusive access. Bordering the Daintree National Park, this land has never been commercially logged remaining in pristine condition. Our trails are minimal impact bush trails, we walk amongst the plants and animals on natural terrain, without the artificial separation, significant visual impact, distractions or interruptions of the more often crowded boardwalks.
Our night and day walk tours are fully guided; our guides are local and biological scientists with over 20 years guiding experience in this unique tropical location.
OUR PEOPLE
Our guides are biological scientists experienced in tropical ecology and have Wet Tropics Guide Accreditation so understand their 'brief' is to engage and entertain as well as accurately inform. They love to put on a show, but it is our strong belief that only a real depth of knowledge can equip a guide to consistently present this complex and dynamic ecosystem's true nature. Every day is different, and the capability of guides to adapt their commentary to this forest's ever changing personalities and our guests' individual personalities is helpful for visitors to be able to personally connect with the forest around them. It is hard to put a personality onto a page, however, the love child of Monty Python and Attenborough may come close!
Our most ancient guide is a Bachelor of Biological Sciences graduate from James Cook University of Far North Queensland, often called the 'walking encyclopaedia'; very apt as he is certainly 'full of it' -
"The reason I started guiding in the Cape Tribulation rainforest was to help a friend promote his conservation model; to show through minimal impact tourism that the dollar value of natural areas can be greater than the value of the raw materials they contain. I soon realised how blessed I was to be able to spend time in such an amazingly beautiful untouched wild place. The air is the best part, fresh from the leaves of the plants that crowd around, it's so crisp and clean, breathing is so easy and energising, it's amazing. However, without the company of other people for motivation to get out there, many experiences would have been lost and also a shared experience is far richer! I am constantly mindful of this and to present this ancient forest and tell its story, its history, how it came to be, and its inner workings from the smallest microorganism to the largest plants and animals is an enjoyable repayment.
For many of us guiding in the Daintree, the opportunity to show off this unique and vulnerable forest and build a greater awareness of the need to protect it gives use purpose beyond monetary reward.
Perhaps even more important than preserving the rare and endangered species is preservation of the land itself, home to a culture that has survived here for tens of thousands of years, and the precious knowledge that has been gained from living with the land as custodians. It should also be our desire to be custodians and caretake this world heritage rainforest for our children, and our children’s children, so they too can experience this magical forest that is home to life forms that have literally survived from the beginning of life on land…"
THE FOREST
The most diverse terrestrial ecosystem on land, the oldest continually existing tropical rainforest, a world heritage listing; Impressive titles however, it is the atmosphere of being immersed in such a timeless place that makes the most lasting impression. So many large trees and types of plants and animals, so breathtakingly beautiful and obviously ancient. Walking through this forest along natural bush trails there is a disconnection from the outside world. It is so diverse you just want to see what’s hidden ahead. It's not just the visuals, it's the sounds, smells and other senses that create an atmosphere words alone cannot adequately describe. It is exactly how you imagine an exotic jungle would be.
TELL US WHAT TYPE OF EXPERIENCE YOU WANT
We have six different trails varying from 'nice & easy' to 'full on trekking' - you choose the trail to suit your level of fitness.
Please note, wildlife sightings of certain species cannot be guaranteed, it's not a zoo!
What we can guarantee is pristine forest, a friendly smile and a 100 percent commitment to entertain you local style.
We hope to see you in the Jungle...Juma Nagil.
