The Daintree Discovery Centre has marked its 36th anniversary (today) with the official opening of a new 100-metre elevated walkway and two new technology-driven experiences that make one of the world’s oldest rainforests more accessible than ever before.
The new Jarrabina Terraces, an accessible canopy walkway that links the Discovery Theatre to the Interpretive Centre via the Cassowary Circuit, has officially opened, representing the latest milestone in the Centre’s long-standing commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism.
The $500,000 project was jointly funded through the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund Access Project Grant, with matched funding provided by the Daintree Discovery Centre, which is owned by the Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT).
GREAT is one of Australia’s largest Aboriginal-based social enterprises, with a mission to foster economic empowerment and create life-changing opportunities through enterprise development across regional and remote communities.
In addition to the new walkway, the Centre has launched a Virtual Reality (VR) rainforest experience and a joystick-operated 360-degree canopy camera, supported by a further $20,000 Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant, with additional funding also matched by the Centre.
These innovations allow guests with mobility limitations or a fear of heights to experience the rainforest’s elevated viewpoints and walking trails from ground level.
Fred Pascoe, Chair of GREAT, said the upgrades reflected the Centre’s belief that nature and education should be accessible to all.
“We know the rainforest presents natural challenges, but these projects remove some of the barriers that prevent people from enjoying it,” Pascoe said.
“Whether that is via a physical structure like the Jarrabina Terraces or virtually through technology, we want every visitor to have the chance to experience the Daintree.”
He said the Centre’s investment aligned closely with the objectives of the Year of Accessible Tourism, delivering high-impact improvements that would benefit both visitors and the broader community.
“This is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to engage with nature, to learn from it and to be inspired by it, regardless of their abilities.
“It’s a strong example of how infrastructure and innovation can work together to deliver social and cultural impact.”
Abigail Ralph, manager of the Daintree Discovery Centre, said accessibility had been a personal passion for many years and she was proud to see the vision now fully realised.
“Driving this project has been incredibly important to me. Accessibility is not just an add on or something you just do because you have to.
“It is about creating dignity and choice for all of our guests,” she said. “We want every visitor, regardless of ability, to feel that this place is for them.
“That they belong here, and that they can experience the wonder of the rainforest in their own way side by side with their family and friends.”
Located in Cow Bay, the Daintree Discovery Centre is a multi-award-winning ecotourism attraction and environmental education facility.
The site is home to a 23-metre-high Canopy Tower, interpretive walks, holographic theatre experience and a host of cultural and environmental displays, all designed to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s oldest lowland tropical rainforest.
For Daintree Discovery Centre opening times, visit www.discoverthedaintree.com.
ENDS
The accessibility upgrades were delivered with support from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund and Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant, part of the $12 million Year of Accessible Tourism initiative.
For interview requests, please contact:
Tanya Snelling
Strategic PR
0417 202 663
IMAGE CAPTION:
Stephen Burke, Abigail Ralph, Andrea Ryan, Brian Arnold, Veronica and Faith Soloman and Fred Pascoe at the official opening of Jarrabina Terraces.
VISION AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
The following spokespeople have been interviewed as part of the VNR package:
• Brian Arnold, General Manager, Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT)
• Fred Pascoe, Chair, Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT)
• Stephen Burke, Builder, True North Constructions
• Glenn Easley, Daintree Discovery Centre guest
