Art, Action, and Advocacy Unite in the Daintree

A striking new mural celebrating the biodiversity of the Daintree Rainforest has been unveiled at the Rainforest Rescue Native Nursery in Cow Bay, marking a milestone in a growing partnership between local tourism and conservation organisations.

Rainforest Rescue and Down Under Tours, supported by the TreadRight Foundation—a not-for-profit initiative of The Travel Corporation (TTC)—collaborated with local illustrator Victoria McGrane (The Scenic Route) to bring the mural to life. The hand-drawn artwork captures the rich flora and fauna of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, serving as both a tribute to its natural beauty and a call to protect it.

The mural unveiling wasn’t just symbolic—attendees also rolled up their sleeves to plant native trees on the former Cow Bay airstrip, actively contributing to ongoing efforts to regenerate the rainforest.

“We’re so happy to see this beautiful mural in place,” said Marine Deliens, Nursery Manager at Rainforest Rescue. “It’s a sign of the strength of our partnership as well as the connections between conserving and restoring the natural environment and ways in which visitors to the Daintree can contribute to its thriving future.”

Erin Simpson, General Manager at Down Under Tours and spokesperson for the TreadRight Foundation, echoed the sentiment. “The Daintree is a unique and truly special destination globally. As tourism operators we have a duty to support its stewardship, and today was testament to how we are working together with Rainforest Rescue to do so.”

The project reflects The Travel Corporation’s broader commitment to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, which drives positive impact on people, the planet, and wildlife. In 2022, TTC became the first global tour operator to establish near-term, long-term and net zero targets, and its philanthropic arm, TreadRight, shifted its focus to supporting nature-based solutions and conservation efforts that protect biodiversity and restore the planet. Rainforest Rescue is TTC and TreadRight’s fourth nature-based solution partner.

As part of their deepening collaboration, Rainforest Rescue is currently campaigning to permanently protect _Lot 8_—a near 12-hectare site of unprotected tropical rainforest bordering World Heritage-listed land. This critical parcel is home to endangered flying foxes, the elusive Southern Cassowary, and several threatened ecosystems.

To further support this initiative, the TreadRight Foundation will match all donations made to the Lot 8 appeal throughout May.

To learn more or contribute to saving this vital part of the planet, visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au.