National Parks and Reserves

Djiru National Park, near Mission Beach, protects some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics, including a rare patch of Licuala fan palm forest. It is also one of the few places you’re likely to see the endangered southern cassowary.

Enjoy a barbecue at Lacey Creek day-use area and learn about cassowaries at the information shelter. Stroll along the short circuit walk through the forest and past a viewing platform overlooking the creek.

Take a picnic to Licuala day-use area and follow the children’s cassowary walk. Amble along the longer circuit walk that leads you under the bright green, patterned canopy of Licuala fan palms. Keep a lookout for cassowaries and always ‘Be Cass-o-wary!’