Every hectare of the Daintree Rainforest tells a story and Lot 68 Forest Creek Road is no exception. This vital patch of rainforest and wetland is a refuge for rare plants, Cassowaries, and, seasonally, Crocodiles.
Aerial of Lot 68, Forest Creek Road.
Science based assessment
Before we make a commitment to purchase a property we undertake a science based evaluation to confirm the intended outcomes align with out long term strategy for the conservation of the Daintree Rainforest.
An assessment of the conservation values of Lot 68 Forest Creek Road was conducted by our ecologist James Barrie. The following summary of the report by James confirms the strategic location of the property and the ecological values.
A Property of High Ecological Value
Nestled near the Daintree River delta on the lower side of Forest Creek Road in Far North Queensland, Lot 68 Forest Creek Road forms part of a vital corridor linking mangrove-lined wetlands to the upland rainforests of the Alexandra Range and Thornton Peak. Its strategic location allows wildlife to move freely across the landscape, preserving genetic diversity and strengthening the ecological resilience of the broader Daintree Lowland Rainforest. The property adjoins the Daintree National Park (CYPAL) and a previously purchased property at Lot 70 Forest Creek Road.
The property is largely mapped as Aquatic Conservation Significant (riverine wetlands), supporting both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.
Wildlife Habitat for Threatened Species
Vegetation and habitat assessments confirm that Lot 68 provides critical habitat for rainforest wildlife including the rare Bennett's Tree-kangaroo and endangered Southern Cassowary.
Bennett's Tree-kangaroo photographed at Forest Creek
A Comparative Survey Approach
Using high-resolution spatial data, regional ecosystem mapping, and field verification, James identified two distinct Regional Ecosystems occurring on the property and confirmed their vegetation condition and ecological function.
In lower-lying areas prone to seasonal inundation due to their proximity to the Daintree River, occurs Regional Ecosystem 7.3.10c (mesophyll vine forest on seasonally inundated alluvial plains). Characterised by large-leaved trees, draping vines, and seasonal flooding, this forest type supports a dazzling array of plant and animal life. Listed as 'Of Concern' under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999, this Regional Ecosystem has been significantly reduced in extent.
At higher elevations of the property, occurs Regional Ecosystem 7.11.1a (mesophyll vine forest on metamorphic foothill soils). This forest type also features large-leaved vegetation and interwoven vines but occurs on different soil and drainage profiles. Portions of this ecosystem on Lot 68 were previously cleared and will require restoration. This will require a focus along the 'ecotone'—the transition zone between the two ecosystems—where overlapping plant communities support high biodiversity. Ecotones like this reflect subtle changes in geology and hydrology and are essential to ecological resilience.
We need to raise $250,000 to purchase, protect and restore Lot 68 Forest Creek Road.
Please, donate now and donate to help save this critical piece of the Daintree Rainforest.
Founder of Gondwana Rainforest Trust, Kelvin Davies exploring Forest Creek.
Lot 68 Forest Creek Road at Forest Creek provides essential habitat for the endangered Southern Cassowary.
Please, act now and donate to help save this critical piece of the Daintree Rainforest.
The endangered Southern Cassowary.
Significant Native Plants
Forest Creek supports continuous native habitat, including sensitive riparian zones along the Daintree River. Notable tree species recorded in Forest Creek include China Camp Laurel (Beilschmiedia castrisinensis), Noah’s Walnut (Endiandra microneura), and Daintree Satinash (Syzygium monospermum), all of which are food sources for the endangered Southern Cassowary.
Records for Forest Creek also show the presence of Climbing Pandanus (Freycinetia percostata), listed as Vulnerable and endemic to the region, as well as Polyalthia xanthocarpa, an understorey tree found only in lowland rainforest. Their likely presence on Lot 68 highlights its value as a site of regional plant diversity, especially critical amid ongoing fragmentation.
Noah's Walnut (Endiandra microneura) found at Forest Creek.
Recommendations
Small areas on Lot 68, particularly on higher ground, were previously cleared, and a derelict caravan remains on site. Natural regeneration is already underway in these patches, and with light intervention, full rainforest recovery is expected. Tree planting and associated weed control will be required for a minimum of 3 years.
We are actively restoring these areas by planting native rainforest species characteristic of RE 7.11.1a. This restoration work is guided by ecological data and informed by the restoration efforts on the adjoining Lot 70 forest Creek Road, a property we acquired in 2024.
We need to raise $250,000 to purchase, protect and restore Lot 68 in perpetuity.
Please, act now and donate to help save this critical piece of the Daintree Rainforest.
This caravan on Lot 68 will be removed.
A Rainforest Property at Risk
Lot 68 Forest Creek Road was created during a residential subdivision in the 1980s. Under current zoning, rural housing is permitted, meaning the property could be partly cleared and developed. When it was listed for sale in April 2025, we acted quickly to secure it. A contract of sale has now been signed, but we urgently need public support to raise the remaining funds and complete the purchase.
We need to raise $250,000 to purchase, protect and restore Lot 68 in perpetuity.
Please, act now and donate to help save this critical piece of the Daintree Rainforest.
Why This Property Matters
The Daintree Lowland Rainforest is one of the most ancient and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. It supports thousands of unique species and plays a critical role in climate regulation, water purification, and the health of the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Lot 68 is part of this bigger picture. Protecting it halts further development in a key rainforest corridor, safeguarding habitat, biodiversity, and ecological processes.
We need to raise $250,000 to purchase, protect and restore Lot 68 in perpetuity.
Please, act now and donate to help save this critical piece of the Daintree Rainforest.
Partnerships for Conservation
The Save the Daintree program is built on a partnership between Gondwana Rainforest Trust and Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation. We recognise that we are Stronger Together and raise funds for the buyback of properties in the Daintree Rainforest and their management for conservation.
FAQs
Looking for more information? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about the purchase and protection of Lot 68 here.
Learn more about Forest Creek Wetlands
Discover how the Forest Creek wetlands support rare ecosystems, endangered species, and vital wildlife corridors here.