Set in the Daintree Rainforest—Earth’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest—this 30-hectare site once supported rich biodiversity. Decades of sugarcane farming and cattle grazing removed most of the original vegetation. Only a thin strip of regrowth remains along old cane drains.
The soil has been compacted and degraded, and invasive weeds block natural recovery. Rainforest Rescue acquired the property in 2024 to reverse this damage and reconnect the landscape. Because it lies close to protected areas and wildlife corridors, restoring this land is a high priority for regional conservation.
The project will restore 22 hectares through planting a carefully selected mix of native trees, designed to replicate the original forest structure. The focus is on locally endemic species suited to the Regional Ecosystems. Invasive weeds will be removed prior to planting.
An additional 8 hectares are regenerating naturally, with support through weed control and monitoring. Thousands of trees will be planted in phases starting in 2025, with ongoing care to ensure strong growth. Restoration work will also include carbon tracking, landscape monitoring, and long-term ecological assessments using frameworks like BioCondition and Accounting for Nature.
This restoration project helps bring back habitat for the Southern Cassowary, Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo, and countless native birds, insects, and amphibians. Many of the trees planted will provide food and shelter for frugivores, boosting natural regeneration.
Replanting also improves soil health, reduces erosion, and filters runoff before it reaches the Great Barrier Reef. Over time, this site will transform from degraded farmland into a rich, functioning rainforest ecosystem, strengthening biodiversity and protecting marine environments downstream.
