Daintree Coast Community
From the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation
Daintree Coast Community
The Daintree Coast community is made up of around 700 people between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation. Though you would hardly know it as you drive through the region as most properties are set back from the road, among the trees.
The wider community is made up of mini communities of people living on mostly small acreage at Forest Creek, Kimberley, Cow Bay, Diwan, Thornton Beach and Cape Tribulation.
The Daintree Coast community consists of teachers, scientists, medical and other professionals, conservationists, eco tourism providers, tour operators, chefs, carpenters, tradies, writers, artists, musicians and a lot more.
Those who choose to live here find a home away from the rat race, immersed in the natural beauty of the region.
The community has the feel of stepping back 30 years.
The Daintree River ferry staff give a wave of recognition as you drive on and off the ferry and on a quiet shift they’ll sometimes stop for a chat. Drivers wave as they pass each other and people catch up on gossip at the local transfer station.
Regular walkers on any of the beaches often get to know each other as they stop and chat or give a friendly wave.
Throughout the year, the community comes together for various events such as community cricket matches, band nights, Family Fun Day, beach barbeques, trivia nights, community group fundraisers and more.
Australia’s largest off-grid community.
As there is no mains power here (except for a few properties at Forest Creek), the Daintree Coast is Australia’s largest off grid community.
Most houses are powered by off grid solar / battery / inverter systems with a generator / charger backup for cloudy days, while many of the larger businesses are generator powered.
Many residents are drawn to the off-grid lifestyle and enjoy life immersed in nature.
Daintree Coast Facilities
The Daintree Coast community has some wonderful facilities and community groups, including a primary school, medical clinic, arts group, sporting club, community shed (nearing construction stage), SES and Rural Fire Service.
Commercial facilities include a transfer station at Cow Bay, a service station / general store at Diwan, two small general stores at Cape Tribulation, gas delivery service, motor mechanic, several cafes and restaurants and a number of accommodation providers.
There are a number of tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, cabinet makers, carpenters and painters.
Other facilities include rainforest conservation nurseries, a university rainforest observatory and public facilities including picnic areas and children’s playgrounds.