Rainforest Ecology

A literal treasure trove of biodiversity, the Wet Tropics region of Australia is significant to any student studying biology and ecosystems at risk.

UNESCO World Heritage

This region showcases a living record of the ecological and evolutionary processes that shaped the flora and fauna of Australia over the past 415 million years.

Twelve out of the world's 19 families of primitive flowering plants grow here and within these families, there are at least 50 species found only in the Wet Tropics. In addition, this area hosts about a third of Australia's 315 mammal species - 13 of these species are found nowhere else in the world.

Explore the many different types of tropical rainforest – parts of which are some of the oldest rainforest in the world—and learn about its ecology through walks, talks and hands-on activities.

Any of the following can be combined into your custom educational tour in Australia:

Search for the Duck-Billed Platypus

Search for the unique and elusive duck-billed platypus--without question the mostunique mammal on earth--in its natural habitat. The unique features of the platypus (an egg-laying mammal!) make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology.It is also an iconic symbol of Australia.

Learn About Rainforest Communities at Crater Lakes

Walk around an ancient volcanic crater—or maar—now a lake and protected in a national park. On this track pass through several different rainforest communities, which offer an opportunity to glimpse some of the area’s ten known species of rare and threatened plants, as well as 25 species of flying foxes.

Taste Tropical Organic Rainforest Fruits

Be treated to a succulent tropical fruit tasting on anorganic farm in the rainforest, involving at least 10 different rare fruits in any season including the Star Apple, Miracle Fruit and even the Ice Cream Bean.

Help Rainforest Rescue with Seed Collection

Starting at a seed nursery, set out to find “baby” seeds by collecting scat from the cassowary—the Daintree rainforest’s most important and endangered bird. Through this service project, learn how to identify the right seeds among the scat, bring them back to the nursery, place them in trays and learn how to care for them until they are ready to be introduced to the wild.

Ride a Rainforest Canopy Zip Line

Ride an exhilarating zip line through the rainforest canopy. By clipping into a series of steel cables arranged in the trees, students can fly across the rainforest canopy and get a bird's eye view of the world. During this unique adventure led by naturalists and scientist guides, keep an eye out for Boyd's Forest dragons and the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly.

Study Mangroves and Look for Crocs

Study more in depth ecosystems at risk, including mangrove systems and mabi rainforest. Board the only tour boat permitted in the Cape Tribulation Section of Daintree National Park on a mangrove discovery tour in search of the estuarine crocodile. Devoid of tourist infrastructure, this area reputedly hosts the most biodiverse mangrove system in Australia.

Discover The Giants of the Forest

Pay tribute to some local high-profile residents: take in the beauty of massive curtain fig trees, and learn how these giants straight out of Lord of the Rings eerily “strangle” their hosts.

 

Learn Traditional Uses of Rainforest Plants

On a rainforest walk with an aboriginal elder, see the rainforest through indigenous eyes. The Kuku Yalanji are the only tribal rainforest people in Australia who still have their own culture and language and students learn what native plants were used for food, medicine, and even soap. Your guide also explains aboriginal culture like the tribe’s rites of passage, the meaning of rock art, and the significance of the boomerang.

Spot Nocturnal Wildlife

Explore a rare type of volcanic pipe - a.k.a "the Crater"- and the abundance of nocturnal wildlife that appears in this high-altitude rainforest once the sun goes down. A naturalist guide will help you look with flashlights for unique mammals and marsupials like Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos, Green Ringtail Possums, Sugar Gliders, Musky Rat-kangaroos and numerous other kangaroo and wallaby species that hide in the forest.

Your Own Custom Educational Tour - Australia

Through Small World Journeys’ relationships with naturalists, field guide authors, professors, birding experts and zoologists, we can match the educational objectives of any student group. Contact us to learn more about how your students can benefit from one of our Educational Adventures.

Want Ideas For Your Student Group?

See our Nemos, Jackaroos and Didgeridoos package trip, which includes all meals, accommodation, transport, guide, specialty educators, and other goodies like carbon offsetting and flora & fauna field guides!