Ideal pitch for tourism

Campsites approval gives Daintree boost

A NEW tourist park in Cape Tribulation has been given the green light, reassuring tourists that the region is open for business despite being rocked by a 118-year record flood.

The park will contain 15 campsites with a 60-person capacity and is located on about 0.65ha of land next to Cape Tribulation Rd.

The development complements the existing Cape Tribulation Camping ground.

Some minor works will be carried out before the park is officially open, including gravel placement to make the road suitable for motorhome access.

An amenity block, including laundry facilities and a dedicated on-site wastewater treatment system, will also be installed.

Douglas Shire Council approved the new tourist park last week.

“Camping in the Daintree is one of those truly iconic Australian experiences that draws tourists from everywhere to our region,” Mayor Julia Leu said.

“Council knows there is a definite hunger to experience our World Heritage-listed icons in the growing eco-tourism market and we can encourage these visitors by approving sustainable developments such as this campsite.”

Ms Leu said the new tourist park would also showcase that the Douglas region was back to business as usual following a severe wet period.

PK’s Jungle Village office manager Cristie Manning said word that Daintree tourism was back in business was taking time to reach southern visitors and the campground extension was welcome news for the area.

“From a personal point of view, I don’t think it will benefit our business but the area as a whole will benefit,” she said.

“Especially in the busy season for campers.”

Cr Leu believed the extended campsite would strengthen Cape Tribulation’s camping capacity and entice more self-drive travellers to visit the Daintree.

“After a trying period of severe weather, our region is definitely open for business and we need to encourage people to flow into our pristine shire,” Cr Leu said.

“I want to call on people to make this weekend a ‘Daintree Weekend’ and head north to the most enchanting place where the rainforest meets the reef.”

The council has also promoted the Douglas Card to boost visitation to the Daintree in traditionally softer visitor periods.

The card entitles people to free travel on the Daintree Ferry.