Tropical North Queensland is home to the stunning Wet Tropics of Queensland, a region along the northeast coast of Australia known for its tropical rainforests. Designated as a World Heritage site due to its Outstanding Universal Value, the area boasts ancient rainforests that are 80 million years old, older than the Amazon, with remnants of the Gondwanan forest.
The region is characterized by its high biodiversity, with over 700 species of endemic plants and at least 88 species of vertebrate animals, making it one of the most biodiverse areas globally, surpassing the diversity of the Galapagos Islands. The Wet Tropics hold cultural significance as well, with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples as the Traditional Custodians, representing numerous clans and language groups, recognized for their distinctive traditions and land management techniques.
The Wet Tropics area encompasses more than 30 national parks, each offering unique landscapes and attractions, including waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands and the convergence point of two World Heritage areas at Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach, where the reef and rainforest meet. Exploring the State Forests of Tropical North Queensland provides travelers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this remarkable region.