Breathtaking views
Standing on a 16m platform high above the Daintree canopy and surrounded by breathtaking beauty, it was only moments before my 6-year-old son was off and gliding seamlessly through the air with the expansive rainforest at his feet and with a smile just as wide.
Whether you seek a Tarzan-like adventure and the novelty and fun of an exhilarating experience through the treetops, or a once in a lifetime birdseye's view of the world's oldest rainforest, Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours will not disappoint.
The Eco-certified tours, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest in Cape Tribulation, is a day trip from Cairns. It is recommended that you allow 3 hours for the drive up to ensure you arrive in time for the welcome and briefing prior to the commencement of your session.
Image by Jungle Surfing canopy tours
The car journey takes you along the scenic coast road with a short Daintree river ferry crossing passing through Cassowary country. If you have booked a morning Jungle Surfing session, it is best to have cash handy to pay for the ferry transfer. At the time of writing, the return ferry journey costs $27.00 per car.
After a welcome meet and greet by the friendly staff and completing the necessary paperwork, we were eager to board the shuttle bus for a slightly bumpy ride up to the harness fitting area (about a 5 minutes drive away).
Our 2 hour guided ziplining session consisted of a small intimate group of about 10 or so people, including ourselves. Staff were on hand to fit us into our harnesses and this included available safety gear for little ones. The Jungle Surfing Canopy experience is available to anyone from the ages of 3 to 103. There are no limits to those who want to take exploration to a higher level!
Darth vadar ready to go
From the moment we put on our safety helmets, bearing the names of our alter egos, we were 'transported to another world'. I was Princess Leia, my eldest; Wolverine, and my youngest Darth Vadar.
A short stroll along the boardwalk took us through the rainforest with lots of interesting facts to learn about the flora and fauna found in this unique ecosystem and its evolution. It wasn't long before we arrived at the start of the ziplining course.
Informative and interesting facts along the way
A unique and environmentally-friendly 'lift' takes participants to the top of the first tower in the form of a human hamster wheel. It could just well be a world first! My sons had no hesitation putting in some easy legwork to spin us to the top of the first platform for our first special glimpse of the treetop canopy.
Environmental friendly 'lift'
The first platform stands at 16m high and the journey from the first to the second platform was a thrilling 43m long ride undertaken in pairs. You can share the adrenaline rush with your companion in this first trip. It is easy to step off the platform knowing that the speed and ride between each journey is in the control of the attentive staff, who are located on both the departing and arrival platforms.
Ready to go
After taking the plunge from the first platform, the next one is located 7m high with a 55m ride to platform 3. The staff are knowledgeable and share lots of information about the rainforest along the journey in between turns. My two sons were enthralled while in the air or otherwise standing in awe listening to the staff about this beautiful rare location.
A magical breathtaking zipline to the next platform erased any previous apprehension, giving way to sheer exhilaration from flying though the treetops to then feelings of admiration and awe of this beautiful forest.
Platform 3 is an impressive 19.5m high structure with a span of 78m to the next platform crossing over a small gorge and river.
The panoramic views from high above stretch far over the forest canopy with a clear view of the Coral Sea in the distance. At this height, the dense forest opens up to full sun - a rare sight for most of the rainforest flora and fauna who call this part of the world home.
There is a pause midway through this zipline, stopping over the river for an opportunity to truly appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the forest, the peacefulness which is only broken by the sounds of the bustling life within.
scenic panaromic views
The fourth platform is 16m high and spans 45m. It is here where you get to choose your own adventure speed. Fast for the confident, medium or slow for the more cautious. Super fast for those feeling invincible!
The second last platform, number 5, is 12.5m high and spans 25m. It is shorter than the others but possibly the most challenging - travelling upside down if you want and seeing the forest from a different perspective! My eldest son did not hesitate to have go head first, while my younger son, aged 6, preferred the second daring but completely safe challenge of travelling hands-free. This was the only zipline where they were not travelling in pairs.
The finale was a heart-stopping one, with a 65m race between 2 participants to the finish!
The Jungle Surfing Canopy adventures are a fun and unique way of experiencing our remarkable rainforest. Staff are focused on safety. At all times we remained secured by safety ropes to the platform, and we were only released once safely attached to the flying fox and ready to fly! Our harnesses and carabiners were always checked by staff.
Friendly and safety focused staff
We were impressed by the friendly staff who were keen to impart their knowledge and passion for the Daintree and its biodiversity.
Before leaving, you can refresh or shop at the gift shop on the return to ground level.