JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory

27 November 2025

Did you know James Cook University (JCU) is not only the closest university to the Great Barrier Reef, but also just a 2-hour drive from the Daintree Rainforest—the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on Earth!

jcu daintree rainforest observatory crane
JCU’s Daintree Rainforest Observatory crane

As Australia’s leading tropical research university, JCU is the perfect place to conduct research in ecology, environment, and marine science.

Life in the Tropical Daintree
The Daintree is the largest continuous rainforest in Australia, defined by an average annual rainfall of 3500 mm, with 70% falling during the humid wet season (December–April).

It’s home to a spectacular and complex canopy, with trees up to 40 metres high! This lush environment supports incredible biodiversity, including unique fauna, with more than 700 vertebrate species, like Bennett’s tree-kangaroos, striped possums, and the iconic, prehistoric-looking cassowary.

You’ll also find a multitude of reptiles and amphibians, like Boyd’s forest dragons, pythons, and two types of colubrid snakes—which are characterized by having flexible jaws and a lack of fangs at the front of their mouth, although some rear-fanged species can deliver a mild venom.

The JCU Research Hub
The JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory (DRO) is strategically located in a World Heritage Area where the reef meets the rainforest.

This state-of-the-art facility provides students, researchers, and groups with hands-on experience focused on rainforest ecology. The sensitive design features

  • labs and conference facilities;
  • accommodation for up to 56 people; and
  • eco-friendly systems using solar power, rainwater harvesting, and specialized sewage treatment.

The Giant Canopy Crane
The most unique feature of the DRO is the giant canopy crane. This isn’t just a fun ride; it’s a critical research tool! The crane lifts researchers high above the treetops, allowing them to closely study every part of the rainforest ecosystem—from the ground right up to the top of the 40-metre canopy and the air above it.

This facility offers unparalleled access for JCU students studying the world’s most unique tropical environments!

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Learn more about studying undergraduate sciences or postgraduate sciences at James Cook University. Reach out to study@oztrekk.com for more information.

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