Jungly creepy crawlies and bugs may not be everyone’s cup of tea but they are an essential part of the Daintree Rainforest ecosystem and definitely worth learning about.
The good news is that you don’t need to get too up close and personal to learn about them thanks to the Daintree Entomological Museum.
It’s only a small museum but it has such a comprehensive collection of butterflies, moths and insects from around the world that it is definitely worth a visit and you’ll be amazed at just how much you learn on your visit here.
The museum also has a private freshwater creek running through the property so you can enjoy a picnic lunch at the museum’s private, freshwater creek after browsing the museum.
Here are our five top reasons to visit this unique museum:
1. it’s educational
It’s fascinating for both kids and adults to see such a comprehensive collection of bugs and insects in the glass-encased display cabinets at the museum.
There are also lots of interesting facts to learn.
For instance, did you know that Far North Queensland is home to the biggest cockroach in the world (the Giant Hissing Cockroach) and the largest moth in the world (The Giant Hercules Moth)?
You will be able to impress all your friends with some of the facts you learn here.
2. its a private collection
The museum is owned by Stephen Lamond, an entomologist who has spent many years travelling the world collecting insects.
He built the museum to house his own private collection of bugs, moths, butterflies, cockroaches, scorpions and other insects, which he now showcases for the public to come and see.
He is such insect enthusiast that he even had the museum’s entrance gates specially made to resemble a giant spider’s web.
3. it’s right next to cooper creek
Inside the museum gates and just across from the actual museum is an incredibly picturesque, freshwater creek which is safe to swim in and has plenty of shade.
Beside the creek is a deck with tables and chairs so you can bring along a picnic or packed lunch and eat while taking in the beautiful view.
4. it’s perfect for a rainy day
The beauty of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation is that there is very limited development and not too many attractions other than the beaches, rainforest and nature.
This is great if you just want to switch off and commune with nature for a few days but if you happen to visit when its raining (as often happens in a ‘rainforest’) then a trip to the Daintree Entomological Museum is a great excursion, especially if you have children.
So if you are self-driving in the region or staying here, the museum is definitely worth a stop.
5. we’ll all be eating insects one day!
As the world’s population continues to grow it is putting enormous pressure on our food resources and many scientists have speculated that bugs could be a very good source of affordable protein for all those people one day.
Luckily Australia (and especially Tropical North Queensland) have more than enough to go round so go and take a look at what might be on the local menus one day!
travel nq fast facts:
- How to get there – Once you cross over on the Daintree Ferry, the bug museum is about 17kms away. Turn left onto Turpentine Rd and you will see the spider gates up on your left. Drive through the gates and you will see the museum on your left and the creek to your right.
- Entry fee – Adults are $10, kids $5, families are $25 and concession prices for students and pensioners is $8
