This Saturday Mayor of Cairns Regional Council Val Schier will officially open the upgraded crossing over Cooper Creek, midway between the Daintree Ferry and Cape Tribulation on Cape Tribulation Road.

The previous low-level crossing was a major obstacle to business for the region, with tourists frequently unable to cross the flooded causeway in 2WD vehicles, and car hire companies understandably reluctant to allow their vehicles north into this uncertain situation. 

Members of the Daintree Marketing Cooperative (DMC) report that they refunded tens of thousands of dollars in the past year to customers who were unable to cross the creek and reach their businesses. 

“It was devastating literally to see business washed away,” said DMC Secretary Alison Gotts. “And the knock on effect was huge with agents locally and worldwide hesitant to recommend a trip to the region in case people got stuck.  Now we’re delighted to say the Daintree’s open for business 365 days a year and ecotourism has a sure footing for the future.”

Locals and tour operators have been reminiscing on the trials and tribulations of the old Cooper Creek in a dedicated 'Cooper Creek Chronicles' facebook group which is open to the public for pictures, anecdotes and memories. 

Historically, the crossing has been the scene of tragedy as vehicles were swept off the causeway by torrents of water,  unlikely escapes as foolhardy drivers spluttered their way through the swollen creek, and it’s also been a place where locals and tourists, complete strangers and best mates unite to help each other across, keep each other safe and give each other a bed for the night until it stops raining.  For the most part, it’s been the place where people have waited… and waited… and waited… for the water to subside.

And now the waiting is over.  The magnificent crossing has put an end to the missed flights, the delayed itineraries and camping in the back seat.   Ironically, now that the road is open year round, it's being closed (briefly) for a street party.

Ms Gotts, the mastermind behind the opening celebrations, has a few surprises up her sleeve for the day with the local school and community coming out to mark this new chapter in the region’s history.  And she’s aware that some will be mourning the passing of this obstacle on the road north. 

“As we celebrate progress, I think it is also important to recognise the past - the memories, the pioneers and the hardship caused by the creek as a major barrier during the wet season.  I’ll never forget my first visit to Cape Tribulation in 1986.  We drove through Cooper Creek with water up to the bonnet and it was this remote aspect which made Cape Tribulation such an attractive place for us to settle.”

Official proceedings start on the creek crossing at 5pm, and will conclude with refreshments at nearby Lync-Haven Rainforest Retreat. Highlights will include a bicycle cavalcade, the official ribbon cutting and an epic tug of war between the communities living to the north and south of the fabled crossing.