About Me

Your Guide

Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises is owned and operated by Murray Hunt. I am a professional guide with experience working at a number of great locations around Australia, including Kakadu, Uluru, Cape York and Lamington National Park. Great experiences along the way have included driving boats on Yellow Water Billabong, guiding visitors amongst the sea-lions on Kangaroo Island, driving 4WD buses at O’Reilly’s Guesthouse, and witnessing the colours of each passing season in Central Australia. For a short period I also worked for the Department of Conservation in NZ, assisting with the intensive management of some of the world’s rarest birds including Kakapo and Black Robin.

My Mission

To provide the best birdwatching river cruise in Australia, consistently exceeding expectations with a quality and memorable guest experience.

My Business

In 1992, Chris Dahlberg pioneered Daintree River dawn cruises conducted in a small open vessel for clear view of wildlife. He operated for an incredible 18 years.

In 2010, I became the owner and operator of this well-known Daintree River cruise.

In 2017, the vessel used underwent renovation, with a new outboard, collapsible bimini roof and comfortable seats added to enhance the passenger experience.

In 2019, the vessel underwent further modification, becoming a ‘hybrid’ boat with the addition of  a German-made electric motor powered by a portable 24V lithium battery.

My Vessel

The vessel used is a 6 metre aluminium punt built by Cairns Custom Craft. Maximum passenger number is 10. Reduced passenger number ensures personalised attention with cruises customised to the viewing wishes of passengers. The seats aboard are the most comfortable of any boats on the Daintree River. In good weather conditions, the vessel is open, allowing clear views of wildlife in vegetation along the river and in the sky above. In inclement conditions, a dual bimini roof can be quickly erected for the comfort of passengers.

The vessel is powered by a 90hp four-stroke Mercury outboard. The vessel is also equipped with a commercial-quality German-made Torqueedo electric outboard. The electric outboard is powered by a portable 24 volt lithium battery. On each two hour cruise the electric motor is used for 30 to 60 minutes which generally uses 10 to 15% of the total battery charge. Benefits of the electric motor include a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, reduction of the amount of noise generated, and most importantly, a reduction in wildlife disturbance leading to better wildlife observations.