Wet season in Queensland means fresh downpours, less crowded tourist spots, and world-famous roaring waterfalls in the world’s oldest living rainforest. The wet season, affectionately known as ‘the big wet’ is hot, wet and wonderful, offering a completely unique experience for visitors to northern Queensland. To enjoy this season, you’ll need to pack smart though. Getting caught out with the wrong outerwear can leave you miserable. So here are 5 compelling reasons to visit QLD in the wet season, plus the best outerwear to keep you comfortable and dry.
Barron Falls is breathtaking in wet season - Just bring your waterproof hooded jacket
You’ve never seen a waterfall with as much power as Barron Falls (Indigenous name Din Din Falls) during the wet season. After a downpour, the daily volumetric water flow can reach a whopping 265,000 megalitres! In the Barron Gorge National Park, these 250m high mammoth falls tumble into a craggy gorge below. There are countless ways to see this fascinating waterfall:
Sounds amazing right? It sure is, but seeing Barron Falls in the wet season means planning for exactly that; wet weather. Not only is this season very wet, it’s also very hot. You’ll need an exceptional waterproof jacket that offers an adjustable hood and sleeves to ensure no water can permeate these openings.
If you’re doing the 1.2km boardwalk track, you’ll need a thin shell jacket with maximum breathability. Look for options that fold away and are easily stowed so you’re not carrying heavy outerwear.
If you expect you’ll be stopping and watching Din Din for a while, look for long-line waterproof jackets to keep you dry even when sitting on wet logs and seats. Lightweight fabric with longer lengths ensure extra dryness.
While you’re there, don’t forget to learn about Australia’s indigenous and the importance of Din Din Falls. The Djabugandji Bama people are the traditional owners of the area Djirri Nyundu Nyrrumba, the stunning region which includes Barron Falls and Barron Gorge National Park.
Rainforest Dreamtime walks with the Kuku Yalanji people will take your breath away
The Daintree Rainforest is world famous, housing over 2,000 unique species, and a guided tour by a Kuku Yalanji custodian is a thrilling way to discover this region. At Mossman Gorge, there’s an elevated boardwalk designed to keep your feet dry and protect this fascinating rainforest as you venture deep into the expansive canopy.
Best of all, your Kuku Yalanji guide will share Dreamtime stories and legends of their people who have lived in the region for 50,000 years. Plus, you’ll learn about how they use the unique plants, find bush food, and why the wet season is so important to the tropical far north.
Pair a waterproof hooded jacket with waterproof pants for rainforest adventures
While the rainforest’s canopy is expansive, you’ll get very wet if it’s raining heavily during your guided tour. Don’t let the rain ruin your rainforest adventure by packing a raincoat and pants for the ultimate wet weather experience. Great waterproof pants will offer exceptional waterproofing (to 5,000mm) and breathability (5,000mvp) to keep you dry without clamminess. Throw a thin waterproof raincoat over the top and you can enjoy your rainforest adventure in any weather.
Take a children's waterproof jackets Australia to keep kids dry on your trip.
Travelling with little ones? The best kids raincoat Australia helps keep your little ones dry so you can enjoy the rainforest as a family. Best of all, great brands offer waterproof puddle suits and pants so your little one will be dry from head to toe, no matter how many rainforest puddles they explore.
Daintree Discovery Centre offers indoor/outdoor options for heavy rain days - But bring your waterproof hooded jacket
Want to experience every level of the ancient Daintree Rainforest? From the forest floor to the top of the canopy, the Daintree Discovery Centre lets you get up close and personal with every aspect of the rainforest. You might even spot a cassowary; a huge ancient bird, or one of the region’s giant crocodiles. Journey along the aerial walkway, and climb to the canopy tower to see this spectacular rainforest from every level. If you’re travelling with people who need a few more frills than a classic rainforest journey, enjoy the 3D indoor Discovery Centre and Coffee Shop too.
Most of the Daintree Discovery Centre is outdoors, so you’ll need to bring a raincoat. Lightweight and airy design is key as the muggy heat can be intense when you’re on the rainforest floor, and it’s exceptionally hot above the canopy.
Top tip: Breathability matters: Great breathable jackets expel water vapour from inside the jacket to the outside through tiny holes in the fabric to keep you dry and comfortable. Look for jackets with good breathability, measured in Moisture Vapour Permeability (MVP). A rating of 5,000mvp or higher will ensure that you stay comfortable even in warm, muggy conditions.
Top waterproof hooded jacket recommendations for Discovery Centre rainforest adventures
You’ll want to try the Halley jacket for women, and Sedna jacket for men by Rainbird waterproof jackets. These jackets are made from baby soft fabric that’s lightweight, offering simple waterproof shells for maximum dryness. Plus, they allow for plenty of air to circulate in your jacket to ease that feeling of mugginess. Need more details?
The Halley rainbird waterproof jacket is:
- Waterproof 8,000mm
- Breathable 8,000mvp
- Fully seam sealed
- Folds away into a small pocket
Journey to Far North Queensland in the wet season and you’ll be amazed by the awe-inspiring waterfalls, wildlife and traditions of this fascinating region. The world’s oldest rainforest truly comes to life in the wet, so this time of year is an amazing time to visit. To ensure you get to enjoy the sights though, don’t forget to pack the right waterproof outerwear for you and your family. Look for lightweight, breathable options for the hot, wet heat, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.
