AUSTRALIA’S TROPICAL RAINFORESTS WORLD HERITAGE

Godwins Godwins Peaeak

Mount HalifaxMount Halifax

Circle View MountainCircle View Mountain

Mt ZeroMt ZeroMt NoMt Nokomiomis

Mt FoxtonMt Foxton

Mt LeachMt Leach

Mt SpecMt Spec Mt Houston

Mt Helen

Mt Cordelia

Mt Leach

Mt Duo

The Pinnacles

Mt Arthur Scott

Mt Macalister

Mt Echo

Round Hill

Mt StralochMt Diamantina

Mt BowenMt Cudmore

Sth Gardiner Mtn

Mt Hawkins

Mt Lee

Boulder Mountain

Black Mountain

Mt RyanKrugers Hill

Mt Claro

Mt JimmyMt Dora

Mt BitalliMt Grey

Godwins Peak

Mount Halifax

Circle View Mountain

Mt ZeroMt Nokomis

Mt Foxton

Mt Leach

Mt Spec

Bishop Peak

Mt Graham

Table Top Mtn

Mt Fox

Pa

lu

ma

R

an

ge

Pa

lu

ma

R

an

Cardwel l Range

Herbert River

Herbert

River

Stone River

Burdekin River

Burdekin River

Star RiverLittle Star River

Running River

Burdekin River


Running RiverPaluma DamPaluma DamPaluma Dam

HerbertRiver

Wallaman Falls

INGHAM

CARDWELL

LUCINDAHALIFAX

TREBONNE

LANNERCOST

ABERGOWRIE

ROLLINGSROLLINGSTONONE

BLUEBLUEWATETER

PALUMALUMA

ROLLINGSTONE

BLUEWATER

PALUMA

WA U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

Those of uswho live near the

coast often look up inawe at the nearby mountains

towering above, covered in lushrainforest. Distant summits look out of

reach as they stretch across the landscapewhile deep green forests contrast with the

white clouds that drift across the slopes.Thesemountain ranges of the Wet Tropics provide a

picturesque background to the region.Theyalso play an important biological role.

The mountains of the Wet Tropics

Management of the World Heritage Area is theresponsibility of the Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority, a Cairns-based agency funded by theQueensland and Australian Governments.

Opinions expressed in the magazine are notnecessarily those of the Authority and, while everyeffort has been made to check the accuracy ofarticles, the Authority can not accept responsibilityfor any errors and omissions.

Any comments are welcome. Send them to:

The EditorAustralia’s Tropical Rainforests World Heritage MagazinePO Box 2050 Cairns Qld Australia 4870

Ph: 07 4052 0531 Fax: 07 4031 1364

Email [email protected]

WELCOME TO THE 2005-06

edition of Australia’s Tropical

Rainforests World Heritage

Magazine. About 120,000

copies of the magazine are

distributed to residents and

visitors to the Wet Tropics

World Heritage Area, from

Townsville to Cooktown.

The magazine is packed with

stories about the animals,

plants and people that live in

and around Australia’s

Tropical Rainforests. These

forests were placed on the

World Heritage list in

recognition of their

importance as the oldest

continually surviving tropical

rainforests on earth.

Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo

Head for the Head for the

Godwins Peak

Mount Halifax

Circle View Mountain

Mt ZeroMt Nokomis

Mt Foxton

Mt Leach

Mt Spec Mt HoustonMt Houston

Mt HelenMt Helen

Mt CordeliaMt Cordelia

Mt LeachMt Leach

Mt DuoMt Duo

The The Pinnacleinnacles

Mt Arthur ScottMt Arthur Scott

Mt MacalisterMt Macalister

Mt EchoMt Echo

Round Hilound Hill

Mt StralochMt StralochMt DiamantinaMt Diamantina

Mt BowenMt BowenMt CudmoreMt Cudmore

Sth Gardiner MtnSth Gardiner Mtn

Mt HawkinsMt Hawkins

Mt LeeMt Lee

Boulder MountainBoulder Mountain

Black MountainBlack Mountain

Mt RyanMt RyanKrugers HillKrugers Hill

Mt ClaroMt Claro

Mt JimmyMt JimmyMt DoraMt Dora

Mt BitalliMt BitalliMt GreyMt Grey

Mt Houston

Mt Helen

Mt Cordelia

Mt Leach

Mt Duo

The Pinnacles

Bishop Peak Bishop Peak Bishop Peak

Mt Arthur Scott

Mt MacalisterMt Graham Mt Graham Mt Graham

Table Top MtnTable Top MtnTable Top MtnMt Echo

Round Hill

Mt StralochMt Diamantina

Mt BowenMt Cudmore

Sth Gardiner Mtn

Mt Hawkins

Mt FoxMt FoxMt Fox Mt Lee

Boulder Mountain

Black Mountain

Mt RyanKrugers Hill

Mt Claro

Mt JimmyMt Dora

Mt BitalliMt Grey

Pa

lu

ma

R

an

ge

ge

Cardwel l Range

Cardwel l Range

Herbert River

Herbert

River

Stone River

Burdekin River

Burdekin River


Running River

Herbert River

Herbert

River

Stone River

Burdekin River

Paluma Dam

HerbertHerbertRiverRiverHerbertRiver

Wallaman FallsWallaman FallsWallaman Falls

INGHAMINGHAM

CARCARDWELWELL

LUCINLUCINDAHALIHALIFAX

TREBONNETREBONNE

LANNERCOSTLANNERCOST

ABERGOWRIEABERGOWRIE

ROLLINGSTONE

BLUEWATER

PALUMA

INGHAM

CARDWELL

LUCINDAHALIFAX

TREBONNE

LANNERCOST

ABERGOWRIE

Hinchinbrook Island

Forrest Beach

3

A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

The journey from south to north

As the crow flies, the journey over the Wet Tropics mountains takes you 450kmover one of the most biologically diverse and scenic forests in the world. The environmental importance of theseforests was recognised on a global scalewhen they were listed as a World HeritageArea in 1988.

Map 1 Paluma to Cardwell

We begin our journey at the most southernend of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Areaat the quaint rainforest village in the mist,Paluma, perched atop the coastal range.Surrounded by rainforest, this smallcommunity is a heavenly escape in thehotter months. Next is Ingham withAustralia’s longest single drop waterfall,Wallaman Falls located inland from here.Wallaman Falls is one of the starting pointsfor the Wet Tropics Great Walk. We continue north past the small town of

Cardwell that looks out onto HinchinbrookIsland to the east and the Cardwell Rangeto the west.

Map 2 Cardwell to Cairns

Travelling north we find the township ofTully that lies between Mt Mackay and MtTyson. The Walter Hill Range stretches farinto the west from here. The range isfamous for the Misty Mountains walkingtrails, Australia’s longest network of highaltitude rainforest tracks. Moving furthernorth along the Bruce Highway,Queensland’s highest mountains – MtBartle Frere at 1622m and Mt BellendenKer at 1582m are a picturesque backdropbetween Innisfail and Cairns. Thesemountain peaks are usually hidden bycloud, giving them an ancient and mysticalfeel. Further west the Atherton and EvelynTablelands contain numerous mountain

ranges and large areas ofdiverse upland rainforest.They are easily accessible by foot or car andyou can blissfully explore the forests andwaterfalls for hours. The Tablelandcommunities of Atherton, Yungaburra,Malanda, Millaa Milla, Ravenshoe andHerberton all offer overnightaccommodation if you need to rest beforecontinuing your rainforest exploration.

Map 3 Cairns to Cooktown

Past Cairns and the rainforest village ofKuranda, nestled in the Macalister Range,we head for the resort town of Port Douglas.Turning inland, towards Mossman, we seethe rugged and mountainous MossmanBluff with the Mount Carbine Tableland tothe west. These are some of the most scenicareas in the Wet Tropics.

Herbert River Ringtail Possum

KEY

Town /settlement

Peak

WorldHeritageArea

Mt LeeMt LeeMt Lee

River

Major Road

Minor Road

MAP 1 - Paluma to Cardwell

hills hills

Mt AlmaMt Alma

Mt CarruchanMt Carruchan

Mt BowenMt Bowen

Mt CreaghMt Creagh

Mt MackayMt Mackay

Mt TysonMt Tyson

Mt EdgarMt Edgar

Mt JonesMt JonesMt KooroomoolMt Kooroomool

Mt PandanusMt Pandanus

Mt FatherClancy

Mt Poorka

Cooroo Peak

Twin PinnaclesMt Bartle Frere

Bellenden KerSouth Peak

Bellenden KerCentre Peak

WalshsPyramid

Mt Massey

Mt Baldy

Mt Mac

Lambs Head

Card

well

Card

well

GapGap

Mt Alma

Mt Carruchan

Mt Bowen

Mt Creagh

Mt MacalisterMt MacalisterMt Macalister

Mt Mackay

Mt Tyson

Mt Edgar

Mt JonesMt Kooroomool

Mt PandanusMt Fisher

Bellenden KerNorth Peak

Mt Yarrabah

Card

well

Gap

Grant Hill

Mt SheridanC a r d w e l l R

an

g e

T a b l e T o p Ra

ng

e

Francis

Range

Graham Range

L a m b R a n g e

Lamb Range

Murray Prior Range

Malbon Thompson Range

Herberton Range

Rang

e

North Murray Gorge

Ca

rd

w

el l R a n g e

C a r d w e l l Ra

ng e

T a b l e T o p Ra

ng

e

Bellenden Ker Range

Hugh Nels

on

Wa

lt

er

H

il

l

R

an

ge

Wa

lt

er

H

il

l

R

an

ge

North Murray Gorge

Ca

rd

w

el l R a n g e

A t h e r t o n a n d E v e l y n T a b l e l a n d s

M

ur ray

Rive

r

M

u r ray

Rive

r

T ul l y

R i ver

South Johnstone River

B a r r o n R i v e r


North Johnstone

Russell River

H

e rber t R

iver

H

e rber t R

iver

River

MAREEBA

CAIRNS

RAVENSHOE

MILLAA MILLAA

INNISFAIL

TULLYTULLYBABINDA

YUNGABURRA

MISSION BEACHMISSION BEACHMISSION BEACH

MALANDA

TULLY

CARDWELLCARDWELLCARDWELL

MistyMistyMountainsMountainsWalkingWalking

TrailsTrails

MistyMountainsWalking

Trails

KURANDA

ATHERTON

Hinchinbrook IslandHinchinbrook IslandHinchinbrook Island

Wyvuri Swamp

Goold Island

Dunk Island

TinarooDamLake

Eacham LakeBarrine Lake

Morris

Koombooloomba DamKoombooloomba DamKoombooloomba Dam

FalseCape

CapeGrafton

Next we arrive at some of the mostbiologically diverse rainforests in Australia.The Daintree Coast is considered byscientists to be one of the most significanthomes to primitive plants on thecontinent. Jagged mountains rise aboveCape Tribulation and the Daintree whileThornton Peak dominates the landscape.Passing through Mt Finnigan and MtThomas with a quick stop at themysterious Black Mountain National Park,we reach the most northern area of theWet Tropics – Cooktown.

Climate

The climate in the higher mountain regions,above 400 to 600m, is consistently coolerthan the warm, tropical climate of thecoastal lowlands. Temperatures in thesemountain uplands may fall well below 5°C,particularly on the peaks that are oftencooled by strong winds. Annual rainfall inthe Wet Tropics averages from less than1.3m to over 6.4m on the higher mountainssuch as Mt Bellenden Ker.

The cooler temperatures, higher rainfall andfrequent cloud cover on mountain summitssupports vegetation that can differdramatically from the coastal forests,containing their own suite of narrowlyrestricted plant species found nowhere elseon earth.

Wildlife

The Wet Tropics is renowned for itsamazing and unusual wildlife, fromcolourful and noisy birds, tiny frogs andcurious possums to tree-climbing kangaroos.Because many of these species are unique tothe region, wildlife spotting is a fascinatingand rewarding pastime and a hugeattraction for visitors and locals.

A striking aspect of the Wet Tropics’mountaintop fauna and flora is therestriction of many species to high altitudeareas. Most of the fauna found exclusively inthe Wet Tropics is confined to the cool, wetupland rainforests. A number of species areconsidered to be the last survivors, or relicts,from formerly widespread coolerenvironments of the past. Sometimes speciesmay be unique to a particular mountaintop.Other times a species may be found onnumerous mountaintops throughout theWet Tropics, but nowhere else.

4

Lemuroid Possum

Grey-headed Robin

Atherton Antechinus


Cloud Stripping

Mt Alma

Mt Carruchan

Mt Bowen

Mt Creagh

Mt Mackay

Mt Tyson

Mt Edgar

Mt JonesMt Kooroomool

Mt Pandanus

Mt FatherMt FatherClancyClancy

Mt PoorkaMt Poorka

Cooroo PeakCooroo Peak

Twin PinnaclesTwin PinnaclesMt Bartle FrereMt Bartle Frere

Bellenden KerBellenden KerSouth PeakSouth Peak

Bellenden KerBellenden KerCentre PeakCentre Peak

WalshsWalshsPyramidPyramid

Mt MasseyMt Massey

Mt BaldyMt Baldy

Mt MacMt Mac

Lambs HeadLambs Head

Card

well

Gap

Mt Macalister

Mt FatherClancy

Mt Poorka

Cooroo Peak

Twin PinnaclesMt Bartle Frere

Mt FisherMt FisherMt Fisher

Bellenden KerSouth Peak

Bellenden KerCentre Peak

Bellenden KerBellenden KerNorth PeakNorth Peak

Bellenden KerNorth Peak

WalshsPyramid

Mt Massey

Mt Baldy

Mt Mac

Mt YarrabahMt YarrabahMt Yarrabah

Lambs Head

Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill

Mt SheridanMt SheridanMt SheridanC a r d w e l l R

an

g e

T a b l e T o p Ra

ng

e

Francis

Range

Graham Range

L a m b R a n g e

Lamb Range

Murray Prior Range


Herberton Range

Rang

e

North Murray Gorge

Ca

rd

w

el l R a n g e

Francis

Range

Graham Range

Bellenden Ker Range

Bellenden Ker Range

L a m b R a n g e

Lamb Range

Murray Prior Range


Herberton Range

Hugh Nels

on

Hugh Nels

on

Rang

e

Wa

lt

er

H

il

l

R

an

ge



M

ur ray

Rive

r



North Johnstone

Russell River

North Johnstone

Russell River


Mulgrave Rive

r

H

e rber t R

iver

River River

Clohesy River

MAREEBAMAREEBA

CAIRNSCAIRNS

RAVENSHOERAVENSHOE

MILLAA MILLAAMILLAA MILLAA

INNISFAILINNISFAIL

TULLY

MAREEBA

CAIRNS

RAVENSHOE

MILLAA MILLAA

INNISFAIL

BABINDABABINDABABINDA

YUNGABURRAYUNGABURRAYUNGABURRA

MISSION BEACH

MALANDAMALANDAMALANDA

CARDWELL

MistyMountainsWalking

Trails

KURANDAKURANDAKURANDA

ATHERTONATHERTONATHERTON

Hinchinbrook Island

WyvuriWyvuri Swamp Swamp Fitzroy IslandWyvuri Swamp

TinarooTinarooDamDamLakeLake

EachamEacham LakeLakeBarrineBarrine LakeLake

MorrisMorris

Koombooloomba DamTinaroo

DamLakeEacham Lake

Barrine LakeMorris

FalseFalseCapeCape

CapeGrafton

FalseCape

CapeGrafton

MAP 2 - Cardwell to Cairns

This tells us that thespecies was once more widespread.

These species restricted to the upper slopeshave continued to evolve in relativeisolation. Because of these unusualconditions, no area in Australia has greaterbiological significance than the uplandrainforests of the Wet Tropics.

What animals to look for

During daylight hours you can search therainforest clad mountains for elusive andsecretive birds confined to the uplands suchas the golden bowerbird, tooth-billed catbirdand grey-headed robin.

Searching the rainforest at night ischallenging but the rewards can be great.Most rainforest animals are active after dark.If you go out at dusk or spotlighting atnight, you might find amazing marsupialssuch as the Lumholtz tree-kangaroo,Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, the Athertonantechinus and four different ringtail possumspecies (lemuroid ringtail, green ringtail,Herbert River ringtail and Daintree River

ringtail possums). For those with patienceand who don’t mind getting wet, there arealso numerous frogs calling at night to befound around creeks or hiding in the leaf litter.

Rainforest Aboriginal culture

The rugged forest landscape, with itswaterfalls and gorges, has been a part ofRainforest Aboriginal life since timeimmemorial. Stories from the dreamtimeinclude the plants and animals that are apart of their cultural heritage, and manyareas are significant cultural sites wheretraditional ceremonies are still held.Although the Wet Tropics World HeritageArea is not listed for its cultural values, werecognise the spiritual and culturalconnection Rainforest Aboriginal peoplehave with the land.

Many Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groupsuse animals as their totem. The culturalsignificance of rainforest wildlife is shownthrough traditional dances and paintingsthat represent the many rainforest animals.

Mountains cloakedin cloud

Even on a fine, clear day, the mountainsummits of the Wet Tropics are oftencloaked with mist. Have you ever wonderedwhy clouds behave like this and what rolethey play in the rainforest ecosystem?Recent scientific discoveries have begun toreveal some of the amazing secrets that liewithin those cloud forests.

Cloud stripping

In tropical regions along the coast of north-east Australia, the winds are from the south-east for the majority of the year. As thesewinds encounter the coastal mountainranges, the warm moist air rises and cools,forming clouds. Rainforest researchers havebeen studying the associations betweenthese clouds and high altitude or ‘cloud’forests.

We have known for years that rainforestsfound on the highest peaks of the WetTropics such as Mt Bartle Frere and MtBellenden Ker receive an extraordinarily highrainfall. As much as 10m of rain may fall onthese mountaintops annually. However,recent research has shown that in addition tothis high rainfall, up to 40% more water isharvested from the clouds that drape the

5

Golden Bowerbird Daintree River Ringtail Possum


Mt SheridanMt Sheridan

Mt YarrabahMt Yarrabah

Grant HillGrant Hill

Earl HillEarl Hill

Black MountainBlack Mountain(Harris Peak)(Harris Peak)

Mt WhitfieldMt Whitfield

Mt LewisMt Lewis Black MountainBlack Mountain

PinnaclePinnaclePinnacleThornton Peak

Gold Hill

Mt PovertyMt Misery

Mt Finnigan

Mt AmosMt Thomas

Black MountainNational Park

Mt Boolbun (South)

Mt Boolbun (North)

Table MountainMt Hemmant

Mt Pieter BotteMt Sheridan

Mt Yarrabah

Grant Hill

Earl Hill

Black Mountain(Harris Peak)

Mt Whitfield

Lambs HeadLambs HeadLambs Head

Mt LewisDevil’sDevil’sThumbThumbDevil’sThumb

Black Mountain

Mount Cook

Macal i s te r Range

Mossman Bluff

Mossman Bluff

MountMount Carbine Carbine

Tableland Tableland

MountWindsor

Tableland

Whitfield Range

Whitfield Range

L a m b R a n g e

L a m b R a n g e Macal i s te r Range

Mossman Bluff

Mount Carbine

Tableland B a r r o n R i v e r

C l o h e s y R i v e r

M c L e o d R i v e r M i t c h e l l R i v e r

Bloomfield

River

D a i n t r ee

R i v e r

N o r m a n b y R i v e r

A n n a n R i v e r




River

River

D a i n t r ee

Mossman

Mossman

WANGETTIWANGETTI

BLOOMFIELD

LAKELANDDOWNS

DAINTREEVILLAGE

CAPETRIBULATION

PORT DOUGLASPORT DOUGLAS

MOSSMANMOSSMAN

MAREEBAMAREEBA

COOKTOWN

WANGETTI

MossmanMossmanGorgeGorge

MossmanGorge

Helenvale

CAIRNSCAIRNSCAIRNS

PORT DOUGLAS

MOSSMAN

MOUNT MOLLOYMOUNT MOLLOYMOUNT MOLLOY

KURANDAKURANDAKURANDA

MAREEBA

False Cape

Cape Grafton

Double Island

Rex Lookout

Rocky PointYulePoint

Cape Kimberley

6

mountaintops. Thisprocess is called ‘cloud stripping’.

Cloud stripping means that rainforest plantsharvest moisture in the air that passesthrough the forest. When upland rainforestsare covered in cloud, the moisture condenseson tree trunks, branches, leaves andepiphytes and either drips to the rainforestfloor or flows down stems.

Scientists have discovered that, while cloudforests cover only a small area of the WetTropics, they contribute a large amount ofwater to rainforest catchments. Cloudforests act like giant sponges, soaking uplarge volumes of water and then release itslowly throughout the year. Thisphenomenon is particularly important formaintaining a steady flow of water instreams and rivers in the dry season. Thus,cloud forests play a vital role in maintainingrainforest health, regulating water inrainforest ecosystems and providing us witha plentiful, reliable source of clean water.

Threats

Clearing of cloud forests could result insevere water shortages during the dry

season. While upland rainforests in the WetTropics are largely protected from clearing,this knowledge is important for land use andwater supplies in countries where uplandrainforests are under threat from developmentand agriculture. Studies overseas have alsoshown that clearing of forests in lowland areascan decrease the formation of cloudbanksover nearby mountains.

Another threat to cloud forests is globalwarming. Scientists predict that atemperature increase of 1°C to 2°C over thenext 50 years would cause cloudbanks togain altitude and subsequently be out ofreach for harvesting by upland forests. Thiscould result in the loss of up to 75% of highaltitude rainforest in the region. This losswould have a major impact on both streamflows and the wildlife that lives here.

Climate change in the Wet Tropics

Although accounting for only 0.2% of theAustralian continent, the Wet Tropicssupports an incredible proportion ofAustralia’s plants and animals. The regioncontains about a quarter of all Australia’sfrogs and reptiles, a third of all mammals,

half of all birds, 60% of allbutterflies, and at least 70vertebrate animal speciesthat occur nowhere else onearth. Furthermore, theregion has about 3,000 plant species fromover 200 different families, with 700 of thesespecies found nowhere else.

In fact some plants found here are moresimilar to those found in Tasmania and thehighlands of Papua New Guinea thananywhere else in the Wet Tropics. Withsuch a huge number of species within sucha small area it is little wonder that scientistsare concerned about the consequences ofclimate change on the survival of theregion’s biodiversity.

Upland rainforest diversity

Many of the species found only in the WetTropics are restricted to the cool uplandrainforests. These upland species may notbe able to adjust to predicted increases intemperatures. It is predicted that many ofthe unique upland rainforest animals willlose up to half of their current range ofdistribution with a 1°C increase intemperature. Animals that will bethreatened include several frog species,ringtail possums, several lizard speciesconfined to particular mountaintops, andbirds such as the golden bowerbird.

Green Ringtail Possum Rattling Nursery Frog


Black Mountain National Park

Mt Sheridan

Mt Yarrabah

Grant Hill

Earl Hill

Black Mountain(Harris Peak)

Mt Whitfield

Mt Lewis Black Mountain

PinnacleThornton PeakThornton Peak

Gold HillGold Hill

Mt PovertyMt PovertyMt MiseryMt Misery

Mt FinniganMt Finnigan

Mt AmosMt AmosMt ThomasMt Thomas

Black MountainBlack MountainNational ParkNational Park

Mt Boolbun (South)Mt Boolbun (South)

Mt Boolbun (North)Mt Boolbun (North)

Table MountainTable MountainMt HemmantMt Hemmant

Mt Pieter BotteMt Pieter Botte

Lambs Head

Devil’sThumb

Thornton PeakGold Hill

Mt PovertyMt Misery

Mt Finnigan

Mt AmosMt Thomas

Black MountainNational Park

Mount CookMount CookMount Cook

Mt Boolbun (South)

Mt Boolbun (North)

Table MountainMt Hemmant

Mt Pieter BotteMacal i s te r R

ange

Mossman Bluff

Mount Carbine

Tableland

MountMountWindsorWindsor

TablelandTableland

Whitfield Range

L a m b R a n g e

MountWindsor

Tableland




Bloomfield

River

D a i n t r ee

R i v e r


A n n a n R i v e r

River

Bloomfield

River

R i v e r


A n n a n R i v e r

Mossman

WANGETTI

BLOOMFIELDBLOOMFIELD

LAKELANDLAKELANDDOWNSDOWNS

DAINTREEDAINTREEVILLAGEVILLAGE

CAPECAPETRIBULATIONTRIBULATION

PORT DOUGLAS

MOSSMAN

MAREEBA

COOKTOWNCOOKTOWN

MossmanGorge

BLOOMFIELD

HelenvaleHelenvaleHelenvale

LAKELANDDOWNS

DAINTREEVILLAGE

CAPETRIBULATION

CAIRNS

MOUNT MOLLOY

KURANDA

COOKTOWN

Rattlesnake Point

MAP 3 - Cairns to Cooktown

7


Dry season severity

One aspect of global climate change that isof great concern is changes in the length andseverity of the dry season. If temperatureextremes and long periods without rainbecome more common, the stresses on plantand animal populations will increasedramatically. Biologists already know thatmany animals confined to upland rainforestdo not cope well with high temperatures.Hotter and longer dry seasons, associatedwith more frequent El Nino type conditions,are predicted to have severe impacts onpopulations of many species. These impactsmay be a direct effect of increasedtemperature, or the environmental effects oflower rainfall and increased fires.

Green ringtail possum

Green ringtail possums for example, are veryselective about the leaves they eat and areadapted to living in cool upland rainforest.They do not tolerate high temperatures forlong and if temperatures exceed 30°C forover three hours a day, over sevenconsecutive days, these unique marsupials

have difficulty maintaining their bodytemperature. If the climate in the mountainhighlands continues to get warmer and drier,these possums will either have to adapt veryquickly or they will become restricted to thecoolest areas, or may even become extinct.

Climate change research

Most scientists agree that global climatechange will have impacts on the plants andanimals of the Wet Tropics, particularlyspecies in the mountain ranges. However,the magnitude of the impacts and resultingchanges to habitats within the Wet Tropicsremains unknown. Predictions of the likelyeffects of climate change vary, but even thesmallest increase over the next 100 yearscould severely affect many of the uniqueWet Tropics animal species. Some biologistshave even predicted that there is a distinctpossibility that between 30 and 50vertebrate species will become extinct beforethe end of the century.

More information is urgently needed todetermine how to manage rapid and

unprecedented climate change. Climatechange makes it even more urgent to ensurelandscape connectivity and to minimiseother stressors on ecosystems such as weedsand feral animal species.

WHAT CAN WE DO?To reduce the impacts of climate change inthe Wet Tropics we must:• Ensure corridors of vegetation across

the landscape connect, to help wildlifemove and adapt to climate change.

• Provide wildlife crossings in upland areasacross roads and powerline corridors.

• Identify and protect refuge areas for wildlife.

• Continue to research and monitor theimpacts of climate change on forestsand animals.

What you can do to reduce the impacts ofclimate change:• Check out www.greenhouse.gov.au

Elegant FrogTooth-billed Cat Bird

Acknowledgement: Dr Martin Cohen and Julia Cooper

CooktownCooktown

HelenvaleHelenvaleRossvilleRossville

ytonytonLakelandLakeland

DimbulahDimbulah

BilBilyana

KeKennedy

Tully

Cardwell

Abergowrie

Ingham

Trebonne

HiddenValley

PalumaRollingstone

Townsville

WallamaWallamanFallsFalls

Cooktown

HelenvaleRossville

AytonLakeland

DaintreeDaintree

MossmanMossman

GordonvaleGordonvale

MareebaMareeba

AthertonAtherton

CairnsCairns

IInnisfail

MalandaMalanda

MountMountCarbineCarbine

MountMountMolloyMolloy

Millaa MillaaMillaa Millaa

KurandaKuranda

TarzaliTarzali

JulattenJulatten

Daintree

Cape Tribulation

Cow BayCape Kimberley

SnapperIsland

LowIsles

Double Isla

Port DouglasMossman

YaYarrabahYa

Gordonvale

Mareeba

BabBabinda

Mourilyan

MiriwMiriwinni

SouthJoJohnstone

SilkwoodEl Arish

MenaCreek

Bab Bramston Beach

Etty BayMourilyan Harbour

Kurrimine

Lucinda

ForrestBeach

Pallarenda

SaundersBeach

Mission Beach

Cowley Beach

HerbertonHerbertonHerberton

Atherton

Cairns

SouthedgeLake

Miriw

I

Malanda

RavenshoeJo

SEE INSET

MountCarbine

MountMolloy

Chillagoe

Almaden

Petford

Irvinebank

Dimbulah

Innot HotSprings

Mount Garnet

KoombooloombaKoombooloombaDamDam

KoombooloombaDam

Bil

Ke

Halifax

Millaa Millaa

WallamaFalls

Kuranda

Tarzali

Distance in Kilometres

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Rivers Main Roads Secondary Roads

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Julatten

T a t e R i v e r

S t G e o r ge R i ve r

L au r a R i v e r

De i gh t o n R i v e r

Thuringowa

He r b e r t R

i v er

Tolga

Atherton

Herberton

Yungaburra

Malanda

Kairi

Mareeba

Redlynch

Gordonvale

Tinaroo

Walkamin

Edmonton

Cairns

Kuranda

Tarzali

Smithfield Heights

Lake Eacham

Lake Tinaroo

LakeBarrine

We hope you enjoy visiting the World Heritage Area.

We recommend this guide be used together with a regular road map.

SOUTHERN WET TROPICS N

(QPWS: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)

Tully Gorge (Lower)The 42km scenic drive through lower Tully Gorge begins at the

town and offers camping, lookouts, walkways to the river andwhitewater rafting. QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

Mission Beach Visitor CentreThe Wet Tropics Visitor Centre at Mission Beach is run by local

volunteers from environment and tourism groups.� (07) 4068 7197 or � (07) 4068 7099

• Licuala Forest350m children’s walk, 1.3km rainforest circuit & 7.8km rainforest walkfrom the Tully-Mission Beach Road to Lacey Creek.QPWS Innisfail � (07) 4061 5900

• Lacey CreekLook out for cassowaries on this 1.2km rainforest walking track offthe Mission Beach - El Arish Road. QPWS Innisfail � (07) 4061 5900

• Clump PointA 2.5km circuit track winds through rainforest at Bingil Bay to aspectacular lookout on Bicton Hill. QPWS Innisfail � (07) 4061 5900

Hull River Aboriginal Settlement Interpretive DisplayBuilt as a memorial to the Aboriginal settlement and those who lost

their lives there during the cyclone in 1918. On the corner of KennedyEsplanade and Butterfly Park at South Mission Beach (take the SouthMission Beach Road).

Palmerston HighwayNamed after bushman Christie Palmerston, this scenic rainforest

highway between Innisfail and the Atherton Tableland gives access toshort walks, waterfalls, picnic spots and camping.QPWS Palmerston � (07) 4064 5115

Innisfail Information CentreOpen 7 days Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat, Sun 10am to 3pm. On the

Bruce Hwy next to the Australian Sugar Industry Museum Mourilyan,5km south of Innisfail. Entry is free. � (07) 4063 2655

Josephine FallsQueensland’s highest mountains, Bellenden Ker and Bartle Frere, loom

above this popular picnic area. Short track to falls.A rough trail leads tothe summit of Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) for fit, experienced walkersonly. QPWS Josephine Falls � (07) 4067 6304

Babinda BouldersThe Boulders, 7km from Babinda, has a reputation for claiming the lives

of unwary visitors. Locals put this down to an Aboriginal legend, but itcould be a combination of fast water, slippery boulders and carelessbehaviour. Babinda Information Centre � (07) 4067 1008

Goldsborough Valley This is a popular place for families and school groups to have a

barbecue and enjoy a swim in the hot summer months. Camping sitesare also available. Goldsborough is an hour’s drive south-west ofCairns.The road is unsuitable for caravans. QPWS � (07) 4056 2597

Lake MorrisBeautiful artificial lake surrounded by rainforest in the hills 20km

from Cairns. Kiosk and picnic area open daily from 8am, gates close at6pm. Great views, no swimming.� (07) 4055 7414

Crystal CascadesEnjoy a picnic at this municipal park and swim in the clear waters of

Freshwater Creek, 24km from Cairns. Secure your valuables.� (07) 4044 3044

Skyrail Cableway Treetop view of the rainforest from a cableway over Barron Gorge

to Kuranda, with stops at lookouts and information centre. Make it around trip with the historic Kuranda train.Admission charge. � (07) 4038 1555

Lake PlacidLake Placid is a municipal park on the Barron River beside the

Barron Gorge National Park, 12km from Cairns. Day use facilities,restaurant and kiosk. � (07) 4044 3044

The Gateway Discovery CentreFeatures interpretive and interactive displays and is the only accredited

visitor information centre in Cairns. In the heart of Cairns on TheEsplanade. Open 7 days a week 8.30am to 6.30pm � (07) 4051 3588

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11TownsvilleThere is a small Wet Tropics display at the visitor

centre at Stuart on the city’s southern approach. It isstaffed by volunteers daily from 9am to 5pm.� (07) 4778 3555

PalumaThis mountaintop village is a great weekend retreat.

There is camping at Big Crystal Creek at the base ofthe range or Lake Paluma (bookings essentialwww.nqwater.com.au) 12km past the village.Walkingtracks range from 600m to 2km. QPWS � (07) 47772822 or NQ Water � (07) 4726 0000

Frosty MangoThis popular tourist rest stop between Ingham and

Townsville has Wet Tropics displays on local birds.� (07) 4770 8184

Jourama FallsCascading falls over salmon-coloured granite make

this a favoured camping and picnic area among locals.A1.5 km track leads to falls.QPWS Jourama � (07) 4777 3112

Hinchinbrook Visitor Centre, InghamVolunteers staff the centre on the corner of the

Bruce Highway and Ingham’s main street from Mon-Fri8.45am to 5pm, weekends 9am to 2pm and most publicholidays. � (07) 4776 5211

Wallaman FallsWallaman Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in

Australia, tumbling 305m to a large pool.The falls are51km west of Ingham, 18km of which is unsealed road.No open fires. For directions, road conditions andbookings contact QPWS Ingham � (07) 4777 2822

BroadwaterDay use and camping area, 45km west of Ingham, an

hour’s drive from the highway.QPWS Ingham � (07) 4777 2822

Five Mile Creek This is a great place to take a break from behind

the wheel, just 200m from the Bruce Highway on thesouthern outskirts of Cardwell.QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4766 8779

Rainforest and Reef Centre, CardwellVisit the centre in the main street near the jetty to

make bookings for Hinchinbrook and other coastalislands, and for Wet Tropics information.QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

Hinchinbrook IslandHinchinbrook borders two World Heritage areas -

the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef. Ferries leavethe mainland at Cardwell and Lucinda.Thorsborne Trailis a four-day hike, numbers are limited so bookings arerequired. QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

Edmund Kennedy National ParkMangrove walk through diverse coastal park.

Explorer Edmund Kennedy travelled through hereduring his 1848 expedition to Cape York.QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

Blencoe Falls DriveThe 207km drive from Kennedy to Mt Garnet

features coastal views, Blencoe Falls and northQueensland cattle country.The road is unsealed andcaravans are not recommended. Make sure you andyour vehicle are prepared.QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

Murray FallsExcellent camping facilities in the foothills of the

Kirrama Range between Cardwell and Tully.The 20mfalls is one of the prettiest in north Queensland.QPWS Cardwell � (07) 4066 8601

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NOTE: this symbol indicates that disabled toilets are available. It does not indicate that tracks areaccessible to wheelchairs.

There are visitor centres scatteredthroughout north Queensland, offering awide variety of displays and information. Anew symbol has been introduced forcentres which focus on visitor information.These centres must meet professionalstandards of facilities, staff, information anddisplays before they can display thesymbol. As you travel around the region,look for the in the towns below andask the friendly volunteers about theirfavourite things to do in the area!Cooktown (07) 4069 6004Atherton (07) 4091 4222Kuranda (07) 4093 9311Babinda (07) 4067 1008Innisfail (07) 4063 2655Malanda (07) 4096 6957Mareeba (07) 4092 5674Mission Beach (07) 4068 7099Ravenshoe (07) 4097 7700Cairns (07) 4051 3588Tully (07) 4068 2288Ingham (07) 4776 5211Townsville city (07) 4778 3555Townsville south (07) 4721 3660

88

CENTRAL COAST

Cooktown

HelenvaleRossville

ytonLakeland

Dimbulah

lyanaBilyana

ennedyKennedy

TullyTully

CardwellCardwell

AbergowrieAbergowrie

InghamIngham

TrebonneTrebonne

HiddenHiddenValleyValley

PalumaPalumaRollingstoneRollingstone

TownsvilleTownsville

anWallamanFalls

Daintree

Mossman

Gordonvale

Mareeba

Atherton

Cairns

nnisfailInnisfail

Malanda

MountCarbine

MountMolloy

Millaa Millaa

Kuranda

Tarzali

Julatten

and GreenIsland

FitzroyIsland

CapeGrafton

arrabahYarrabaharrabah

indaBabinda

MourilyanMourilyan

winniMiriwinni

SouthSouthohnstoneJohnstone

SilkwoodSilkwoodEl ArishEl Arish

MenaMenaCreekCreek

inda Bramston BeachBramston Beach

Etty BayEtty BayMourilyan HarbourMourilyan Harbour

KurrimineKurrimine

LucindaLucinda

ForrestForrestBeachBeach

PallarendaPallarenda

SaundersSaundersBeachBeach

Mission BeachMission Beach

Cowley BeachCowley Beach

Bramston Beach

Etty BayMourilyan Harbour

Mourilyan

Herberton

winni

nnisfailSouth

ohnstone

KoombooloombaDam

KurrimineSilkwoodEl Arish

lyana

ennedy

Tully

Cardwell HinchinbrookIsland

Lucinda

HalifaxHalifaxHalifax

Abergowrie

ForrestBeach

Ingham

Trebonne

HiddenValley

OrpheusIsland

PalmIslands

Goold Island

Dunk Island

HeraldIsland Magnetic

IslandCape

Cleveland Pallarenda

SaundersBeach

PalumaRollingstone

Mission Beach

Townsville

an

u l g r av e

Ri v e r

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s se l

lR

iver

ay

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e r

S t ar

R i ve r

MenaCreek

Cowley Beach

ThuringowaThuringowaThuringowa

Peninsula Develop

men t R

oad

Little Mu l g r a v e R i v

e r

TolgaTolga

AthertonAtherton

HerbertonHerberton

YungaburraYungaburra

MalandaMalanda

KairiKairi

MareebaMareeba

RedlynchRedlynch

GordonvaleGordonvale

TinarooTinaroo

WalkaminWalkamin

EdmontonEdmonton

CairnsCairns

KurandaKuranda

TarzaliTarzali

Tolga

Atherton

Herberton

Yungaburra

Malanda

Kairi

Mareeba

Redlynch

Gordonvale

Tinaroo

Walkamin

SmithfieldSmithfield Heights HeightsSmithfield Heights

Edmonton

Cairns

0 km 5 10 15 20

Kuranda

Tarzali

Lake EachamLake EachamLake Eacham

Lake TinarooLake TinarooLake Tinaroo

LakeLakeBarrineBarrine

LakeBarrine

CopperlodeDam

A ther

ton

Herbe

r ton

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i v e r


Clohes y Ri v e

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One of the reasons the Wet Tropics waslisted as a World Heritage Area is itsspectacular scenery. Here are some

spots you shouldn’t miss...

For information on walking tracks look up our

website at www.wettropics.gov.au under ‘Things to Do’.

NORTHERN REGIONTABLELANDS REGIONCaptain Cook HighwayScenic drive from Cairns to Mossman. Great views

and beaches. Historic Bump Track hike from MowbrayValley. Camping only at commercial campgrounds at EllisBeach, Port Douglas and Mossman.

Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary A leader in wildlife exhibits, this award-winning wildlife

sanctuary provides a chance to observe up close a largerange of flora and fauna. Guided tours and displays.Admission charge. �(07) 4099 3235

Mossman GorgeA short track leads to Mossman River or take your

time and explore the rainforest along a 2.4km walkingtrack.A grassy area for picnics for day use only.QPWS Mossman �(07) 4098 2188

Daintree Ferry Crossing & VillageLocated 36km north of Mossman, the 21-car ferry

operates from 6am to midnight seven days a week.The Daintree village 10km upriver has art and craftshops, coffee shops, timber museum and river cruises.

Daintree Discovery CentrePreviously Daintree Rainforest Environmental Centre.

This privately owned visitor centre 11km north of theDaintree ferry on Tulip Oak Road features a canopyboardwalk and tower, theatres, interactive computersand experienced guides.Admission charge.� (07) 4098 9171

Jindalba700m boardwalk winds around a fern-edged creek.

There are some stairs on the walk. Look out forcassowaries. Picnic tables and toilets near the car park.QPWS � (07) 4098 2188

Thornton Beach & Noah BeachThornton Beach day use area and kiosk is 25km north

of the Daintree ferry.Another 5km north is Marrdjaboardwalk through rainforest and mangroves. 1.5km northof Marrdja is the Noah Beach national park campground,closed during extremely wet weather. Beware of marinestingers Oct to May. QPWS Cape Trib � (07) 4098 0052

‘Bat House’ Environment CentreOperated by the Australian Tropical Research

Foundation, this volunteer-run visitor facility at CapeTribulation has information on rainforest, reef andalternative technology. Open 10.30am to 3.30pm.Admission charge. �(07) 4098 0063

Cape TribulationVisit the Dubuji visitor area featuring 1.2km boardwalk

through rare rainforest growing on sand.Access tobeach here or via nearby mangrove boardwalk.Additional carpark and viewing platform at Kulki, 2kmnorth. QPWS Cape Trib �(07) 4098 0052

Black MountainGiant piles of black granite boulders 30km from

Cooktown have been the subject of Aboriginal legendsand European stories for many years.QPWS Cooktown �(07) 4069 5777

Keating’s LagoonA boardwalk and walking track built by local Gungarde

Aboriginal rangers follows the edge of this importantbird sanctuary 5km from Cooktown.A bird hide providesa perfect spot for watching magpie geese, black ducksand brolgas. QPWS Cooktown �(07) 4069 5777

Mount Cook National Park A 2km walking track passes through diverse vegetation

communities to the top of Mount Cook.The walk takesabout 90 minutes to the top. For group walks with anAboriginal guide, phone Gungarde Community Centre on�(07) 4069 5412. QPWS Cooktown �(07) 4069 5777

Nature’s Powerhouse, Cooktown Nestled in bushland in Cooktown’s historic Botanic

Gardens this centre features wildlife displays andbotanical art. Small admission charge. Open 9am to 5pmwith cafe open from 10am to 4pm 7 days a week.�1800 174 895

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KKeeyy ttoo SSyymmbboollss

Authorised Visitor Information Centre

Barbecue

Camping

Covered Picnic Table

Crocodile Warning

Open Fire

Picnic Table

Sightseeing

Toilets

Refreshments

Visitor Information

Walks

Wheelchair Access

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Kuranda Visitor Information CentreCentenary Park, Kuranda. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm.� (07) 4093 9311

Barron FallsThe Barron River drops dramatically from the Tablelands to the coaston the outskirts of Kuranda. QPWS Cairns � (07) 4053 4533

Davies CreekSwimming pools and stunning waterfalls surrounded by eucalypt forests.The 6km unsealed road can be rough. Bring charcoal for the fireplaces.

Camping fees apply. Past the national park is restricted access.QPWS Cairns � (07) 4053 4533

Danbulla Forest DriveA 30km drive around Lake Tinaroo between the dam wall and GilliesHighway. Numerous day use areas, walks and camping sites.QPWS Atherton � (07) 4091 1844

Lake BarrineVisit the giant Kauri trees at the beginning of the 5.1km circuit walk nearthis crater lake, or take a boat cruise across the water.Wet Tropicsdisplays at the kiosk. QPWS � (07) 4095 3768

Atherton Tablelands Information CentreOpen 7 days Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat, Sun 9am to 5pm. Extendedhours on weekdays Jun to Aug only – Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm. Cnr

Main and Silo Road,Atherton. Sells gifts, souvenirs and local produce.� (07) 4091 4222 � (07) 4091 7394

Curtain Fig TreeThis is one of the best-known tourist attractions on the AthertonTableland, 3km from Yungaburra.The fig tree has a curtain of aerial rootswhich drop 15m to the ground. QPWS Atherton � (07) 4091 1844

Hasties SwampNyleta Bird Hide at Hastie’s Swamp near Atherton has a bird list of over

220 species. Bird numbers peak between July and Sept. QPWS Lake Eacham� (07) 4095 3768 or Birds Australia North Qld � (07) 4096 8230

Lake EachamSimilar to Lake Barrine, this is a lake in an extinct volcanic crater.WetTropics volunteers often lead guided walks on weekends. 700m self-

guided walk from the picnic area or 3km circuit walk.QPWS Lake Eacham � (07) 4095 3768

Malanda Falls Visitor CentreThis volunteer-run centre at Malanda Falls takes visitors on a journey ofdiscovery. Learn how the Tablelands was formed and how animals,

plants and people have survived and adapted.Two short walks (1km)where Lumholtz Tree-kangaroos and platypus are often seen.Open 9.30am – 4.30pm daily � (07) 4096 6957

Mt Hypipamee (The Crater)Look out over this geological curiosity caused by a build-up of under-ground gases. Easy walking track leads to picturesque Dinner Falls at theheadwaters of the Barron River. QPWS Lake Eacham � (07) 4095 3768

Waterfall Circuit Don’t miss this short drive which takes in Millaa Millaa, Zillie andElinjaa waterfalls.The circuit begins on the outskirts of Millaa Millaatownship and loops around to finish 2km away. � (07) 4096 6957

Ravenshoe Visitor CentreVolunteers staff the centre from 9am to 4pm daily. Other localattractions include a steam train on weekends and public holidays andmarkets every fourth Sunday of the month. � (07) 4097 7700

Millstream FallsSpilling over a basalt lava flow, these falls are the widest in Australia.Open eucalypt forest is dominated by stringybarks, bloodwoods and

ironbarks. Bottlebrushes border the creek. QPWS Gulf Savannah � (07) 4097 6721 QPWS Lake Eacham � (07) 4095 3768

Tully Gorge (Upper)A lookout 25km from Ravenshoe provides awe-inspiring views of thedeep gorge below.Walking track leads to more views.QPWS Lake Eacham � (07) 4095 3768

Koombooloomba DamThis artificial lake supplies Kareeya Power Station. Popular amongcampers and canoeists. QPWS Atherton � (07) 4091 1844

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10


Margit Cianelli is a wildlife carerliving in the Tablelands. Shestarted her career in wildlife caring

almost 37 years ago when she worked as azookeeper at the Stuttgart Zoo inGermany. Margit cared for animals thathad been injured or that had been rejectedby their mothers – from hummingbirds tobears. When she moved here 32 years ago,it was only natural that she carried on herprofession, albeit on a volunteer basis.

Long before there was any formal wildliferescue service, she was rehabilitating andreleasing animals. When the FNQ WildlifeRescue Service was formed, Margitvolunteered as the coordinator for thesouthern Tablelands area.

Margit was also a founding member of theTree Kangaroo and Mammal Group backin 1997. Tree kangaroos are Margit’s biglove and up to now she has cared for andreleased seven Lumholtz tree-kangaroos.

It’s not all about feeding and pettingthough – Margit has also found itnecessary to teach young tree roos how toact in the wild. She often spends time upthe tree with these animals teaching themand supporting them as they learn to climband hop from branch to branch.

Margit has also cared for a myriad of otherrainforest animals, including Herbert Riverringtail, green ringtail and striped possums;six quolls from the same litter at once; andan inquisitive echidna named ‘Snorkel’, whotook refuge in her kitchen cupboard.

Being a wildlife carer is certainly not aglamorous job. Margit will often stay awakeuntil 11 or 12 o’clock at night for the lastnightly feed, and then be up again at two inthe morning to catch bugs in time for a fiveo’clock breakfast. Amongst all of this,Margit somehow finds time to give talks atschools, run a Bed and Breakfast and workat the local high school two days a week.

Margit has long been the voice for thosewho have no voice in the Wet Tropicsand has cared for hundreds of animalsover the years. In Margit’s words, “wecan’t all be animal carers but we can allcare for animals.”

Margit won a Cassowary Award last year for her work as a wildlife carer in the region.

ABOVE: Margit with Geoffrey, a Lumholtz tree-kangaroo.

Caring for our wildlife

W ith increasing traffic andsubsequent highway upgrades,roads now present a real

problem for rainforest wildlife. Road killsare a tragic result where animal habitatshave been fragmented by roads. For somespecies, such as the endangered cassowaryand Lumholtz tree-kangaroo, death onroads is a threat to species survival.

To combat these threats, RainforestCooperative Research Centre researchersfrom James Cook University and officersfrom the Queensland Parks and WildlifeService, the Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority and the Department of Main

Roads have combined forces to successfullydesign and construct safe crossings for ourrainforest fauna.

Faunal overpasses

Canopy dwelling species such as the rarerainforest ringtail possums hardly everventure to the ground, meaning that someare unable to cross even narrow roads. Forthese animals roads pose a severe barrier,with the potential to completely dividepopulations. Short-term effects of a dividedpopulation could lead to potentialextinctions in small forest fragments whilelong-term effects include an increased

likelihood of inbreeding. Global warming islikely to further restrict the area of habitatavailable to these upland species.

A solution to this problem has been thecreation of faunal overpasses in the form ofrope bridges or rope tunnels which connectcanopy trees high above the road. Theseartificial canopy linkages provide a safecrossing ponit for canopy dwelling species.

Faunal underpasses

For many other rainforest species, the hotdry open road areas, traffic noise andvehicle movement constitute such a

ABOVE: Faunal overpass, a Herbert River ringtail possum crossing a ropebridge. (Photo: Nigel Weston)

LEFT: Faunal underpass, East Evelyn Road. (Photo: Jonathon Munro)

Wildlife crossings

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Spectacular images ofwaterfalls,landscapes and

wildlife feature on theWet TropicsManagement Authority’slatest image CD.

The CD also has maps,logos and World Heritage information for

the tourism industry. Images were provided byTownsville Enterprise Limited, Tourism TropicalNorth Queensland and local wildlife photographer MikeTrenerry. The project was funded by TourismQueensland as part of the Authority’s Nature BasedTourism Strategy. For more information contact theAuthority on email: [email protected] or phone 07 4052 0531.

harsh contrast to the natural forest thatroads become partial or complete barriers toground-dwelling animals. To reduce the riskof road kill and combat the fragmentingeffect of roads on species movements,faunal underpasses have been constructed.Some of these underpasses are large enoughto allow animals as big as the cassowary tomove easily through them. Food and coverplants are used to attract target species tothe entrances of the underpasses. Inside theunderpass rocks and logs provide cover forsmall ground-dwelling fauna while large treebranches and ropes hanging from the top ofunderpasses provide refuge for the treeclimbing species beneath the road.

The continued incorporation of faunalcrossings in new road designs will helpsafeguard a number of rare and threatenedspecies, and assist Australia to meet itsinternational obligations to protect ourunique wildlife under the World Heritageconvention. The demonstrated effectivenessof the faunal over and under passes hasrecently led to their use in road upgradesthroughout Australia. Globally, the northQueensland research team lead the field inrainforest road ecology and the design ofinnovative measures to reduce the impactsof roads on rainforest fauna.

The Rainforest Aboriginal tribal eldersfrom the Ngadjonji people(pronounced ‘nudge-in-gee’), whose

traditional lands cover the area aroundMalanda on the Atherton Tableland, areusing the internet to educate the worldabout their history and culture.

The web site is based on the Ngadjonjihistorical and cultural educational display atthe Malanda Falls Visitor Centre. Both thedisplay and the web site feature artwork bycontemporary Ngadjonji artists; informationabout the their traditional lands, history,language and culture; and photographsdating from as early as 1890.

The Elders were assisted by the lateMargaret Huxley of Malanda, with theresearch and preparation for both thedisplay and the web site. Together, theyspent many long hours in regionalmuseums and historical societies siftingthrough thousands of old photographssearching for anything relating to theirtribe. The Elders also contributed copies of

their own treasured photographs. Howeverperhaps their greatest generosity was thesharing of their memories, some of whichare of overwhelming hardship. Inappreciation of Margaret’s help, she washonored with the tribal name of ‘Dulabul’.

The present day Ngadjonji Elders continuetheir generous willingness to share much oftheir rainforest lore with the widercommunity. It is their intention tocontribute to a greater understanding oftheir culture and to highlight the effectthat European settlement had onRainforest Aboriginal people.

Launching Ngadjonjiculture to the world

New Worldfor tour

Learn more about the Ngadjonji people andtheir culture on the web at:www.koori.usyd.edu.au/ngadjonji.

The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre is open 7 daysa week from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Ngadjonjirainforest walks are conducted from thecentre.To book ph: 07 4096 6957.

Wildlife crossings – (continued)

Heritage image CDoperators

12


Snakes are the silent and highly skilledhunters of our forests. They slither theirway through rainforest canopies, nooksand crannies, leaf litter and across riversand streams. With lightning speed and

accuracy they strike at and quicklysubdue their prey. For a small mammal,

bird, lizard or frog there is probablynothing more frightening than

being tracked by one of themost skilful predators in

the rainforest ecosystem.

The Wet Tropics is hometo many different snakesthat play an important

role in the food chain.These include Australia’s

largest snake, theamethystine python, and the

world’s second most venomoussnake, the coastal taipan.

Generally, there are fourdifferent types of snake that

live in the Wet Tropics: • pythons• colubrids (fangs to the rear of the mouth)• elapids (fangs to the front of the mouth)• blind snakes.

Pythons

Pythons are non-venomous and useconstriction to overpower their prey. Like allsnakes they consume their prey whole. Fivepython species live in the Wet Tropics.These are the amethystine python, thespotted python, the water python, thecarpet python and the black-headed python.The amethystine python is the largest of allAustralian snakes and can reach lengths upto 5m – although, there is an unofficialrecord of an amethystine python caught inGordonvale that measured 8.5m. Pythonsare often seen at night preying on mammalssuch as bandicoots, wallabies, rats and birds,including domestic chickens.

Colubrid snakes

There are six species of rear-fangedcolubrid snakes in the Wet Tropics. Thisgroup has either no fangs or fangs towardthe back of their mouths. While they willreadily bite you if provoked, they pose no

threat to humans. Snakes in this groupinclude tree and water snakes and theslatey-grey snake. One species, thefreshwater or keelback snake can eat smallcane toads without any ill effect.

Elapid snakes

Elapid snakes are the most widespread anddiverse group in Australia. They areidentified by a pair of short, hollow ordeeply grooved fangs in the upper jaw.

King

BELOW:The Keelback Snake

Pythons and most colubrids

Colubrid - rear fanged

Elapid - front fanged

of the jungleDental characteristics of snakes

LEFT:Amethystine Python

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AMETHYSTINEPYTHONFACTSSpecies: Morelia kinghorni

Common Name: Scrub Python

Status: common

Distribution: found only in Queensland,from north of Townsville

to the tip of Cape York

Habitat: mostly ground dwelling inrainforest, costal scrub and adjacent

woodlands. Can be found basking in moreopen areas in the cool dry season

Weight: adults around 20kg(depending on last feed)

Length: around 5m

Behaviour: nocturnal predator which willsit and wait to ambush prey. Heat

sensory pits on lower lips detect prey bybody heat. Kills prey through constriction

and suffocation

Diet: mostly mammals and birds includingdomestic chickens

Mating season: late in the dry seasonwhen temperature increases.

Male will actively search for female and staywith her for days or weeks. May wrestle each

other for the chance to mate with a female

Mating season: July and August

Clutch: varies from 5 to 17 eggs.Some pythons coil around their eggs and

use muscular shivering to warm them.

Threats: habitat destruction and vehicle strike

Wet Tropics Snakes• 41 different types of snakes live in the

Wet Tropics.

• 5 of the world’s 10 most venomous snakesare found here.These include the coastaltaipan, common death adder, king brownsnake, eastern brown snake and red-belliedblack snake.

• Most Australian snakes evolved relativelyrecently (up to 15 million years ago) fromAsian species.

• A snake’s internal organs are elongated tomatch their body shape.

• 4 major groups of snakes in the WetTropics are:

1. Pythons (5 species).

2. Rear fanged and solid toothed colubridsnakes (6 species).

3. Front fanged or elapid snakes (26 species)

4. Blind snakes (4 species).

These fangs are enclosed in a fleshy sheaththat is connected to a venom duct on theside of the head. While this group containssome of the world’s most venomoussnakes, the majority of elapids areinoffensive and virtually harmless.

Of the 26 species of elapids that live in theWet Tropics region, most are unlikely tocause humans any concern. However, someof the most feared snakes in Australiabelong to this group and include thecoastal taipan, death adder, king brownsnake, red-bellied black snake, easternbrown snake and rough-scaled snake.

Blind snakes

The last group of snakes that live in the WetTropics are the little known and rarelyencountered blind snakes. These burrowing,non-venomous snakes are small, smooth andworm-like. They have a blunt head, veryreduced eyes and feed on termites and ants.Blind snakes should not be confused with theharmless legless lizards. Legless lizards haveear holes and do not have a forked tongue.

Enjoy walking in the forests of the Wet Tropicsbut be wary of snakes. If you do confront asnake the best policy is to stay back, keepstill, admire its beauty and let it be.

Acknowledgement: Dr Martin Cohen

If you find a snake in or near yourhouse contact the Queensland Parks andWildlife Service for advice on its removalon the EPA hotline: � 1300 130 372 (Cairns and Townsville).

ABOVE: Brown Tree Snake

• In the unlikely event of snakebite the priorityis to stop the venom reaching the body’sgeneral circulation and to keep the patientvery still and calm.

• Wrap an elastic or crepe bandage tightly overthe wound and over the entire limb at thesame pressure as for a sprained ankle.

• Elevate and immobilise the limb by applying asplint and a second bandage.

• If the snakebite is to the head or trunk keepthe patient as still as possible.

• Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake foridentification as this may lead to further bites.If possible identify the snake or at least notesome of its features.

• Seek medical help immediately.

It is also very important that you:

• Stay calm and keep others calm.

• DO NOT wash the wound (the snake can beidentified from venom traces).

• DO NOT attempt to suck or cut the bite site.

SNAKEBITE FIRST AID

Common Tree Snake

ABOVE: Northern Crown Snake

ABOVE:Water Python

14


ABOVE: (L–R) Lyndon Riley,Garna Brim and Lester

Shuan.

LEFT: Russell Butler,

Historic Rainforest Aboriginal Agreement

After nearly four years of negotiationsand over two decades of rallying byRainforest Aboriginal people, the

Wet Tropics Regional Agreement has beencompleted. The Agreement heralds a newera in cooperative cultural heritage and landmanagement between the Queensland andAustralian Governments and TraditionalOwners in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Over 400 Traditional Owners and severalsenior government officials witnessed thesigning of the Agreement at a ceremony heldat Warrina Lakes at Innisfail. Nearly 40people signed the document. They includedrepresentatives from the RainforestAboriginal tribal groups, the ParliamentarySecretary to the Australian Minister for theEnvironment and Heritage, Greg Hunt;Queensland Minister for the Environment,Desley Boyle; the Queensland Minister forNatural Resources and Mines, StephenRobertson; and Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority Board Chair, John Grey.

The Wet Tropics Regional Agreementprovides the foundation for the involvementof Rainforest Aboriginal people in decision-making and on-ground managementactivities in cooperation with governmentagencies in the World Heritage Area.Negotiations for the Agreement werefacilitated by the Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority and funded by the Queenslandand Australian Governments.

Chair of the Aboriginal RainforestCouncil, Russell Butler Jnr. said he waskeen to see the procedures outlined inthe Agreement taken on board by thegovernment agencies responsible forthe World Heritage Area.

“We are very excited at theopportunities the Agreement creates forthe Indigenous community. TraditionalOwners will be able to share knowledgewith government agencies as well as play asignificant part in the decision making andconsultation process regarding themanagement of our traditional lands,” Mr Butler said.

Wet Tropics Management Authority BoardChair, John Grey, said the Agreement was apositive step forward for the manyTraditional Owner groups in the Area.

“The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area istruly an amazing place. Just as the rainforestis naturally diverse with many plant andanimal species, it is also culturally diverse.The Authority is proud to be a part of thissuccess story and will continue to activelysupport Rainforest Aboriginal people to bemeaningfully involved in managing theWorld Heritage Area.”

ABOVE:The Regional Agreement artwork signifies the historicalagreement in 2005 between Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groupsand the Australian and Queensland Governments tocooperatively manage the Wet Tropics area.

Central to the Agreement artwork is a rainforest ceremonialfighting shield. The shield design is contemporary andsymbolises Rainforest Aboriginal people coming together as‘one voice’ from throughout the Wet Tropics area to work withgovernment agencies to manage cultural and natural heritage.

Surrounding the shield are traditional foods and medicinalresources that represent Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’customary use of the Wet Tropics area. The outer artwork ismade up of tribal totems that represent the cultural identityand the spiritual connection that each Rainforest Aboriginaltribal group has with their country.

BELOW: Queensland Environment Minister, Desley Boyle, withtraditional dancers representing Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginaltribal groups.

ABOVE: L–R: Queensland Minister for Natural Resourcesand Mines, Stephen Robertson, Melvin Hunter(Djabugay), Queensland Environment Minister DesleyBoyle, Rhonda Brim (Djabugay) and ParliamentarySecretary to the Australian Minister for the Environmentand Heritage, Greg Hunt.

LEFT: Russell Butler Jnrand Greg Hunt

ABOVE:L–R: Lyndon Riley, GarnaBrim and Lester Shuan.

RIGHT: Doris Kinjin

15


by Michaela Groenestyn (FNQ NRM Ltd)

Forests are extraordinary places. Full ofvibrant colours, towering trees, andunique animals. Our north Queensland

rainforests are filled with thousands ofdifferent species of animals and plants. Thefact that so many species can coexist meanssomething special is going on under thatvast canopy.

Each animal and plant species serves aspecial purpose for the proper function ofthe environment. It is well known thatforest species provide and receive benefitsfrom each other. But did you know thatthey also help farmers?

For example, birds and sugar gliders help tocontrol pest insects. Birds eat up to 60% ofinsects found on woodland trees and sugargliders help out eucalypt trees by eatingaround 25 Christmas beetles each day.

Christmas beetles are serious pests for thenative eucalypt.

While some insects are harmful to plants,others play a critical role in their survival.Some species of insects found in therainforest also provide a pollination serviceto farms. Native insects also pollinate thefruit and vegetables we grow in ourbackyards. It is important to take care of ournative wildlife and our natural ecosystems tokeep them working in harmony and topreserve them for the future.

Living in a mud hut in Africa andworking with very limited resourceswithout getting paid, may not be

everybody’s idea of a holiday – but for WetTropics Project Officer, M’Lis Flynn, it was aKenyan paradise for three months.

In addition to her work at Wet Tropics,M’Lis is a volunteer at the UgunjaCommunity Resource Centre in aparticipatory mapping project, mapping outimportant resources in the area for villagers.

M’Lis has worked as a GeographicalInformation Systems (GIS) officer with theWet Tropics Management Authority for fiveyears and recently joined the Authority’sAboriginal Resource Management Team.The Authority’s GIS officers create maps of

the World Heritage Area that showvegetation types and areas of highenvironmental value for land managementpurposes. With the Aboriginal ResourceManagement Team, M’Lis works with

Rainforest Aboriginal people in cooperativemanagement of the World Heritage Area.

Using her professional skills, M’Lis ishelping the villagers map and documentessential information for the very first time.Facilities such as wells for fresh water,medical clinics, hospitals and schools areshown. Environmental mapping is alsoimportant. Identifying agricultural crops,their seasonal success or failure, malariaoutbreaks and forests where firewood can becollected are vital. So far M’Lis has trained10 volunteers at the community centre inGIS, with the goal that those volunteers willbe able to train others.

M’Lis works in the Aboriginal ResourceManagement Team at the Authority.

Meet one of our staff ~ M’Lis Flynn

Sugargliders help to control pests of eucalypt trees by eating

around 25 Christmas beetles a day.

ABOVE: M'Lis and volunteer Bernard in the Ugunja community library.

More than justa pretty place...

There are dedicated wildlife carers throughoutnorthern Queensland. Before you phone thenumbers below, get a precise location of the animal. Ifyou are in a remote area and have some wildlifehandling experience, you may decide to pick up theanimal and take it to the nearest wildlife carer.

Approach injured and distressed animals withcaution. Normally shy wallabies have a nasty kick and

bite if they are in pain. Often the best thing to do isapproach animals from behind and throw a towelover them. If the animal is cold and wet, the towelwill soak up some moisture and trap their body heat.Many wildlife carers keep an emergency towel,pillowcase and cardboard box in their cars for thispurpose. Keep the animal in a darkened, quietenvironment (not the boot of the car) and keepchildren and family pets away from the animal.

HELP FOR INJURED WILDLIFE A PHONE CALL AWAY

Phone contacts for wildlife carers

• TownsvilleMobile: 0414 717374

• Cairns(07) 4053 4467 Mobile: 0409 517 101

• Tablelands(07) 4091 2683

• Daintree Coast(07) 4098 9079Mobile: 0428 736 029

• Julatten(07) 4094 1177

• Cooktown(07) 4069 6229

The Wet Tropics World Heritage

Area is famous for its breath-

taking scenery of lush green

mountains, cascading waterfalls and

extraordinary plant and animal species.

Travellers from Australia and abroad

visit the region to immerse themselves

in the environmental wonders of our

tropical forest haven.

The Wet Tropics was inscribed on the

World Heritage list in 1988 for its

natural values. The forests are

recognised as being internationally

significant and their conservation

important for current and future

generations. Although not yet listed for

its cultural values, Rainforest Aboriginal

cultural heritage is closely linked with

the natural environment and has helped

to shape the forests that we see today.

Within approximately 900,000ha of

World Heritage Area, a range of fragile

and sensitive ecosystems interact. These

include tropical rainforest, open

eucalypt, swamp and mangrove forests.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority,

the community and other government

agencies work together to protect the

World Heritage Area from pressures such

as fragmentation, weeds, feral animals

and diseases. Many threats come from

outside the World Heritage Area, and

the Authority encourages sustainable

tourism, agriculture and ecologically

sensitive activities throughout the region.

Stretching for 450km from Townsville to

Cooktown in Tropical North

Queensland, the Wet Tropics covers just

0.2% of Australia, but is one of the most

biologically diverse and environmentally

important regions of the world. The

forests found here are a living museum

of ancient plant species and a record of

the major stages in the earth’s

evolutionary history.

It has retained most of the ancient plant

species that existed on earth almost 450

million years ago when Australia was part

of the supercontinent Gondwana.

As you walk through the cool

understorey and look deep into the forest

you can imagine a prehistoric landscape

with primordial creatures seeking out

their food. You may come across the

elusive and endangered cassowary, with

its enormous clawed feet and horned

casque, studiously picking its way

through the undergrowth, or the oldest

marsupial species, the musky rat-

kangaroo foraging in the leaf litter.

Ancient king ferns with the largest fronds

in the world tower above, while below

cycads compete for sunlight through the

canopy. Lichens and fungi nestle in the

huge buttresses of rainforest trees that

have withstood the test of time as the

shrill cry of the remnant bird species, the

chowchilla, echoes through the forest.

The Wet Tropics is an environmental

treasure we must care for and pass on to

future generations. It provides us with a

recreational and scenic backdrop to our

urban lifestyle. It provides us with clean

water and filters our air so that we can

live in a healthy environment. Our

rainforest heritage attracts domestic and

international visitors, creating jobs to

support the local economy. As caretakers

of this rich natural heritage, let’s look

after it.

What you can do:

• Put rubbish in the bin or take

it with you - pack it in, pack

it out.

• Stick to walking tracks.

• Camp in designated camp sites.

• Leave domestic pets at home.

• Resist the temptation to feed

wildlife, it harms them.

• Most of all – enjoy our World

Heritage treasure!

The Wet Tropics was inscribed on theWorld Heritage list because:

• It is the oldest tropical rainforest on earth.

• It has Australia’s greatest diversity ofanimals and plants.

• It protects areas where rare andthreatened species still survive.

• It contains areas of exceptionalnatural beauty.

Our ancient heritageA U S T R A L I A ’ S T R O P I C A L R A I N F O R E S T S W O R L D H E R I T A G E

Lumholtz Tree-kangaroo

Cassowary

Musky Rat-kangaroo

Documents

AUSTRALIA’S TROPICAL RAINFORESTS WORLD HERITAGE