About Us

El Arish Tropical Exotics – Grown in the Heart of the Wet Tropics

El Arish Tropical Exotics is a boutique wet‑tropical nursery located in the Walter Hill Range, just 15 minutes from Mission Beach,  the largest east–west wet tropical rainforest corridor in Australia. Our nursery sits within one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the country, and this unique location shapes everything we grow and everything we stand for.

Who We Are

We are ecological growers, plant propagators, and long‑term stewards of the Wet Tropics. Every plant we sell is grown and propagated onsite, ensuring strong, healthy, climate‑ready plants that thrive in the humidity, rainfall, and microclimates of Far North Queensland.

Our specialty includes wet tropical ornamentals, rainforest understory plants, rare gingers, heliconias, and wildlife‑friendly native species. Because we grow our own stock, we maintain full control over quality, provenance, and sustainability.

Our Location: Nestled in the Rainforest Hinterland 15 Minutes From Mission Beach

Our nursery is positioned within a globally important rainforest corridor that supports:

• High biodiversity and ancient rainforest species
• Critical cassowary habitat
• High‑rainfall, high‑humidity microclimates
• Rich soils ideal for layered tropical gardens

This location gives us genuine authority on what truly thrives in wet tropical and subtropical gardens.

What Makes Us Different

We Grow and Propagate Our Own Plants

All plants are raised onsite from seed, cutting, or division. This means:

• Plants are already adapted to Wet Tropics conditions
• Minimal chemical usage on our stock
• No interstate biosecurity risks
• Stronger root systems and better long‑term performance

Sustainability at the Core

We are committed to environmentally responsible growing practices, including:

• Wildlife‑safe propagation
• Water‑wise systems suited to monsoonal climates
• Zero tolerance for invasive species
• Low‑impact, ecologically aligned nursery management

Supporting Local Wildlife

Our nursery design and plant selection actively support native fauna, especially cassowaries, pollinators, and rainforest birds. We focus on:

• Cassowary‑safe landscaping
• Nectar Producing Plants
• Dense understory shelter plants
• Biodiverse, layered garden design

Our Expertise

With hands‑on experience in wet tropical horticulture and rainforest ecology, we help gardeners create:

• Layered wet tropical gardens
• Wildlife‑friendly landscapes
• Shaded rainforest understories
• Low‑maintenance tropical retreats
• Climate‑appropriate gardens that thrive year‑round

Our advice is grounded in real growing conditions — heavy rainfall, humidity, seasonal extremes, and the unique challenges of Wet Tropics gardening.

Why Gardeners Choose Us

• Locally grown plants that truly thrive in the Wet Tropics
• Deep ecological knowledge of the Walter Hill Range
• Sustainable, ethical propagation
• Friendly, expert guidance tailored to your site
• A nursery that puts wildlife and rainforest health first

Growing With Purpose

El Arish Tropical Exotics is more than a nursery. We are part of the living rainforest system that surrounds us, and we grow with intention — supporting biodiversity, strengthening ecological corridors, and helping gardeners create thriving, wildlife‑friendly tropical landscapes.

Scott has an Associate diploma in Horticulture from the University of Western Sydney(Hawkesbury Campus) graduating in 1991, a Permaculture Design Certificate and has also completed Certificate 3 in Landscaping from Cabolture Tafe college to become a trade qualified Landscaper . He’s also a country boy with farming in his blood . I'm Ann. I am particularly interested in being as sustainable as possible in our nursery practices. I've done a certificate in Biological Farming as well as a course in brewing microbes. I make sure as much as our packing materials are recyclable, we use as few chemicals as possible and in general leave as small an environmental footprint as possible.  

El Arish Tropical Exotics has been operating as a Mailorder Nursery since 2004.