Wet Tropics of Queensland, Natural World Heritage Site in Queensland, Australia
The Wet Tropics of Queensland is a rainforest region in north-east Queensland with steep, mountainous terrain and numerous waterfalls flowing through its forests. The landscape contains different types of rainforest with varying plant communities, from dense canopies to areas where light breaks through to the forest floor.
The region received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988 for its exceptional ecosystem, followed by inclusion in Australia's National Heritage List in 2007. These recognitions reflected the scientific understanding that this rainforest holds exceptional value for studying ancient plant families and tropical biodiversity.
Aboriginal Rainforest People have shaped this land for thousands of years, and you can sense their connection to the forest in local names and how communities relate to the environment. The stories and practices of these groups remain central to how people today understand and care for this place.
The region is accessible through marked trails and multiple national parks where visitors can explore different sections of the rainforest. It helps to plan visits during the drier months, as paths can become slippery when wet, and starting early in the day allows time to reach key waterfalls and viewpoints.
The region holds one of the world's largest collections of rare plant species, with many found nowhere else on earth. These ancient plant families represent some of the most primitive flowering plants in existence and exist in exceptional concentration only in this location.
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