Friday 11 December

A tourism Icon called The Daintree Rainforest Rivertrain

The Daintree Rivertrain is actually named “M.V. Spirit of Daintree”.  The Rivertrain is a one of a kind environmentally designed water craft, privately hand built on the banks of the Daintree River.

The Patterson family built the train originally some 22 years ago, attracting local and international visitors every year. Many people come for the highly renowned interpretive tour of the river that borders the World’s oldest Rainforest and is inhabited by the oldest living reptiles on earth, others just want to see and experience the Rivertrain itself, after all you won’t ever find another one.

Built from fibreglass, the River train consists of seven independent carriages/vessels. Powered by three tiny 9.9hp 4 stroke outboard motors mounted inboard the vessel boasts the lowest fuel consumption (per passenger) on the river. When traveling, the eco-certified Rivertrain leaves no wave or wake that for other tour boats devastate the fragile riverbanks, causing erosion and damage. The Rivertrain hugs closely the contours of the riverbank and can wind through estuarine creeks and tributaries.

Uniquely the vessel can even manoeuvre in/out parallel to the riverbank including any attractions that the ever observant guides identify during the tours. The Rivertrain is the most spacious vessel on the river and should be considered as a 20 metre 360 degree viewing platform where everyone has a "window" seat. Each carriage can seat up to 10 passengers but you can often have a whole carriage to yourself depending on trip bookings. With a higher viewing position from the water level than other boats, the Rivertrain offers a better perspective for viewing flora and fauna. 

It’s probably accurate to say that passengers will see more nature from the rivertrain’s view than from other vessels as the slow speeds don't cause any disturbance to the environment, add to that it is the only vessel with two wildlife spotting guides on every trip. Even the public address microphone system used for commentary is solar powered. Demonstrative Eco-tourism at it's best.

The Daintree River is a magnificent eco attraction supporting an abundance of natural flora and fauna, especially where the tour routes generally travel away from all the other tour boats and eroded farmland.

Two naturalist guides interpret on every trip, giving a live commentary on the history of the area, along with identifying both common and rare species of palms, mangroves, birds, fish, snakes, butterflies, bats, crabs, frogs and of course, Saltwater Crocodiles. Being red in colour the Rivertrain attracts the Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing butterflies. To ensure everyone enjoys the full tour there are interpretation sheets for most non-English speaking passengers.

The Rivertrain is currently owned and run by Steve and Sharon Doble, who live in the original, yet recently renovated “Rivertrain House”. Their unique north side 32 acre private property adjoins the river with deep water access and pontoon facilities in place. This property also includes a one of a kind informative, timber boardwalk through Mangroves and low lying Rainforest, that is a self run business wing and growing in popularity.

Reluctantly Steve and Sharon have decided it is time to sell the business they have rebuilt since 2004 and their very unique residence.  In early 2009 their young son was tragically killed.  A difficult circumstance to deal with at any time but to try to keep a very successful business going in the same area with all the constant reminders is understandably a daunting challenge. 

They love the area so much and are determined to stay within FNQ and whilst they are keen to look for different challenges to fulfill their lives, they are just as keen for their beloved Rivertrain and house to be sold to the right successor.  After all it is a true Tourism Icon.

Someone who will cherish the River and help others become as passionate about it as they have been.  Their property and business advisors L.J.Hooker in Port Douglas have said that because the Rivertrain can be operated as a separate entity, the house and the business are available for sale either together or separately.

We wish Steve and Sharon every success in their future endeavours and we are delighted that such strong, passionate lovers of this region with a demonstrated commitment to its environment will not be leaving the area just moving along to take on yet another challenge in life.

For property and business details please ph: Michael at LJ Hooker Port Douglas 4099 5414