• The Daintree Rainforest
  • Mossman Gorge
  • Things to Do
  • Tourist Info
  • Climate & Weather
  • Daintree River Ferry
  • Self Drive Guide
  • Plants & Wildlife

self guided tour daintree rainforest

  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Daintree River Cruises
  • Horse Rides
  • Guided Walks

DRIVING TO THE DAINTREE

Port Douglas Beach

It is around a thirty-minute drive north of Port Douglas to Mossman, a pleasant little town set amongst the lush cane fields. Mossman Gorge is a must stop for all trips heading up to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The highway leaves the coast at Wonga Beach for a 15-kilometre drive through the forests of the Dagmar Ranges, and then into Daintree Village.

Public transport is limited throughout the Daintree region, so visitors not having their own transport should consider hiring a vehicle from one of the many car-hire companies in Cairns or Port Douglas.

The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. The road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation. Crossing the Daintree River via a vehicular ferry is an experience not to be missed. This ferry operates from 6am to midnight each day.

After crossing the Daintree Ferry you travel through lowland and tropical rainforest passing road junctions for Cape Kimberley and Cow Bay.

There are some excellent coastal views and several tourist attractions. The road runs over several high capes and alongside attractive beaches. Camping spots and accommodation are available. A small general store is located at Cow Bay. Limited fuel access is available.

Vehicle users can be assured that a 4WD is not required to drive through the Daintree Rainforest, however the Bloomfield Track which begins at the northern side of the rainforest, is suitable only for 4WDs.

The Bloomfield Track links Cape Tribulation and The Bloomfield River. It is a true 4WD Track as there is very little gravel on parts of the surface, unimproved creek crossings, steep climbs and decents, lots of mud and plenty of opportunity to get stuck if it is wet. The actual condition of the road varies enormously, and it can be anything from an easy drive, to almost or completely impassable.

Precautions Please drive safely and carefully while in the area. If you wish to stop, pull over and park safely, not on the road. Sometimes it is safer to walk back to the attraction. 

It is safe to drive at night, providing you obey the speed limits and keep a sharp lookout for wildlife. Wildlife is usually only killed by speeding drivers. Please respect private property while in the area. 

During heavy rain, water does run over the road. Please be careful and check the depth before crossing. The water usually recedes quite quickly once the rain has stopped.

SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

This self drive itinerary offers a handy guideline to base your day of exploring Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.

Depart Cairns 7:30am and Port Douglas at 8:30am approx.

Mossman Gorge Bridge

Mossman Gorge 9:00am approx From Cairns, travel north for 80km along the Cook Highway to Mossman. In the centre of Mossman turn left into Johnston Road. This 5km bitumen road leads directly to the Mossman Gorge car park. Crystal clear water cascades over large granite boulders in the Mossman River gorge. There are two circuit tracks. A short, 400m track provides access to lookouts over the Mossman River. Beyond this is a 2.7km loop track through the rainforest. 

Daintree River Cruise 10:00am approx There are many river tours operating frequently throughout the day, some offering a short crocodile and wildlife spotting experiences while other interpretive cruises cater for special interest groups such as birdwatchers, naturalists and photographers. Bookings not required.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Lunch at Cape Tribulation 1:00pm approx Whet is a popular cafe for lunch in Cape Tribulation.  This cafe and bar is a great venue for the busy explorer, a lunchtime salad and sandwich buffet is on offer, as well as a lunch and snack menu for those with a little more time to relax.  

Cape Tribulation Beach 2:30pm approx This is the showcase beach of the area. Protected by the Cape Tribulation headland, the water here is almost always calm and crystal clear. Take the boardwalk up the headland to the view point that provides magnificent views of where the Rainforest meets the Reef.

Marrdja Boardwalk Daintree

Daintree Icecream Company 4:00pm approx Don't miss stopping at The Icecream Company on your journey home, it is a must for any daytrip to Cape Tribulation! All the ice creams are made on the premises from tropical fruits grown in the company’s own orchards such as Black Sapote, Soursop, Wattle Seed and Jackfruit. The ice cream is primarily sold as a fixed sample pack - four flavours in a rather large cup for $5. Pretty good value, really!

Return to Port Douglas 5:30pm and Cairns at 6:30pm approx

CAIRNS TO PORT DOUGLAS

The Captain Cook Highway is Cairns’ coastal corridor; and one of the most spectacular ocean drives in Australia.

This scenic ribbon road winds its way along beautiful unspoiled coastline that is set against a spectacular backdrop of lush rainforest mountains.

Palm Cove Beach

The beaches of Cairns stretch some 26 kilometres along the coastline and are known at the Northern Beaches. Consisting of eight separate communities: Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach; each of these has its own distinctive character and flavour.

After 30-40 minutes you will pass through Wangetti and reach Rex Lookout, one of the most spectacular sights on the highway. Not only can you enjoy wonderful views over the ocean, but the area is very popular for hang gliding and other aerial sports. It’s a great spot to relax and watch them soaring on coastal thermals.

Just 5 minutes further is Turtle Cove and past here is Oak Beach a quiet, natural and unspoilt 2 kilometre beach.

Thala Beach Lodge is located on the northernmost headland of a 2km stretch of untouched coastline, and Port Douglas is just 10minutes further.

Port Douglas is nestled at the end of a peninsula, the tranquil waters of a natural harbour on one side of the village embrace a lively marina. Along the other side of the peninsula stretches the breathtaking sandy sweep of beautiful Four Mile Beach.

PORT DOUGLAS TO MOSSMAN

Port Douglas spolis the traveller with 5-star to budget accommodation, art galleries, markets and award-winning dining experiences second to none.

The Port Douglas Sunday Markets are a popular haunt for tourists and locals alike. Here you'll find original arts and crafts, jewellery, pottery, tropical clothing, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, homemade foods, unique Australian goods, souvenirs and more.

The markets are also a chance to meet the locals, including the artists, street theatre performers and buskers.

Flagstaff Hill is the best place to capture the striking views of the town and its superb Four Mile Beach.

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

The journey to Mossman takes you through green canefields with  rainforest clad mountains as the backdrop.

Mossman, is a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains.

The region's sugar capital the Mossman Central Mill throbs and hums its way through the sugar cane crushing season (June – October). Explore the country stores and historic pubs along the wide tree-lined main street.

Five minutes west of Mossman you will discover Mossman Gorge, a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park.

Mossman is located 75 km from Cairns and 20 km from Port Douglas.

MOSSMAN TO DAINTREE VILLAGE

Journey through an ever-changing tropical landscape, a patchwork of white sandy palm-fringed beaches, waving cane-fields and jungle clad misty mountains.

Daintree Village

Further on is the turnoff to beautiful Whyanbeel Valley, home of Diane Cilento’s famous open-air playhouse. Diane puts on a number of world-class productions every year.

From Rocky Point a vista opens up of the northern rainforested ranges towards Cape Tribulation. Shortly you pass through rich beef-cattle pastures and soon reach the turnoff to idyllic Wonga Beach, miles of unspoilt sands with no major development - just a tropical beachfront caravan park.

Next in view are a commercial fish farm, beach horse rides, wildlife sanctuary and tropical gardens, then the turnoff to the Daintree ferry and Cape Tribulation. But to reach tiny historic Daintree Village drive straight ahead – here the road winds through the rainforest and soon you catch your first glimpse of the awesome Daintree River, with it’s prehistoric inhabitants the salt-water crocodiles.

The final stretch into Daintree Village winds through undulating farmland and luxuriant tropical vegetation with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Daintree was originally a settlement for timber-cutters and, until the road was completed in 1933, only accessible by river.

Today tourism and farming are the main industries and the region hosts every type of accommodation option from budget to 5-star resorts, B&B’s and hideaways, wildlife-spotting river cruises, artists’galleries, interpretive walks and restaurants.

THE DAINTREE RIVER FERRY

The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. The road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation. Crossing the Daintree River via a vehicular ferry is an experience not to be missed. 

Daintree River Ferry

Daintree Ferry operates between 7.30am to 10am and 2.30pm to 5pm on Christmas Day.  

The Daintree River Ferry operates from 6am to midnight each day.

For any enquiries please contact Customer Service on (07) 4099 9444.

DAINTREE RIVER TO CAPE TRIBULATION

Cross the Daintree River by ferry and travel north into the best of the Daintree - the Reef and Rainforest Coast.

Allow a minimum of one and a half hours drive time from Cairns to reach the ferry, one hour from Port Douglas.

Alexander Range Lookout

Looking northwards across the Daintree you can see the rainforested slopes of Thornton Peak. This mountain dominates the skyline and you will see it from several different angles on your journey. Very often there are clouds resting on top.

Check out the model of the Cassowary and the chicks, so that you know what they look like. You must remain in your vehicle while you are travelling on the ferry.

When you come off the ferry, pull over to the left and let the local traffic pass. You will have a more relaxing journey if you let the traffic get away. You may also be able to buy some cheap locally grown fruit from the banana stall which is often on the north side of the river.

A large part of the lowlands you will be travelling though is privately own freehold land. There are about 1000 rateable blocks, the majority between 1-2 hectares. The number of permanent residents is between 600-900 people. Many of these blocks have not been settled, and the rainforest is still intact.

The drive over the Alexander range is a stunning scenic rainforest drive and one of the most spectacular in the world - it has a sympathetic conservation design and its meandering nature enhances the ecotourism experience.

As you descend from the look-out there are several glimpses of views of the Daintree coastline.

The Cow Bay area has been classified as Outstanding Cassowary Habitat Zone by Corme and Moore (1993). In the lowlands and swamps of western Cow Bay the population density is as high as the best habitats in Mission Beach.

Cape Tribulation

In the wet season Cooper Creek can be a barrier to cars, as the causeway may flood in heavy rain. In a small car do not try and cross the causeway until the depth of the water on the causeway drops to 0.2 metres. You need to have lots of patience as it is possible to be held up here for several hours if there are heavy rains in the area.

Noahs Range is the last range before you reach the Cape Tribulation area. Great view of Cape Tribulation and the fringing reef as you descend from Noahs Range into the Cape Trib valley.

Cape Tribulation Beach has toilets and picnic tables. You can walk to the look-out which takes 10 minutes. From here view the rainforest clad mountains which literally meets with the fringing reef. Remember to bring your camera as the view is spectacular! Just north of the Cape Trib Beach House is still some live coral on the edge of the fringing reef, if you have brought your snorkel.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

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Self Drive Tours in the Daintree Rainforest.

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Driving To The Daintree Rainforest

self guided tour daintree rainforest

If you have your own vehicle you can drive to meet tours in the Daintree. Allow 2.5 hours from Cairns and 1.5 Hours from Port Douglas to reach Cape Tribulation.

Cairns To Port Douglas | 1 Hour The Cook Highway north of Cairns offers beautiful scenery ranging from secluded palm fringed tropical beaches, hidden coves and rugged headlands to the rich green of lush sugar-cane fields and rainforest covered mountains. This spectacular one and a half hour drive to Daintree Village takes you through the coastal villages of Ellis Beach and Wangetti to Rex Lookout, for a sweeping view south along the coast to Cairns that simply must be photographed.

Port Douglas to Mossman | 30 mins It is around a thirty-minute drive north of Port Douglas to Mossman, a pleasant little town set amongst the lush cane fields.

Mossman to Daintree Village & Ferry | 20 mins The highway leaves the coast at Wonga Beach for a 15-kilometre drive through the forests of the Dagmar Ranges, and then into Daintree Village.

Daintree River Ferry The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. The road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation. Crossing the Daintree River via a vehicular ferry is an experience not to be missed. This ferry operates from 6am to midnight each day.

Daintree River Ferry to Cape Tribulation | 40 mins After crossing the Daintree Ferry you travel through lowland and tropical rainforest passing road junctions for Cape Kimberley and Cow Bay.

There are some excellent coastal views and several tourist attractions. The road runs over several high capes and alongside attractive beaches. Camping spots and accommodation are available. A small general store is located at Cow Bay.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

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3 day daintree rainforest self drive itinerary.

Myall Beach Cape Tribulation

Looking for the perfect Daintree Rainforest itinerary? We have you sorted. Starting and ending in Port Douglas, on this 3 day self drive Daintree Rainforest itinerary you will snorkel in fresh and salt water, be wowed by magnificent lookouts, tick off world heritage wonders, be treated by secluded rainforest retreats and discover everything there is to know about the 130 million year old Daintree Rainforest. Ready? Then read on!

Back Country Bliss Adventures River Drift Snorkelling Tour

Start your self drive Daintree road trip by jumping straight into the Daintree, literally. Back Country Bliss Adventures provides the ultimate (and unique!) rainforest experience. Over the course of three and a half hours (with two hours spent in Mossman River) drift and snorkel through a rainforest paradise on a River Drift Snorkelling tour. Back Country Bliss Adventures can pick you up from Port Douglas or Mossman, perfect for self drive Daintree itineraries, and enables you to experience the rainforest in a unique way.

Discover more here: River Drift Snorkelling Tour .

Drifting through paradise

Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises

As there are no crocodiles in Mossman River, you’re going to have to look elsewhere to find them. A 40 minute drive north of Port Douglas ( Google Maps link here ), you’ll meet the Daintree River. The Daintree River (a different river from the Mossman River) is a known crocodile wildlife habitat and the best way to spot crocodiles here is on Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises .

Bruce Belcher's Daintree River Cruise

Walu Wugirriga (Mount Alexandra Lookout)

After spotting crocodiles in their natural habitat, take the Daintree Ferry across the Daintree River. From here it is only a quick 15 minute drive ( Google Maps link here ) to Walu Wugirriga (Mount Alexandra Lookout). This lookout is popular with self drive Daintree travellers and for good reason, boasting scenic views across the Daintree National Park, Daintree River and Port Douglas. On a clear day you can even see Palm Cove’s Double Island!

Lookout across rainforest

Stay overnight at the Daintree Heritage Lodge

Wind down from your day of adventure at the Daintree Heritage Lodge. Located in Daintree National Park ( Google Maps link here ), the Heritage Lodge is comprised of 20 cabins immersed in the rainforest and is a great place to spot butterflies, birds and musky rat kangaroos.

Woman standing on edge of blue creek in the Daintree Rainforest - self drive Daintree Rainforest

Explore the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Safari

Rise early for a day of exploration. Today you’ll be exploring the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Safari . Discover two pristine snorkel locations – Mackay Reef and Undine Reef – alongside a maximum of only 25 passengers.

Aerial shot of sand cay surrounded by blue ocean

Relax at Cape Tribulation

After returning from the half-day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, spend your afternoon discovering Cape Tribulation. This world famous location is the only place where two world heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (the Daintree Rainforest is a part of this area). A must do location on all self drive Daintree itineraries, walk along the boardwalks and take a moment to enjoy the natural environment you find yourself in.

Myall Beach Cape Tribulation

Stay overnight at Daintree Wilderness Lodge

After a wondrous day on the water and at Cape Trib, spend another relaxing night at the Daintree Wilderness Lodge (25 minute drive south of Cape Tribulation – Google Maps link here ). With only 7 elevated cabins dotted within giant fan palms, a night stay at this eco-lodge will truly immerse you in the Daintree Rainforest.

Wooden house in the rainforest

Head back towards Port Douglas this morning but not before stopping in at Cow Bay. Here you’ll find a quiet beach and an Instagram famous tree swing.

Woman on tree swing at the beach

Daintree Discovery Centre

One final stop on your self drive Daintree itinerary is the Daintree Discovery Centre . Here you can explore the Daintree at all levels from the forest floor boardwalk, to the mid level rainforest via aerial walkways and the top of the canopy on the canopy tower.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Port Douglas

Arrive back in Port Douglas and at the end of your self drive Daintree road trip. Be sure to visit Flagstaff Hill Lookout for a quick picture of Four Mile Beach before you leave.

Ocean, beach, rainforest and mountains shot from lookout

The Diversity of the Mossman River

5 must do cairns rainforest experiences, first time snorkelling on the great barrier reef try river drift snorkelling first, how to do the daintree with kids – family friendly daintree ideas, 7 awesome kid friendly ideas in cairns and port douglas, 7 awesome cairns hikes, how to experience the spectacular daintree rainforest, 10 incredible things to do near port douglas, paradise for parents 10 affordable activities for kids in port douglas, insta-paradise; ten instagrammable holiday shots not to miss in tnq….

TripTins

Daintree Rainforest Best Things To Do (& Daintree Itinerary)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 9, 2023

Daintree Rainforest Best Things To Do (& Daintree Itinerary)

When I was planning my trip to Australia, there was one place that really caught my attention – The Daintree Rainforest.

Instead of doing just a quick day trip into the rainforest, I wanted to truly experience everything that the rainforest had to offer.

This guide will talk through the top things to do in the Daintree Rainforest and will go over everything you need to know about the area and how to go about planning your itinerary.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) What is the Daintree Rainforest

At over 180 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest is known to be the oldest rainforest in the world (even older than the Amazon!). The tropical rainforest makes up 1,200 square kilometers in the northeastern part of Queensland as part of Daintree National Park.

You will find everything and anything in the rainforest – from dense jungles and mountain ranges to flowing rivers and waterfalls, the Daintree is packed with it all .

You are also sure to find an abundance of wildlife throughout. There are thousands of different species all around, from birds to reptiles to insects. Spending a couple of days exploring the rainforest is a great add-on to any Australia itinerary .

One of the most special aspects of the Daintree is that right next to it is another natural world wonder – The Great Barrier Reef.

There are several spots along the coast where you can see where the “Rainforest Meets the Reef”, and enjoy two incredible natural landscapes right next to other.

This comprehensive guide will talk about many of those spots throughout.

Cape Tribulation Beach

2) Daintree Rainforest Tips

Before talking more about everything that the rainforest offers its visitors, I wanted to point out some helpful tips for the Daintree in general.

Cell Service : There is barely any cell service in the Daintree Rainforest. To help get you from place to place, I recommend downloading offline maps to your phone before you go (either on Google Maps or through an app like maps.me).

Daintree River Crossing : To get to most Daintree attractions, you will need to cross the Daintree River . The Daintree ferry goes back and forth constantly but do expect a wait time during peak hours. The round trip cost is $39 AUD and runs from 5:00AM – 12:00AM. More on this soon.

Limited Stores : There are limited stores in the Daintree north of the river . If you are coming in for a few days, I recommend bringing/buying anything you would want from Cairns/Port Douglas. One of the grocery stores for essentials inside the Daintree would be the Friendly Grocer Convenience Store .

Gas Stations : Beyond the Daintree River there are very limited gas options. In case you are running low on gas you can head to the Daintree Rainforest Village . I would however recommend filling up your tank before you head out.

Stingers & Crocs : While the waters will seem inviting, you should not swim for a couple of reasons. During the rainy season, the stingers (jellyfish) are out in full force and that certainly won’t be pleasant if you encounter any. Secondly, the waters are known to have some saltwater crocodiles lurking, so do be careful.

Cassowary : The cassowary is the one animal you will hear about most in the Daintree. It looks like some sort of prehistoric dinosaur bird with its colorful head and is known to be dangerous if you get too close. So if you do see one, be sure to step back and keep your distance.

Best Time to Visit : The Daintree is a year-round destination, however the dry season from May to September is the preferred time of year to visit for most. Although heavy rain is common during the wet season, this can make the rainforest even more lush.

Daintree Cassowary

3) How to Get to the Daintree

Since I wanted to make this guide more of a do-it-yourself option, the best way to go about a Daintree Rainforest tour is to hire your own rental car.

I ended up staying in both Cairns and Port Douglas prior to my time in the Daintree and both towns (and Cairns airport) would have car rental options available.

With your own car, you will be able to head on into the Daintree at your own pace and choose exactly which places and activities suit you best. You will be able to start as early as you would like and end your days past sunset (more on that later).

If you are more than one person, it can also be a super economical way to go about your time there as car rental prices are not too pricey (I got mine for $35 AUD / $25 USD per day).

Once you have your own car and are ready to go from Cairns or Port Douglas, it is time to make your way up north on your road trip.

Nearly all the attractions mentioned in this guide (besides the Mossman Gorge & some Daintree River tours) are located across the Daintree River, which I will go into a bit more detail on in the next section.

Driving in the Daintree is relatively simple with one main road connecting most of the attractions. As mentioned though, be sure to download offline maps as cellular service is not great.

If renting a car in the Daintree Rainforest, feel free to check out Rentalcars.com , which will have various options to browse through. You can filter by car type, price, and more to find the perfect car for your trip.

Now, if you are just not comfortable driving a car (remember Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road), your next best option would to join a group or private tour. You can browse through some highly rated options to choose from but remember that they will not be as flexible as having your own wheels.

Daintree Driving

4) Daintree River Crossing

To get to nearly all Daintree attractions, you must make your way to the north side of the Daintree River. Every day from 5:00AM to 12:00AM, there is a car ferry that continuously goes back and forth bringing cars to either side.

The car ferry can fit around 30 vehicles on it and costs $47 AUD for the round trip ticket (don’t lose that receipt!), and takes just 5 minutes each way.

One thing to mention is that there can be a long line of cars during those peak times of day (mid-morning northbound and late afternoon southbound).

So, if you are heading across during those times you should expect to wait a couple rounds before going across.

Daintree River Crossing

5) Where to Stay in the Daintree

To really get a full Daintree Rainforest experience I highly recommend staying within the Daintree itself for one or two nights.

There is much more to to see and do in the Daintree that goes beyond a day trip, and it is quite the experience of sleeping among the wildlife and waking up to nature.

Below are some of the best options when it comes to choosing an accommodation option:

1. Daintree Ecolodge 2. Daintree Village Hideaway 3. Daintree Peaks Eco Stays 4. Daintree Manor B&B 5. Cape Trib Beach House

Looking for a budget option, check out Safari Lodge

Learn More : Check out some of the other top Daintree Accommodation options to choose from

Cow Bay Daintree Beach

6) Where to Eat in the Daintree

Along the main Cape Tribulation Road is where you will find most of your dining options in the Daintree. I have listed below some of the most popular spots that you can choose from when it comes to dining out:

• Julaymba Restaurant & Bar • Whet Restaurant • Turtle Rock Cafe • Masons Cafe • PK’s Jungle Village • Tides Bar and Restaurant • CJ’s Bar & Grill

And don’t forget one of the best places to get some dessert at the famous Daintree Ice Cream Company !

Daintree Ice Cream Company

7) Daintree Rainforest Things To Do

From rainforest walks and beaches to swimming holes and mountain hikes, the Daintree Rainforest is full of it all.

In the next few sections, I will break down the different types of activities that you can take part of during your time in the area. These will include:

Daintree Rainforest Walks

1) Dubuji Boardwalk 2) Jindalba Boardwalk 3) Marjdda Boardwalk

Daintree Experiences

1) Mossman Gorge 2) Daintree Discovery Centre 3) Daintree River Cruise 4) Ocean Safari

Swimming Holes

1) Emmagen Creek 2) Mason’s Café

Daintree Beaches

1) Cow Bay 2) Myall Beach 3) Thornton Beach 4) Cape Tribulation

Mountain Hikes

1) Mount Sorrow Ridge Walk

1) Kulki Lookout 2) Mount Alexandra Lookout

Trees of the Daintree

8) Daintree Rainforest Walks

While the Daintree is a massive place, there are just a handful of official boardwalk rainforest walks that you can take part in during your time in the area.

Dubuji Boardwalk

The Dubuji Boardwalk is a fantastic 45-minute, 1.3 KM loop through the Daintree with several types of landscapes to enjoy including rainforest, swamp, and mangroves.

What makes Dubuji even that much better though is that you can pit stop right on Myall Beach before finishing up the trail.

The Dubuji Boardwalk Guide I put together will go more in-depth about what to expect .

Dubuji Boardwalk Bridge

Jindalba Boardwalk

Located right near the Daintree Discovery Centre is the Jindalba Boardwalk. It can be explored on a shorter 0.7 KM boardwalk walk or a longer 2.7 KM rainforest track alongside the huge amount of natural surroundings.

From massive trees to a variety of wildlife, you will be able to experience it all.

Jindalba Boardwalk

Marjdda Boardwalk

Finally, there is the 1.1 KM Marjdda boardwalk, located just in between the two. Similarly, you will be able to enjoy the vast variety of plants, wildlife, trees, and more as you make the loop around the boardwalk.

During the walk, you are sure to pass by the rainforest and mangrove landscape before heading back to the parking area.

Now, you do not need to take part in each one, but adding 1-2 of them to your Daintree itinerary is a great way to get a better sense of what the rainforest is all about.

9) Daintree Experiences

The next four attractions are unique experiences that would be a great add-on to any Daintree Rainforest Tour.

  • Mossman Gorge

First up is the Mossman Gorge. The gorge is one of the most visited places in the Daintree due to the fact that it lies on the south side of the Daintree River. That means you would not need to take the car ferry across to visit it.

It also happens to be home to a beautiful blue-colored river and a few hiking trails. Once you arrive at the Mossman Gorge visitor center, you will hop on the quick shuttle bus that will take you to Mossman Gorge itself.

Once there you can make the loop on the boardwalk to the viewing point and back on the River Circuit Track or you can also decide to add on the longer Rainforest Circuit Track to get further into the forest.

Mossman Gorge also offers the chance to jump in the water here and enjoy a refreshing swim.

The Mossman Gorge Guide I put together will go more in-depth about what to expect

Mossman Gorge Swimming

Daintree Discovery Centre

Another very popular add-on to a Daintree Rainforest tour is the Daintree Discovery Centre.

Out of all the places in the Daintree, this one is probably the most helpful when it comes to learning what the Daintree is all about.

Not only are there several walking tracks around the area, but you will also find an aerial walkway, a 23-meter-high canopy, and a super helpful interpretive centre to learn more about the rainforest.

Along the whole journey inside you will be given an audio guide and accompanying guidebook that will give you all the information you need and more about the Daintree.

The Daintree Discovery Centre Guide I put together will go more in-depth about what to expect

Aerial Walkway Daintree Discovery

Daintree River Cruise

Lastly, is the Daintree River Cruise. This is the perfect way to get up close and personal to some of the wildlife in the area .

Many of the cruises depart on the south side of the Daintree River (near the river crossing) while others may have pick-up points further inside in the rainforest.

The main highlight though on a Daintree River Cruise is the chance to see those crocodiles lurking on the shores. For about 45-60 minutes you will go up and down the river spotting those crocs and other animals of the Daintree.

You can book your Daintree River Cruise experience ahead of time with a highly-rated tour company

Daintree River Cruise

Ocean Safari

One of the only experiences that offers the chance to get out on the Great Barrier Reef in the Daintree is to take part in the Ocean Safari boat ride.

You will get on off to the reef and head out to some incredible snorkeling spots to get up close and personal with some of the underwater life of the reef.

I did not take part in this Ocean Safari boat ride but did do the same type of experience with Ocean Rafting (their sister company) in the Whitsundays. I would highly recommend this trip!

Be sure to book your Ocean Safari Tour ahead of time because they do sell out!!

Whitsundays Snorkeling Turtles

10) Swimming Holes

While the ocean will seem inviting, unfortunately, it is not the safest place to swim. As mentioned earlier, this is because of the saltwater crocodiles and stingers.

Instead, you can head to some swimming holes not too far away (you can also swim at Mossman Gorge!).

Emmagen Creek

The furthest that a non-4WD drive can make it in the Daintree is to Emmagen Creek (although the last bit of road is unpaved).

Once parked on the side of the road, continue along the 10-minute path that will bring you to a great swimming hole to enjoy.

If you are up for it, give the rope swing a try and launch yourself into the water.

Emmagen Creek

Mason’s Café

There is a great café in the Daintree that also offers access to its swimming hole.

For a moderate $1 AUD you can walk your way around the café and on the path towards the water. Here you can enjoy a swim and cool down.

Masons Cafe Swimming Hole

11) Daintree Beaches

One thing I really enjoyed during my time in the Daintree was the opportunity to explore the rainforest in the morning and then hit the beach in the afternoon.

There are several beaches all along the coast but I wanted to point out some of the main ones in the area.

As mentioned before, here is your chance to witness where two natural world wonders collide, a very rare site to see in the world.

Read More : Check out the Daintree Beaches guide up on the site that will walk through 10 of them!

Cow Bay is one of the best beaches in the area with plenty of space to find your own spot and enjoy some time on the sand.

You will also find a variety of beachside swings alongside a small Daintree tributary.

I also did a bit of exploring here and began to walk north alongside the rocks to some hidden beaches around the corner. So if you are looking for your own private beach you can give it a try yourself!

Cow Bay Beach

Myall Beach

If you head on the Dubuji Boardwalk, then you will be able to make a pit stop on Myall Beach along the way.

Even if you do not head on the boardwalk itself, there is a short path that will connect directly to the beach from the parking lot.

Myall Beach

Thornton Beach

Another potential beach option is Thornton Beach. Here you will find one of the only beachside restaurants (CJ’s) and it is a great place to enjoy some lunch after a morning of discovering the Daintree.

Right off the beach, you will also find Struck Island, one of the only islands you will find off the coast here.

Thornton Beach

Cape Tribulation

The most famous of all beaches in the Daintree Rainforest is that of Cape Tribulation. It is one of the most picturesque places in the Daintree to experience and you should definitely make your way there for sunset and sunrise if you have it in you.

While the days will be crowded with all the day trippers, heading there earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon will be a very relaxing experience.

During my time on the beach waiting for sunset, a cassowary was making its way all along the beach as we all looked on (but we kept our distance!).

Cape Tribulation Sunset

12) Mount Sorrow Ridge Walk

If you are looking to get high above the Daintree Rainforest and want to take in some views from above, your best option is the Mount Sorrow Ridge Walk.

This 4-6 hour round trip trail will take you to a viewpoint that looks over the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef out in the distance. Make sure you are prepared for the trail before you head out!

Learn More : The Mount Sorrow Hiking guide I put together will go more in-depth about what to expect

Mount Sorrow View

13) Daintree Lookouts

There are a couple of lookout points in the Daintree where you can take in some of the surrounding water, beaches, and more!

Kulki Lookout

Located right next to Cape Tribulation Beach is the Kulki Lookout. After parking your car in the lot you will see signs pointing you up to the right to this viewpoint.

It is only a few minutes short walk until you reach the platform with views over Cape Tribulation.

Kulki Lookout

Mount Alexandra Lookout

One of the first stops you will come by in the Daintree Rainforest is the Mount Alexandra Lookout.

At the lookout spot, you will be able to see all the way to Port Douglas with several other points of interest out in the distance.

Mount Alexandra Lookout

14) Daintree Rainforest Map

Below is a map that highlights each of the places mentioned in this guide. You will find all the attractions, activities, restaurants, hotels and other Daintree destinations pinpointed for your reference.

15) A Daintree Rainforest Itinerary

Now that you have a better sense of nearly everything one could do in the Daintree, I thought it may be helpful to put together what a Daintree Rainforest itinerary could look like.

I will assume a 2-day / 1-night trip starting early on day 1. Depending on how long you would like to stay at each place you may need to cut a thing or two out.

  • Leave Cairns or Port Douglas Early AM
  • Cross Daintree River
  • Alexandra Lookout
  • a) Daintree Discovery Centre and/or
  • b) Dubuji Boardwalk / Myall Beach
  • Cape Tribulation Sunset & Kulki Lookout
  • Emmagen Creek and/or Mason’s Cafe Swimming Hole
  • Cow Bay or Thornton Beach
  • Daintree River Cruise (on your way back)
  • Back to Port Douglas / Cairns

Mount Sorrow : If you would like to head up to Mount Sorrow, you can do so on day 2 instead of the places mentioned, or you can add an additional day in between to hike up the trail.

Daintree Rainforest Trails

That about wraps up a complete guide to a do-it-yourself Daintree Rainforest tour.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned above feel free to write them in the comments. Don’t forget to check out the other Australia itineraries and guides up on the site.

Flying into Sydney? Check out the 3-day Sydney itinerary and Blue Mountains Day Trip .

Going to the Whitsundays or Cairns? Take a look at the Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Tour and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Experience .

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Related posts:

Whitsundays Snorkeling

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Thursday 27th of October 2022

AWESOME guide. Exactly what I needed to make sure I didn't miss anything. Thank you so much!

Saturday 13th of August 2022

Lovely guide, super helpful!

Am departing from Cairns and looking to do just a day trip there, is there a time you would recommend to depart?

Many thanks, Will

Monday 15th of August 2022

Hi Will - if you are looking to just do a day trip from Cairns, I would recommend leaving very early on in the morning. Total driving time for the day can be close to 6 hours if you head up to Cape Tribulation and you will then need to pick and choose what attractions you want to visit. Enjoy your time there!

Thursday 21st of October 2021

Hi! Love your blog, I was just wondering which car rental company you used? Thank you!

Friday 22nd of October 2021

Hi there! Thanks so much. When I visited the Daintree I picked up a car rental in Cairns from Enterprise, but I am sure there are plenty others out there too! Hope thats helps you out.

Wednesday 15th of January 2020

Excellent guide. Totally demystified Daintree for me!

Thursday 16th of January 2020

Thank you! It is an incredible place and you will have a great time visiting it all!

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Every weekend is an adventure

Our daintree day trip self-drive up to cape tribulation.

  • Post published: 25 February 2020
  • Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Queensland

After our  liveaboard on the Outer Great Barrier Reef , we needed one day before flying back to Brisbane . We rented a car and made our own Daintree day trip self-drive and went all the way up to Cape Tribulation. The 140-kilometre drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is one of the most scenic drives you’ll find in the world. I wish we had a couple of days so we could have spent the night in this magical place, but a Daintree day trip to Cape Tribulation was still worth it.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

The Daintree Forest is the only place in the world where two UNESCO sites meet : a lush tropical rainforest just next to the world’s longest barrier reef. It’s also one of the rare places to tick all four natural criteria on the Criteria for Selection to be a World Heritage Site  (only 12 sites in the world do!).

And the more you look at numbers, the better you understand why this rainforest is so special. First, it is over one hundred and thirty-five million years old . And although it covers only 0.2% of Australia (which represents already around 1200 square kilometres), it is home for 30% of the frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species and 18% of bird species.

Our one-day self-driving itinerary in the Daintree Forest

We came back from our liveaboard at the end of the afternoon and went straight to Cairns airport to hire a car. The airport office was the only one to be open late on a Sunday. We drove for one hour to spend the night in Port Douglas so we’d be a bit closer to the Daintree Forest for our day trip the next day. If you can stay in Port Douglas rather than Cairns before your self-drive trip around the Daintree region, I highly recommend it.

We found a good deal at the Mantra Aqueous on Port *, and we liked having our private spa on the balcony. If we could have arrived earlier at our accommodation, I would have booked one of the amazing options in the region such as the ECO Certified  Thala Beach Nature Reserve *,  Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa *,  Daintree Wilderness Lodge * and  Silky Oaks Lodge *.

If you don’t have time to organise a day trip to Cape Tribulation or don’t want to get tired with the long drive, there are tours going up there from Cairns or Port Douglas:

Our first stop was at Mossman Gorge.

I was a bit afraid of how touristy Mossman Gorge may be. Still, it seemed hard to miss considering all the good reviews we read and heard. We visited early in the morning before all the tours from Cairns arrive, and it was quieter than expected. We had an excellent time there. If we could have stayed longer, we’d have done a guided walk Dreamtime walk. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the local Indigenous culture.

After visiting Mossman Gorge, we drove north with two objectives in mind:

  • spotting a cassowary
  • reaching Cape Tribulation

Unfortunately, we never found a cassowary despite all the warning signs on the side of the road. But being in their environment was undoubtedly thrilling. Our friends were at Mission Beach the same weekend and saw a full family with babies.

The ferry to Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation isn’t on an island, but it’s quite remote. You can access it with a 2WD, but you’ll need to catch a ferry to cross the Daintree River.

There’s no need to book and the ferry operates all day, from 5 am to midnight. You may queue a bit during the peak season but the ferry can take about 30 cars though, so it shouldn’t be too long. If you want to avoid the peak hour, don’t cross at the end of the morning to go to Cape Tribulation, and before sunset to go back.

It cost just under $30 return for a normal vehicle for the ten-minute trip to cross the river. They accept card payments from 8 am to 4:30 pm, so bring cash if you’ll be crossing outside these times.

Why Cape Tribulation was a fantastic surprise – even just for a day trip!

There’s a lot to do up there, and you will only have time to scratch the surface on a day trip to the Daintree region. We tried to fit as much as we could.

1. The postcard-perfect beach

We spent time most of our time walking along the postcard-perfect beach. I’ve seen many beaches in Australia. I’m always happy to explore a new one, but it often looks like one I have already seen. Cape Tribulation felt different. I loved the wilderness.

Knowing that we were far away near the top of Queensland made it special. And the rainforest up to the sand looks amazing. As if it wasn’t already perfect, we also spotted dolphins passing by very close to shore. Don’t think about joining them though, it’s a bit too risky with the jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles in the region.

2. Cold drinks with the best views ever

Although you feel far away from everything, there are hotels and small bars a few steps away. Tourism development in Cape Tribulation was clever.

We enjoyed the opportunity for refreshments on this hot day after a long drive and short walks. At the end of Cape Tribulation Beach, the Cape Trib Beach House * has a stunning location next to the beach. You can relax while enjoying the beautiful views with a cold drink before heading back. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic and photogenic heart of the Daintree region.

3. Short walks

Hoping to see cassowaries and ready to stretch our legs after the drive, we explored the two most popular boardwalks in Cape Tribulation: Marrdja Boardwalk (half an hour) and  Dubuji Boardwalk (one hour). Even on a hot day, I found it easy to explore the forest on these boardwalks. From Dubuji Boardwalk, you can reach the magnificent Myall Beach.

The short Kulki Boardwalk will take you to a lookout over Cape Tribulation Beach.

If you’ve got time for serious hiking, you may want to check out the views from the top of Mount Sorrow . The hike takes between four to five hours, so it’s hard to fit into a day trip really.

But if it’s too hot, you can drive to a lookout that also offers nice views: Alexandra Lookout .

Consider stopping at Mason’s Cafe for lunch (they close at 3 pm!). It’s one of the best places in Australia to try game meat as they serve burgers made from emu, crocodile, kangaroo and camel meat.

They’ve got an amazing freshwater swimming hole if you feel like having a dip.

Responsible travel tip: In Australia , eating kangaroo meat is more sustainable than beef. On a road trip, the money you spend on food will support the local economy. When possible, avoid shopping at the supermarket and have lunch in a local cafe instead.

Map of this day trip to Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is in the north of Queensland . The closest airport is in Cairns . The tourist office gave us this map with all the attractions and restaurants in the region.

Have you been to the Daintree Forest and Cape Tribulation? Share your experience in the comments below!

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self guided tour daintree rainforest

Routes and Trips Travel Guide with Maps and Photos

Self drive trip to the daintree rainforest.

Posted by: Liisa Nygård

Now we will take you on a journey through the tropical north of Australia. To make a self drive trip to Daintree Rainforest we rented a campervan and headed to the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world, listed by UNESCO as a Wet Tropics World Heritage Site.

Being such an old rainforest the Daintree contains many ancient plants and rarely seen animals. What also makes holidaymakers happy are the fine tropical beaches almost right in the rainforest.

The Daintree is one of the only existing places where tropical rainforest meets the ocean, one more reason for UNESCO to take it on their list.

Jindalba boardwalk, Daintree

Palms on the Jindalba Rainforest Walk, Daintree Rainforest

To explore Australia’s wet tropics we first took the long way from Europe to Australia and then flights to Cairns to get the campervan.

So now we were here, in the Australian wet tropics! Where should we go next, to the Great Barrier Reef, to the white Coral Sea beaches, or should we just dive into the thick rainforest?

We made the coastal village of Cape Tribulation our base. You can see the location of Cape Tribulation on the map, and the green area around it is the Daintree.

As we are nature lovers, getting to a rainforest like this had been our dream, an experience we have to share.

Maybe you are in the process of planning a trip to Daintree – if not now so maybe you will, after reading this post:

Self Drive Trip to the Daintree Rainforest: the Itinerary

Map of our self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Here you can see our self drive Daintree itinerary. As Daintree National Park only has roads on the coast, we had to take the only existing main road both ways, there and back.

Myall Beach, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Nothing wrong with the roadside views

This is the second post about our journey to Daintree. The first post was about the drive from Cairns to Daintree , and this one will be about the Daintree itself.

Read here about the drive from Cairns to Daintree: Queensland, Australia: Driving from Cairns to Daintree

Driving through Daintree Rainforest

Once you have crossed the Daintree River  by ferry you will dive into Daintree Wet Tropics National Park :

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Driving in Daintree Wet Tropics National Park

It all looks amazing, knowing that the jungle we dived into is thousands of years old.

Being the oldest surviving rainforest in the world, the Daintree is a gem. There is the highest concentration of rare plants and animals anywhere in the world, just looking forward to see them all!

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest: a dip on the road

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest: a dip on the road

The road soon narrows to wind its way to Cape Tribulation through the thick jungle. Curves, bends and speed bumps make driving slow.

Then there are many marked dips, bumpy places where you almost have to stop. The dips are there for the rainy season. They let flood water cross the road and run down from the mountains to the ocean! So in the rainy season parts of the road are under flood.

Cassowary sign, Daintree Rainforest

The first cassowary sign!

All this made driving much slower than we had thought. Yet the road is good enough to drive and there is absolutely no problem driving to Cape Tribulation by campervan. But from Cape Tribulation on it will be different.

The Daintree road is sealed up to the Cape Tribulation Beach. But beyond that it’s all clay based and to drive there, you will need a 4WD vehicle. There is clay, sand and even big stones on the road, but worst of all are the super deep creek crossings that make driving a real adventure.

Watch up for Cassowaries!

After the river crossing it didn’t last long until we got the first signs of ancient Daintree wildlife:

A cassowary crossing the road in Daintree Rainforest

Watch up, a cassowary crossing the road!

There were many cassowary warnings on the roadside, in places where cassowaries tend to cross the road. As they normally use the same routes, the places are well known and can be marked.

We had just been wondering if we would see those giant birds at all – and then, in one of these marked cassowary crossings we met a big one.

The cassowary was standing still, only a couple of meters from us. For a long while it kept staring at us, and then suddenly decided to rush back to where it came from. It maybe didn’t like us, and eather did it want to attack. Some facts about the bird:

It was a Southern cassowary, a prehistoric fruit-eating bird that only lives in the wet tropics. The Southern cassowary is the third tallest living bird in the world after ostrich and emu . Cassowary numbers have declined and presently they are endangered animals. As a lot of cassowaries get killed by cars, only 1200 of them are left.

So drive slowly to let them live!

Rainforest Views from Alexandra Lookout

Alexandra Lookout, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Alexandra Lookout, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

After a while the road climbs up the hill, reaching the Alexandra Range Lookout. This is the highest point on the way to Cape Tribulation and therefore needs a stop. Some Alexandra Lookout scenery:

Tropical ferns, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Alexandra Lookout, the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest

The lookout shows you what rainforest hills look like from above and gives you an overview of the region. Rainforest mountains on one side and the Coral Sea on the other.

Jindalba Boardwalk

Rainforest ferns, Jindalba Boardwalk, Daintree

Daintree as its best: Jindalba boardwalk ferns

Before reaching the coast and the Cow Bay, 10 km north from the ferry crossing comes the Daintree Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is a place where to learn about the rainforest. On a self-guided tour on an elevated walkway you cany observe rainforest and its plants from above, and for more views you can even climb a 23 m high tower.

Next to the Daintree Discovery Centre comes the next nature attraction, the Jindalba Boardwalk. 

Jindalba Boardwalk

Walking in the rainforest

The Jindalba Boardwalk is an easy way to see the wet tropics. It’s a 700 m loop through the rainforest, the entrance to which is free.

You walk slowly in your own pace and get information on the Daintree and its plants along the track. Afterwards you can have a picnic in the rainforest, using the picnic tables near the car park.

Learning about cassowaries, Jindalba Boardwalk

Learning about cassowaries, ancient birds of Daintree National Park

There are information boards telling about cassowaries and their habits, and a slight chance to meet one on the boardwalk. As they can be aggressive and attack, don’t hope to meet one.

There are signs telling this: if you come across a cassowary in the rainforest, start walking back with a big object like your rucksack or shirt in front of you. That will protect you in case the bird attacks you.

Tasting Tropical Ice Cream

Tasting tropical ice cream, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

Clas tasting tropical ice cream, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

As we rather wanted ice cream at this stage, we skipped the Jindalba picnic area. I had read about ice cream factories by the Cape Tribulation road, and we now wanted to find them.

Fan palm, Daintree Rainforest

Tropical ice-cream in tropical surroundings

Soon there was the first ice-cream factory. The cafe was really pretty, surrounded the thick rainforest, and the tropical ice-cream was – just delicious!

This is what they say: they serve locally-made organic ice cream with tropical flavors. The fruits they use for the flavors come from their own orchards.

Thornton Beach

Thornton Beach, Daintree Rainforest

One of the many Daintree beaches: Thornton Beach

After the ice-cream place came the sandy Coral Sea beaches. Many of them, so beautiful, sandy and soft. We had to start stopping.

This is the Thornton Beach 18 km from the river crossing. There is a small roadside cafe with Coral Sea views, closed, however, at the time we were visiting. So no more tropical ice-cream today…

So we only walked alone on the deserted beach, trying go get photos of the tiny crabs rushing in all directions in the sand. But each time we came closer they all went home into their small holes.

A photographer on Thornton Beach, Daintree Rainforest

Watching crabs and walking back to the car park

At the south end of Thornton Beach is a small river, Cooper Creek, known for its crocodile population.

The next beach to come is the Noah Beach, also pretty. All beaches we saw in the Daintree were like a paradise. With the extra touch of the rainforest these beaches must be among the most beautiful in the world.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation was our base in the Daintree, where we stayed for three nights. We had meant to stay two nights only, but extended it as we liked the place so much.

Cape Tribulation is a small coastal Daintree village that hasn’t changed a lot after tourism to the region started to grow when the road was built. Earlier there only was a 4WD road.

There are only one or two grocery stores, a few small restaurants. Also you will find tour organizers arranging jungle and reef tours. Accommodation is only available in eco lodges within the rainforest or on beach-side campsites.

Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest: coconuts on the white beach

This is the white Myall Beach located on the south side of the cape.

Even when it was winter (winter is the dry season) and the best tourism time, there were no people on the beaches, except for two hours after the noon when all Daintree tour groups from Cairns arrived, all at the same time.

It looked like all tourists take these bus tours, not many of them making self drive trips to Daintree. Yet using your own vehicle lets you stay as long as you like, longer than two hours.

Cape Tribulation Camping

Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation Camping

Coral Sea view from our Daintree campsite

Our Daintree base was the Cape Tribulation Camping that gave us an absolute beachfront location.

The camping area is in the rainforest just off the Myall Beach and close to the village. So every time we wanted to the beach, we took the 20 m long sandy path you can see in the picture below:

Daintree Rainforest meets the sea

Camping in Cape Tribulation

Then, every afternoon the camping staff started heating their old pizza oven with wood, to make it hot enough for pizza baking. And every night between 5 and 8 all guests gathered on the porch, waiting for good wood fired pizzas to be served.

Cape Tribulation Camping, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

The Cape Tribulation Camping pizza place

Almost all camping guests staying here in their tents and campervans came for dinner. Or if they didn’t want pizza every night, they only came for a glass of wine.

Sitting here all together and sharing our Daintree experiences was great fun and we learned a lot from each other. After the dinner almost all lights went off and we could only enjoy the silence, the stars and the Coral Sea.

On the Cape Tribulation Camping website you can learn about the surroundings and the activities offered in Cape Tribulation.

There are activities from reef snorkeling to jungle river cruises that we didn’t take as we already had tried similar activities in other destinations.

Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation Camping

Relaxing on the coral sands of Daintree National Park

Instead we took walks in the rainforest and spent time on the beach. This is Myall Beach, only a few meters from the camping.

So where did we go?

Dubiji Rainforest Walk

Fan palm forest, Dubiji Rainforest Walk

In the deep Daintree Rainforest

The first morning we walked north along Myall Beach to the 1,2 km Dubiji boardwalk that winds through the rainforest. You can also find the boardwalk from the other side where the main road is.

Fan palm forest, Dubiji Rainforest Walk

Fan palms on the  Cape Tribulation Dubiji Walk 

The Dubuji walk was fantastic, one of the most beautiful nature walks I’ve ever seen.

The wooden boardwalk winds its way through a wet mangrove swamp into a deep rainforest. It also takes you into a very special fan palm forest that you can see in these pictures.

The Dubuji boardwalk is meant to be a loop walk, but at the time we were there, the end part was under construction and we had to walk back the same way.

A tree and an elkhorn, Dubiji Rainforest Walk, Cape Tribulation

Self-drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest: native rainforest plants

We spent a long while on the boardwalk. Here are more images of the vegetation: above on the left is an elkhorn fern that grows high up in the trees. An elkhorn fern makes me think about elk horns that male elks back home in Finland normally have.

Cape Tribulation Village Centre

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest. Cape Tribulation village

The village of Cape Tribulation, Queensland

The Dubiji boardwalk is close to the village centre. Cape Trib is a very small village with only a few tourist shops, a visitor information centre and a small general store.

Mangrove Boardwalk

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest, mangroves

A typical Daintree mangrove swamp

Behind the store is another camping area, the PK Jungle Village, from where we found another path to the beach. And again there was a boardwalk, and another mangrove swamp.

This swamp was so thick and wet that there was no way to get anywhere in it, without a built boardwalk. Thanks to those that built this, we so much loved getting to see mangroves this close.

Mangrove Boardwalk, Cape Tribulation

Taking Daintree National Park boardwalks 

Walking along Myall Beach

So we came back to Myall Beach and continued north. Postcard-pretty but hardly anyone in the water. Why?

Self drive trip to Daintree Rainforest, Myalls beach

Tourists walking on Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation

Getting closer you will notice that there are stinger and crocodile warnings, everywhere.

Summer is the main season for stingers but they can survive all year round in these warm waters. So swimming in these fantastic waters is not an option and we only walked in the water.

As the Cape Tribulation beaches are in a remote place, there are no life-guards or stinger nets to protect you either.

River on the beach, Cape Tribulation

Daintree beach life

Following the beach we found a small path ( the Kuliki Rainforest Walk) leading to the last car park before the sealed road ends. That was near the cape between the different Cape Tribulation beaches.

Kuliki Walk, Cape Tribulation

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest: walking amoung tropical plants

From the car park you can walk to a lookout from where you get a view of the beach on the north side of the cape, the Cape Tribulation Beach . The lookout walk is short and easy, only about 600 meters.

Kuliki Rainforest Walk lookout, Cape Tribulation

The Cape Tribulation Coral Sea viewpoint

Cape Tribulation Beach

So Cape Tribulation has two beaches. The beach on the north side was full of day-trippers from Cairns. This is the destination of bus tours and they stay here for one or two hours.

Seeing that we felt so happy to be able to stay days in Cape Tribultation instead of hours.

Self drive trip to Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Beach

Tourists on Cape Tribulation Beach

On this beach you can see a huge network of mangrove roots between the beach and the headland. Mangrove needs those big roots to take in oxygen so it can live in a wetland like this.

Mangrove on Cape Tribulation Beach

Huge mangrove roots and beach walking in the Daintree Rainforest

Meeting a Goanna

On the way back from the beach we stopped at a picnic table to get beach sand off our feet – and saw a big goanna!

Self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest, a goanna

A Daintree goanna next to the Cape Tribulation beach

The goanna was staring at us from the bush. So now we have seen a cassowary and a goanna in the wild!

Daintree Rainforest Swimming Holes

Emmagen swimhole, self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

A tropical Daintree swimhole 

If you don’t like swimming with stingers and crocodiles, there’s another way to enjoy Daintree’s tropical waters. Just try some of the fresh water swimming holes that exist in Daintree creeks and rivers.

What is a swimming hole? A wider place in a tropical river where the water stands still. In these places the water often is crystal clear, getting a green color from the jungle. Daintree river waters are a bit cool, at least in winter, which makes you feel refreshed on a hot day.

Yet, for your own safety, you will have to know where to go. Around the village of Cape Tribulation there are only two crocodile free swimming holes:

Masons Swimming Hole

Mason's Store park, Cape Tribulation

The park next to the Masons swimming hole, Cape Tribulation

The first one is the Masons swimming hole, a secret swimming hole right behind Mason’s General Store located where you enter Cape Tribulation village from the south.

The second one is the Emmagen Creek swimming hole 7 km north along a dirt road.

To get to the Masons swimming hole, park your car in front of Mason’s store and walk to the river through the gate and the park shown in this picture. And don’t forget to leave a small donation in the box.

This is a what the fresh water swimming hole behind Mason’s store looks like.

Masons swimming hole Cape Tribulation

A green Cape Tribulation swimhole

The top thing with the Masons swimming hole is that you can hang and swing on a liana and then jump into the water, and there were lots of lianas hanging from the trees.

Emmagen Swimming Hole

Bloomfield Track, Cape Tribulation

Driving on the Bloomfield Track

The other crocodile-free swimming hole is the Emmagen Creek further north.

Driving north from Cape Tribulation the road is the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown. On the Bloomfield Track it’s only possible to drive on a two-wheel driven car for about the first 7 km to Emmagen, where the first river crossing comes (see the photo above).

Leave your car on the small car park and on the left hand side you will find a small path into the rainforest. There is no sign or anything, just the path.

Crocodile warning on Bloomfield Track

On the way to the Emmagen swimhole

Follow that path for about 400 meters and you’ll reach the Emmagen Creek. At the end turn either left of right, both places you come to are good to swim at.

We tried both river bends and some other people too had found this remote place. Below some pictures of the two Emmagen swimming holes:

Emmagen Creek swimming hole

Emmagen, a Platypus River

And guess what we saw at Emmagen:  a platypus! Yes, we really saw one, looking exactly the same as in the Sydney Aquarium. Never before have we seen a platypus in the wild, even when we so much tried.

The platypus was diving near the bottom, swimming fast and turning all the time as if it was looking for something. Then it heard us talking (too loud of course…) and disappeared in the mud.

End of the Self Drive Trip to the Daintree Rainforest

So in the Daintree we met wildlife: a cassowary, goanna and platypus.

Time for one more look at the Coral Sea before driving back:

Self drive trip to Daintree Rainforest

End of the self drive trip to the Daintree Rainforest

More on Daintree and Queensland

  • On the same trip we went to see the Great Barrier Reef: What is a Great Barrier Reef Cruise Like?
  • Our drive to the Daintree: Driving from Cairns to Daintree

More information on Daintree Rainforest and visitor maps:

  • the Daintree Tourism Website  and
  • the Daintree Marketing Cooperative website

The Daintree Rainforest is truely one of the most amazing place in the world, where else do you have access to 2 world heritage sites!

Great photos and very helpful for planning our trip. Thankyou

This is very useful block. We had got good information through this and did one day trip to Daintree from Cairns utilising the details provided here.

Thanks you!!

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Travel NQ

Daintree Daytrip: Tips for a Self Driving Tour From Cairns

Cairns , Daintree

daintree daytrip

Exploring the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest continuously surviving rainforest, is on most people’s list of ‘must-do’s when they visit Far North Queensland, and its easily done as a self driving Daintree daytrip from Cairns. 

The Daintree lies about 140kms to the north of Cairns along a road that hugs the coast to Port Douglas before winding through sugarcane fields, past lush rainforested hills and deserted beaches until it finally comes to a stop at the Daintree River.

daintree ferry

Beyond this point the road is unsealed and only recommended for 4WD’s along the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown.

It’s a beautiful drive to the Daintree through diverse tropical landscapes but as with most places in Australia, its important to plan some stops along the way otherwise you’ll just drive through a lot of scenery without actually getting to experience all that the area has to offer.

These are some stop-offs we would recommend to be sure you get the full Daintree experience:

1. rainforest[/headline

The rainforest is the major attraction in this area but you can’t fully appreciate it from inside a vehicle.

capetribboardwalk

The boardwalks enable you to view the forest from the ground all the way up to the canopy. In fact, the highest observation tower allows you to see right over the top.

The good thing about going there is that it has a self guided tour so you can also learn about this amazing and unique ecosystem.

If you’ve got time, another good option for seeing the rainforest from lots of different angles is to have a go at jungle surfing in Cape Trib where you can zipline your way through the trees.

There are also some good self-guided boardwalks.

  • The Kulki boardwalk is a short walk up to a look-out over Cape Tribulation beach.
  • Dubuji Boardwalk is a beautiful 1.2 km walk through rainforest and mangroves that is accessed from Myall Beach as well as a path near the kid’s playground next to PKs Village.
  • The Maardja Botanical Walk is a flat walk that meanders through mangroves for about 1.2 kms. It is about 10 minutes south of Cape Trib.

2. wildlife

bruce belcher cruise

They usually only take about an hour so they are definitely worth doing on a Daintree daytrip.

You are pretty much guaranteed to spot in the wild and they are also just a nice way to take in the views and environment of the area.

Here are a couple of options:

  • Solar Whispers are located right near the ferry and they offer really good cruises along the Daintree River.
  • Cape Tribulation Crocodile Cruises are also really good cruise further north at Thornton Beach.

The Daintree is also important cassowary habitat so drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled. If you see a vehicle has stopped with it’s lights flashing it is probably because the driver has seen a cassowary crossing the road so slow down and stop.

If you’ve got kids with you, there is also the option of popping into the Daintree Zoo  or if you like insects check out the Bug (Entomological) Museum. If you pop into Lync-Haven Cafe for breakfast you might also be lucky enough to be invited to watch their croc and wallabies being fed – they are a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

3. beaches & swim holes

myall beach

Since the Daintree is prime croc-country do not swim in the ocean, in estuaries or rivers.

If you’re visiting on a hot day you should head to a freshwater swimhole instead. The best known one in this area is Mason’s Creek just behind Mason’s store in Cape Trib or further north from Cape Trib there is Emmagen Creek.

daintree ice cream

You should also definitely plan on stopping for ice cream at some point during your journey in the Daintree.

There are a couple of places that make locally made ice cream from some of the strange and unusual rainforest fruits grown in the area.

If you get the opportunity to try Black Sapote ice cream definitely give it a go because it actually tastes like chocolate. Its amazing.

other places along the way

If you’re travelling from Cairns there are a few other places you can stop before you get to the Daintree ferry. These include:

  • Port Douglas – good for an afternoon beer on the way home
  • Swimming holes in the Port Douglas area
  • Janbal Gallery in Mossman where you can do Aboriginal painting
  • Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree village

Travel NQ fast facts:

  • It takes approx. 3 hours to drive from Cairns (2 hours from Port Douglas) to Cape Tribulation on a Daintree daytrip
  • The road is sealed and accessible to all traffic as far as Cape Tribulation but beyond this there is 32kms of unsealed road on the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown
  • There is only one fuel station on the north side of the ferry
  • Peak hours for the Daintree Ferry are 10-12.30 going north and 3-6pm going south so avoid these times if you want to minimise your wait time
  • There are quite a few good Daintree accommodation options if you choose to stay, including some at the top in Cape Trib .
  • Take insect repellent (for mozzies), a towel (for swimming), cash (eftpos is not available everywhere), camera and an umbrella (in case of rain)
  • Be croc-wise: Don’t swim in the sea and don’t stand too close to the water’s edge

Related posts:

  • Tropical Treehouses: Sleeping in the Canopy of the Daintree Rainforest
  • Don’t Touch! Dangerous Tropical Rainforest Plants to Avoid in NQ
  • Daintree Wilderness Lodge
  • Aboriginal Tours: Daintree Walkabout Adventures

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Bec's Travel Itinerary

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Daintree Rainforest 1-Day Itinerary: a complete guide

Daintree Rainforest is just over 100 kilometres north of Cairns , along Australia’s picturesque east coast. It is home to one of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforests . With incredibly diverse flora and fauna , this UNESCO-listed rainforest is essential to the world’s ecosystem.

Daintree Rainforest is famous for being where the ‘ Rainforest Meets the Reef ‘. With the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef fringing the idyllic coastline of the Daintree Rainforest, the view of these two UNESCO world heritage sites expanding side-by-side is simply nature at its best & one not to be missed!

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Where to Stay in the Daintree Rainforest

Since most attractions in the Daintree Rainforest are on the northern shore of the Daintree River, it only makes sense to stay north of the Daintree River for an authentic Daintree Rainforest experience. This will also save you from the trouble and repeat cost of catching the ferry daily.

Wake up to nature in one of these Daintree accommodations:

How to visit Daintree Rainforest

Public transport is generally limited in the Daintree region, especially within the Daintree Rainforest. Regardless of the direction you are visiting from, there are practically only two options for visiting the Daintree Rainforest: self-drive or guided tours .

Many tour companies also run guided tours for visiting the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns or Port Douglas. Here are a few guided Daintree Rainforest tours you may wish to check out:

Cairns Departure:

Daintree River Crossing

Daintree Ferry

Daintree Ferry is the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest.

A one-way ride on Daintree Ferry takes only about 5 minutes . It runs back and forth continuously from 5 am to midnight daily to transport passengers and vehicles between the southern and northern banks of the Daintree River.

To access Daintree Ferry via its southern terminal, you need to turn onto Cape Tribulation Road from Mossman Daintree Road, then follow the signage towards the ticket booth to purchase a Daintree Ferry return ticket. From there, all you need is to line up & board the next ferry as directed by the operators.

A return ticket for Daintree Ferry was AUD 45 when I visited & make sure you keep the ticket for your return ferry as well.

During peak hours, the queue can get quite long at the ferry terminals, and it may take a few runs before your turn. That said, since the turnaround is relatively quick, it shouldn’t take too long in most cases.

While waiting for the next ferry, you can get off the car to check out the crocodiles along the Daintree River . Just make sure you observe the warning signs and don’t get too close to the water/crocodiles.

Once you have crossed the Daintree River, you will drive straight into a dense rainforest with tall canopies blocking most of the sky. This winding road hugs the pristine coastline and provides some of the best views along this stunning coast.

Tips on visiting Daintree Rainforest:

  • Swimming : Crocodiles and poisonous jellyfish are commonly found in the water around Daintree. Although the beaches and rivers are incredibly gorgeous in the Daintree Rainforest, they are unsafe for swimming. If you are keen on a cool swim, check out one of the picturesque swimming holes, such as Mason’s Swimming Hole and Emmagen Creek , instead.
  • Driving : With only one main road hugging the coast, navigating is relatively easy in Daintree. That said, the area north of Cape Tribulation is only suited for 4WDs & it can be easily identified by the road signs and challenging road conditions north of Cape Tribulation. So make sure you have an appropriate vehicle and are driving in suitable weather conditions before exploring further north.
  • Petrol : When I visited, there was only one petrol station in the Daintree Rainforest. It is located near Thornton Beach. That said, it is still better to fill up the tank before starting this day trip.
  • Walking Trails : Various walking trails are available in the Daintree Rainforest. As fascinating as the rainforest can be, make sure you only explore within the designated walking tracks . This is not only for protecting this ancient rainforest but also for your safety.
  • Cassowary : Cassowary is an endangered bird native to Far North Queensland. It is a giant, shy bird, identifiable by its colourful exaggerated head attire, glossy fur-like feathers, and dinosaur feet. Although difficult to spot in the wild, Daintree Rainforest is the best place for spotting cassowaries . Although cassowaries are not violent, they may attack if they believe you are trying to harm them. So make sure you keep a safe distance when admiring these stunning birds.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Daintree Discovery Centre

Daintree Discovery Centre is a beautiful and educational rainforest centre located near the ferry terminal in the Daintree Rainforest. It offers a selection of elevated walkways with information boards for visitors to explore and learn about the ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest.

On entering, you will also receive an interpretive guidebook and a self-directed audio guide to help make the most of your visit to the Daintree Discovery Centre.

The highlight of Daintree Discovery Centre is undoubtedly its iconic 23-metre tall Canopy Tower , which allows visitors to climb up its top lookout platform for an unobstructed bird’s eye view of the lush green rainforest you are visiting.

Within Daintree Discovery Centre, you can also find interesting Reptile Enclosures with giant pythons, a fascinating Rainforest Aquarium with beautiful fishes, and an educational Bug Room with a range of native insects to discover.

These all make Daintree Discovery Centre one of the best places to make sense of the impressive yet fragile ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest.

Entry ticket to Daintree Discovery Centre was AUD 39 per adult in my memory & concession tickets are available for kids. Although not a vast area to explore, I suggest planning at least 1 hour for a walk around to cover all the highlights and read the information boards around the discovery centre.

Daintree Discovery Centre is one of the best places to get an insight into the diverse yet fragile ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest. However, if travelling on a tight budget, you can certainly skip this spot and still enjoy a delightful day trip to the Daintree Rainforest, as all other attractions on this itinerary are either free or only charge a small fee.

Toilets and a small cafe are available on-site at Daintree Discovery Centre.

Jindalba Boardwalk

Jindalba Boardwalk

Jindalba is located only a few hundred metres further down the road from Daintree Discovery Centre. You can either drive to and park at the designated car parks at Jindalba Boardwalk, or take a short walk from Daintree Discovery Centre to Jindalba Boardwalk.

Two loop walks are available at Jindalba: a smaller 700-metre circular boardwalk for a taste of Jindalba & a more adventurous 2.7-kilometre circular walk to explore Jindalba in-depth.

On the information board at Jindalba, the longer loop walk was only suggested for the more experienced walkers, so I did not attempt it during my visit. That said, it might be the right walk for you if you are up for some challenge.

In terms of the shorter walk, it was mainly along a well-maintained boardwalk tucked within a lush rainforest. It also passes through a few tranquil creeks with beautiful bridges. It is a great walk to explore the rainforest and its incredible wildlife.

No entry fee is required for visiting Jindalba Boardwalk. Making it an excellent option when visiting the Daintree Rainforest on a budget.

Public toilets are available near the Jindalba Boardwalk car park.

Daintree Ice Cream Company

Daintree Ice Cream Company

After visiting Daintree Discovery Centre and Jindalba Boardwalk, we will drive further north along Cape Tribulation Road to explore more of the Daintree Rainforest.

Along your drive, make sure you stop by the Daintree Ice Cream Company for some delicious refreshments!

Daintree Ice Cream Company is nestled in a beautiful fruit orchard. It offers a range of ice cream flavours from the exotic tropical fruits harvested from the orchard.

Although made on the premises, the ice creams at Daintree Ice Cream Company were all prepackaged into cups for convenience. The individual cups were AUD 6 & mixed cups were AUD 7.5 when I visited. Depending on the season, the flavours can change.

The mixed cup I purchased had four flavours: coconut, mango, black sapote, and wattleseed. They were all refreshing and delicious. The serving was also very generous. That said, since they were all prepackaged, you can’t choose and mix the flavours yourself & they were also a bit hard to scoop when first out of the freezer.

Various tables and chairs are dotted around the orchard for visitors to enjoy their mouthwatering ice creams.

Toilets are available on-site.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation Beach & Kulki Lookout

Cape Tribulation Beach and Kulki Lookout at Cape Tribulation is the northernmost area on this Daintree Rainforest day trip itinerary . You can explore further north if desired, but a 4WD will be required. (With a 2WD, you can push to as far as Emmagen Creek, a 10-minute drive further north from Kulki Lookout, on a rough gravel road, but it was a rather unenjoyable ride in my experience)

Cape Tribulation Beach is about a 30-minute drive north along Cape Tribulation Road from Daintree Ice Cream Company. It is, in my opinion, the most gorgeous spot on this day trip !

Protected by lush green headlands on both ends of the beach, Cape Tribulation Beach provides incredibly calm water and a long stretch of buttery-soft white sandy beach .

Note: Although extremely inviting, Cape Tribulation Beach is unsuitable for swimming . Jellyfish (especially during the rainy season) and crocodiles are frequently found along the beaches in Daintree.

Towards the southern end of Cape Tribulation Beach, there are a couple of walkways leading to a short boardwalk, Kulki Boardwalk.

Kulki Boardwalk is only about 350 meters long. It starts from the Cape Tribulation Beach car park to the impressive Kulki Lookout up the small headland south of Cape Tribulation Beach. A return walk along Kulki Boardwalk should only take about 15 minutes for most of us, but you will likely wish to plan more time for admiring the views at Kulki Lookout.

Located on a small headland, Kulki Lookout offers an unparalleled bird’s eye view of the pristine Cape Tribulation Beach and the alluring turquoise water at Cape Tribulation. This is one of the best places in the Daintree Rainforest to admire where the Rainforest Meets the Reefs . Although frequented by visitors, it still provides a peaceful vibe with only the sounds of the ocean waves and birds chirping.

Since Cape Tribulation Beach and Kulki Lookout are one of the most popular day trip destinations in the Daintree Rainforest , their parking area can fill up quickly during peak visiting hours. You may want to visit this spot early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd.

Public toilets are available near the car park.

Myall Beach

Dubuji Boardwalk & Myall Beach

After visiting the idyllic Cape Tribulation Beach and Kulki Lookout, we will start heading south along Cape Tribulation Road to check out a few more stunning attractions along this coastal drive.

Dubuji Boardwalk is only a brief 5-minute drive south of Cape Tribulation Beach. It is a well-maintained 1.2-kilometre loop walk through lush rainforests and incredible mangrove forests. It will also lead you to the beautiful Myall Beach for a pit stop.

Along the walk from Myall Beach back to the car park, there is a good-sized picnic area with bowling greens and picnic tables. It can be an excellent place for lunch if desired.

A loop walk along Dubuji Boardwalk took me about 20-25 minutes . If you only intend to visit Myall Beach and/or the picnic area, you can access them directly from the car park & it should only take about 5 minutes to get there, depending on your fitness level.

In comparison to Cape Tribulation Beach and Kulki Lookout, the car park for Myall Beach and Dubuji Boardwalk is much bigger and less crowded. Public toilets are also available near the car park.

Mason’s Swimming Hole

Mason’s Swimming Hole

After spending half the day exploring the rainforest and beaches, let’s now head to Mason’s Swimming Hole for a refreshing cool swim, followed by a late lunch.

Mason’s Swimming Hole is only a 2-minute drive south of Dubuji Boardwalk. It is one of Daintree’s limited swimming spots, free from jellyfish and crocodiles .

Surrounded by beautiful rainforests with crystal clear water running through, Mason’s Swimming Hole provides a tranquil spot for visitors to swim. Various fishes will also swim by your side, adding more fun to your visit.

Located at the back of Masons Cafe, Mason’s Swimming Hole is part of a private property requiring a small access fee: AUD 1 per person . The gate to Mason’s Swimming Hole is unmanned, but there is a small coin box on your left-hand side at the gate for visitors to drop off their entrance fee.

From the gate, there will be a short walking trail to lead you to the swimming hole.

After cooling down at Mason’s Swimming Hole, make sure you check out Masons Cafe for their signature Crocodile Burger ! If crocodile meat is outside your consideration, Masons Cafe also offers a good selection of food and drinks to suit different dietary requirements, making it an excellent place for a late lunch on this fun-filled day trip.

Madja Boardwalk

Madja Boardwalk

After a delicious lunch at Masons Cafe, let’s walk along Oliver Creek to check out the incredible transition between a beautiful tropical rainforest and a tough mangrove forest at Madja Boardwalk.

Madja Boardwalk is a 1.2-kilometre loop walk , a 10-minute drive south of Mason’s Swimming Hole. It is a relatively flat walk & can be effortlessly completed within 30 minutes for most of us.

Along the walk, you will find the crystal clear Oliver Creek , stroll through lush rainforests , and be impressed by the sudden landscape change near the river mouth. Various signage boards can be located throughout this walk, with informative details on the ecosystem and plantations along Madja Boardwalk.

Compared to Jindalba Boardwalk and Dubuji Boardwalk, Madja Boardwalk is not equipped with public toilets . There are also a very limited number of parking spots at Madja Boardwalk. That said, there were fewer visitors at Madja Boardwalk when I visited. 

Thornton Beach

Thornton Beach

If you still have some energy left for a beach stroll, why not check out Thornton Beach on your way back to the ferry terminal?

Thornton Beach is a less than 10-minute drive from Madja Boardwalk. It is a pristine sandy beach overlooking a small offshore island, Struck Island. With sapphire blue water, white sandy foreshore, and barely any visitors, it is a beach from paradise!

That said, being a typical beach of the Daintree region, the picture-perfect Thornton Beach is also not suited for swimming , with crocodiles and jellyfish frequenting. So make sure to stay clear of the water here and pay attention to crocodiles when visiting.

Mount Alexandra Lookout

Mount Alexandra Lookout

Mount Alexandra Lookout is a picturesque vantage point just off Cape Tribulation Road. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Daintree River Mouth, the lush rainforest below, and the stunning coastline nearby . On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Port Douglas from Mount Alexandra Lookout.

Being the closest attraction to the ferry terminal, most visitors tend to visit Mount Alexandra Lookout on their way into the Daintree Rainforest. However, I suggest visiting Mount Alexandra Lookout on your drive back to the ferry terminal . So you do not need to hold up the traffic behind you when turning into the car park & can avoid an awkward right turn when driving out of the car park.

2 Days in Daintree

Although one day is typically sufficient for visiting the highlights of the Daintree Rainforest, two days will be ideal if you wish to explore the Daintree Rainforest at a more enjoyable pace and feel its serenity when all the day trippers have left Daintree.

With two days in Daintree, you can also check out a few more iconic Daintree attractions, such as the Daintree River Cruise and Mossman Gorge.

Here are a few popular attractions and activities you may wish to check out when spending two days in the Daintree Rainforest.

Mossman Gorge

Daintree River Cruise

Since most of the waterways in Daintree are not suited for swimming, a Daintree River Cruise is undoubtedly the perfect way for visitors to get a good glimpse into the fascinating rivers and creeks in the Daintree Rainforest & get up and close to its resident crocodiles in a controlled environment.

Multiple companies in Daintree offer sightseeing cruises along the Daintree River. They are mostly 1-2 hour cruise tours, operated at different time slots throughout the day. A few options you may wish to check out are:

  • 1-hour cruise on a solar-powered cruise.
  • Located only a short walk from Daintree Ferry’s southern terminal.
  • Multiple departure times to choose from.
  • 1-hour guided cruise along the Daintree River
  • Multiple departure times to choose from, with complimentary beverages provided.
  • 2-hour cruise to discover the peaceful Daintree River at dawn.
  • Departures from the heart of Daintree Village.
  • 2-hour Sunset Cruise along the beautiful Daintree River.

Mossman Gorge

Although not geologically part of the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge has been a popular attraction for people visiting the Daintree Rainforest.

Located less than 30-minute drive south of the Daintree River & just off Captain Cook Highway, Mossman Gorge also makes a convenient stopover for travellers visiting Daintree from Cairns/ Port Douglas.

Within Mossman Gorge, visitors can stroll through lush rainforests and swim in its picturesque rock pools . Its visitor centre also provides eateries, shops, toilets, and shower facilities, so you can even spend an entire day at Mossman Gorge if desired.

There is no entrance fee to Mossman Gorge, but you will need to purchase a shuttle bus ticket to access the walking tracks in Mossman Gorge. The shuttle bus only takes about 5 minutes one-way to drive between the visitor centre and the walking trail in Mossman Gorge.

A return shuttle bus ticket was AUD 13 per adult when I visited . There was only one bus going back and forth between the visitor centre and Mossman Gorge, so it should take only about 10 minutes for the next bus if you happen to miss out on one.

Although there are a lot of car parks at the visitor centre, they can fill up quickly due to the number of visitors at Mossman Gorge. So you may want to plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

Parking within Mossman Gorge is prohibited between 6 am and 6 pm. So in most cases, driving directly to the walking tracks in Mosman Gorge is not practical.

Hiking up to the walking tracks and rock pools in Mossman Gorge is doable. In fact, I did see a young couple walking along the road between the visitor centre and Mossman Gorge. That said, this is an uphill walk and can be pretty boring too. So I personally will not go there on foot.

Once you have arrived at Mossman Gorge, you will find a 300-metre boardwalk to a lookout platform, providing a spectacular view of the Mossman River. You can also find some picturesque rock pools for a cool swim along the walk.

From the lookout, you can continue this walk further along a 2.4-kilometre circular walk to explore more of the rainforest and waterways of Mossman Gorge. That said, this walk can get a bit muddy and slippery, so make sure you have the appropriate footwear.

Great Barrier Reef

Running alongside the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a visit to Daintree Rainforest is incomplete without a snorkelling/diving tour of its adjacent Great Barrier Reef!

Many tour companies around Daintree offer snorkelling/diving tours of the Great Barrier Reef. A few options you may wish to check out are:

  • A half-day snorkelling adventure to marvel at the amazing marine life along the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Provides an impressive view of the Daintree Rainforest from the water.
  • Departures near Turtle Rock Cafe in Cape Tribulation.

Reef and Rainforest Combo – Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef :

  • 2-Day guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest & the Great Barrier Reef.
  • A packed itinerary to explore Far North Queensland from the land and the water.
  • Departures from Cairns.

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I'm passionate about travel. I would like to use this platform to share my travel experiences. Please support me by subscribing to this blog. You can also find more travel related contents on my YouTube channel and Instagram. Thank you :)

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The top 7 Daintree tours for culture, crocs, food and nature

Emily Murphy

Social Media Manager & Writer

17 February 2023

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To see all the best bits of the Daintree without the hassle, look no further than one of these incredible Daintree tours.

The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland is a bucket list destination that must be seen to be believed. The sheer size of it and the native flora and fauna that are seldom seen anywhere else in the world will leave you in awe. To see the Daintree Rainforest properly and learn about its anomalies, join one of the many tours that showcase the beauty of the rainforest. For expertise and knowledge, these are the top seven tours in the Daintree.

The Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The native flora and fauna in the Daintree are seldom seen anywhere else in the world. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

1. Walkabout Cultural Adventures

There’s no better way to see the Daintree than to be guided by local Aboriginal guides who are the traditional custodians of Kuku Yalanji country. Walkabout Cultural Adventures hosts a number of Indigenous tours, ranging from half-day tours to full-day tours, where you’ll learn about different foods and medicines the Kuku Yalanji people utilise from nature, sample bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices.

You’ll also have opportunities to throw boomerangs and spears and walk through the rainforest to Mossman Gorge . Plus, pick up from Daintree Village, Mossman or Port Douglas is included.

Cooking bush tucker on the fire (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Cook bush tucker on the fire with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks at Mossman Gorge

Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in the local Kuku Yalanji language, and that’s exactly what you can expect from the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks . Local Indigenous guides will begin with a smoking ceremony to cleanse before they take you on a spiritual walk through the lush rainforest where you will visit culturally significant sites and learn through enchanting Dreamtime stories.

The intimate tours last approximately 1.5 hours and finish with bush tea and damper.

Smoking ceremony on Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks begin with a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Cassowary Falls tour

Cassowary Falls is an incredible waterfall located on private property, so the only way to see it is the exclusive Daintree waterfall tour . One of only a few places in the Daintree you can actually swim (thanks crocodiles!) you’ll have 1.5 hours to meander around, relax on the mossy rocks, and swim to your heart’s content (you can also find more croc-free places to swim nearby in Port Douglas ).

Part of this tour includes a bit of off-roading to get to the waterfall, so you’ll definitely be keen for a dip!

Cassowary Falls waterfall. (Image: Cassowary Falls tour)

Cassowary Falls is one of the very few places you can swim safely in the Daintree. (Image: Cassowary Falls tour)

4. Daintree Ice Cream Company Orchard Tour

Daintree Ice Cream Company is ice cream unlike anything you’ve tried before. With flavours from the rainforest, all the ice cream is handmade on site from the exotic fruits that are organically grown, irrigated naturally by tropical rainfall and farmed in the orchard.

Ice cream from Daintree Ice Cream Company. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

All the ice cream is handmade on site from the exotic fruits grown in the orchard. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Take a free, self-guided walking tour of the Daintree Ice Cream Company orchard that will take you about 30 minutes while you devour the end result. With over 15 species of rare and exotic fruit trees from Davidson plums and lychees to dragon fruit and native beehives, the orchard walk will delight your mind.

People eating ice cream on the Daintree Ice Cream Company orchard tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Discover the 15 species on the Daintree Ice Cream Co. orchard tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour

If you’d rather do a tour that doesn’t require you to hire a car, luckily for you there are Cape Tribulation and Daintree tours from Cairns! The 2-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour will take you on a journey to explore the Daintree at ease. You’ll get all the best bits, with accommodation too, without having to organise a thing.

A guided night walk, crocodile spotting on a Daintree River cruise , swimming in the pristine creeks, a trip to the reef and horse riding are all on the cards.

Couple sit on tree roots at Emmagen Creek. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emmagen Creek marks the “end of the road” spot for 2WDs before heading to the Bloomfield Track. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Daintree Rainforest Discovery

While there are a number of amazing accommodation options in the Daintree and places to stay in Cape Tribulation , if you’d rather base yourself in one of the accommodations in Port Douglas there are also Cape Tribulation and Daintree tours that depart from there, including the full-day Daintree Rainforest Discovery . The 10-hour tour will pick you up from your accommodation in Port Douglas and will commence with a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by the Kuku Yalanji people.

Lunch at On The Turps at the Heritage Lodge , a swim in nearby Cooper Creek, a walk at Jindalba Boardwalk, a stop for ice cream and a Daintree River cruise are all on the itinerary for the day. On the way home you’ll get to stop at Mount Alexandra Lookout to take in the views of the Daintree Rainforest and its coastline. You might also see the Daintree River as it snakes through the landscape.

Taking a walk on Jindalba boardwalk. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Jindalba is the traditional Kuku Yalanji people’s name for this area, meaning ‘foot of the mountain’. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Daintree, Cape Trib and Bloomfield Tour

If you’re looking to explore more of the upper Daintree and want a Cape Tribulation and Daintree tour that leaves from Palm Cove, the Billy Tea Safaris 1-day Daintree, Cape Trib and Bloomfield tour is for you.

You’ll get to experience a Daintree River cruise and take a 4WD ride on the rugged Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek, Cape Tribulation Beach and more! Billy Tea Safaris is one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track so your experience will be like no other.

Tour group look out at the scenery of the Daintree River while on a Wildlife Experience Cruise Billy Tea Safaris. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Watch the scenery of the Daintree River while on a Billy Tea Safaris tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emily Murphy found her passion for writing at a young age and knew her future was in travel after she moved overseas solo at 18. Em loves to write about beautiful, under-the-radar destinations and anything that will ignite a desire in more people to explore the vastness and beauty that is Australia. She is a devoted bun mum and in her spare time you'll find her by the sea, reading a good book, binge-watching a TV show or exploring Sydney's dining scene.

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  • Daintree Walking Tracks

Daintree Rainforest Tours - Walking Tours

Do you love exercising and hiking? If the answer is yes then here are some beautiful rainforest walks you can do yourself. Make sure you have the necessary maps and compass and plenty of food and water for the journey though. Wear sensible covered walking shoes and long socks. Ensure you have sun block and of course insect repellent.  Check out a few guided rainforest walks here to gain valuable knowledge and appreciation of this world heritage area.

A whistle is always good in case you are injured or out of breath and cannot call out. And do not bother about bringing your mobile phone as Telstra has not quite got around to providing service in these parts yet. For hiking maps and information call the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services on 07 4098 2188

self guided tour daintree rainforest

Daintree Cape Tribulation Self Guided Walks

Daintree Rainforest Tours - Cape Tribulation Beach Walks

Cape Tribulation Beach Lookout

It will only take you roughly ten minutes to reach the Cape Tribulation Beach Lookout point from the Kulki car park. Once there, you will enjoy sweeping views of the rolling mountain ranges that meet the golden sands of the idyllic Myall Beach. The vast view is simply breathtaking and visitors often spend an extended amount of time just taking it all in. Along the short walk to the lookout point you will see some interesting flora and fauna. Be sure to keep an eye out for the inquisitive Australian Brush Turkey. Hard to miss with their bright read faces and blue/black plume, the Australian Brush Turkey is a shy creature and will scamper away if you approach it. Many of the day trips to Cape Tribulation include this iconic walk.   Check them out here!

Dubuji Boardwalk

For this walk, look for the signs for the Dubuji car park from the main road at Cape Tribulation. From the car park follow the signs to the Dubuji Boardwalk. The boardwalk will lead you through mangroves and lush tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife. The Dubuji Boardwalk trek will take you roughly one hour to complete a return trip. Please note this track is only 1200m and is wheelchair friendly and there are picnic tables and bathroom facilities and barbeque.

Cape Tribulation Ariel View

Myall Beach to Mason's Shop

This walking track is well worth the effort as you will be treated to a fabulous swim at the half way point. Roughly two hours for the round trip, Myall Beach to Mason's Shop begins at the Kukli car park and winds over the ridge of Cape Tribulation and right across Myall Beach. You will come to Mason's Creek at the southern end of Myall Beach, here you can either stop for a swim and refreshment at Mason's Shop or continue on to the Dubuji Boardwalk. This rainforest hike is around about 1.5 kilometres. On the return walk, you can retrace your steps or follow the foot path along the road back to the car park.

Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail

This trail will take you roughly six hours to complete and is perfect for the experienced hiker. The beginning of the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail is located on Bloomfield Road, about 150 meters north of the Kukli turn-off. Parts of the trail ascend steeply and you will encounter several large fallen trees along the way. While you are walking, make sure you keep an eye out for Boyd's Forest Dragons clinging to trees trunks. While the animals are chameleons and are generally tricky to spot, hikers on this trail are often lucky enough to spot a few along the way.

Marrdja Boardwalk

Meanders in a 1200m loop providing the hiker with an excellent introduction to rainforest and mangrove ecosystems. There is also a viewing platform over the pristine Noah Creek. This track is wheelchair friendly.

This one is aptly named as it is a big hike across the Mt Sorrow ridge starting near Kulki. This is a tough full day walk so make sure you are prepared and you have picked up your maps and other information from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Phone them on 07 4098 2188

Kulki Boardwalk

This is a nice easy 400 m walk with a viewing platform over the beach and is wheelchair friendly and has picnic table and wash room facilities.

Emmagen Creek

This walking trail is a short stroll of around 700m from the dirt road 5 klms north of Cape Tribulation. A rough track leads to mangroves at the mouth of the creek, and a rocky beach that is great for exploring, and offers spectacular views of Cape Tribulation. Warning Warning do not swim here unless you want to end up on a crocodile menu. Crocodiles sometimes come up the creek to rid themselves of pests and to see what they can find to eat.

From the dirt road an 800m walk upstream on the track beyond the gate leads to a safer swimming hole. Enjoy a small group day trip including a swim at Emmagen Creek with expert local guides - see more info .

Port Douglas Accommodation by Cairns Holiday Specialists

Cape Tribulation to Emmagen Creek walking trail

This is a great two hour round hiking trip and it is a great "reef meets rainforest" type of experience. Just check the local tides before you set off. This 5 klm hiking trail links with Kulki with the Emmagen Creek Walk. You can choose to return the same way or come back by the boring road.

If you are a serious hiker and camper then a trip out to Snapper Island may be your thing. Snapper Island is a National and Marine Park lying off Cape Kimberley surrounded by fringing Reefs. Snapper Island has good snorkelling and swimming in pure blue waters and great boat fishing on the Reef edge.

Please note no camp fires are permitted on the island. There are toilets and picnic tables provided and Crocodylus Village is the place to book your kayaking tour to the island and arrange to camp overnight if you do not have your own boat and equipment.  

Why not stay longer - There are so many great walks that are mapped out and there are so many that are not that if you really want to experience the full beauty that the Daintree Cape Tribulation area has to offer then you need to stay in some comfortable hotel,resort, bed and breakfast or hostel style Accommodation . There are quite a number of Accommodation house locations to choose from such as beachfront resorts, spa resorts in the rainforest, cosy bed and breakfast Accommodation or for the budget backpacker hostel share style Accommodation

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Daintree self-drive tour

Daintree self-drive tour.

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world, and one that is of international conservation importance. 

Daintree self-drive tour

While most of the Daintree Rainforest has been declared a World Heritage Area, area of coastal lowland tropical rainforest from the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation remain unprotected.

Rainforest Rescue’s Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project identifies and purchases properties at risk of development and establishes Nature Refuge status to protect it forever. As you journey through the beautiful Daintree Rainforest we encourage you to visit our properties and trust you will be inspired by our efforts to save and protect this amazing ecosystem.

Tips for your tour

  • Please drive carefully and adhere to the speed restrictions. This is an area rich in wildlife. Cassowaries can occasionally be seen crossing the roads.
  • Rainforest Village at Cow Bay (14 km from the ferry) is the last available petrol station north of the Daintree River before Cooktown.
  • Please don’t feed the animals including birds. For them to survive, it is important that they find and eat food from the rainforest.
  • A trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is approximately 140 km or 2 ½ hours (each way). A full day is recommended to take in all our properties as well as extra sightseeing activities.
  • We would love for you to share your Daintree experience with us. You can send us an email to [email protected] or post a comment on our Facebook page.
  • For more information, please contact Rainforest Rescue  on 1300 763 611 or email us. 

Download your self-drive tour of the Daintree instructions!

Daintree Self-drive Tour

When you give generously, you become part of a committed team of individuals who collectively are helping to preserve some of the most biodiverse habitats and the species that live within them on this planet. Become a Rainforest Rescuer today!

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Daintree Rainforest Tours

Exceptional guided walking tours into the oldest rainforest in the world, urgent notice.

Subject to recent cyclonic damage to roads throughout the area, travellers are now permitted to cross the ferry and come to us for tours upon presentation of confirmed booking with us at the ferry.  Accommodation north of the ferry is no longer necessary for day-travellers booked through this company.

Unique and personal guided walking tours through ancient World Heritage Daintree Rainforest exclusive to access on our tours only.

Our guides have lived within the Daintree Rainforest for many years and are deeply passionate about conserving and ethically sharing with you this irreplaceable treasure. There is no better way to engage with such elusive complexity and intricacy than through the guiding expertise of long-term human inhabitants.

Grand Fan Palm Gallery Tour

A guided tour through exclusive ancient Daintree Rainforest to a cathedral-like amphitheatre of towering fan palms. Your expert guide will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for this remarkable rainforest.

Greater Wilderness Experience

Immerse deeper into exclusive World Heritage Daintree Rainforest.  A 7.2km walk over uneven jungle terrain and water-crossings as your expert guide provides tremendous insight into this remarkable landscape.

Exclusive Private Charters

A Stray Liana by Neil Hewett

Maintaining the natural integrity of the World Heritage landscape means that access is NOT universally available and may be unsuitable for some with mobility limitations.  Wildlife sightings are also unpredictable, so participants must accept the risks of a genuine wilderness experience.

Rainforest rich with conservation values and dedicated human inhabitants to properly present them.

Differentiating genuine eco-tourism from mass tourism

Conservation.

Daintree Rainforest

Access to natural landscapes of extraordinary sensitivity are often obstructed by the formality of protective regulations.  Daintree Rainforest specialises in the provision of high-quality walking tours, under the expert interpretation of long-term inhabitant guides.  Either the two-hour Grand Fan Palm Gallery Tour , or the extended four-hour Greater Wilderness Experience , form the foundation of all Daintree Rainforest Tours, expanding upon these two core experiences by adding on nearby mangrove interpretive river cruises or even a luncheon in a local restaurant.

Learn More Make Contact

Daintree Rainforest conservation

Daintree Rainforest contains the last fragment of the oldest rainforest in the world and represents the most richly preserved portion within the lowlands off the eastern flank of Thornton Peak.   Daintree Rainforest  contains all the attributes that led Australia’s World Heritage nomination to be considered by the World Heritage Committee as outstanding, as it met all four criteria for listing, as a Natural Heritage site.

Most importantly, Daintree Rainforest is a World Heritage property with human inhabitants, which is a vitally important addition to the conservation values of the land.

Daintree Rainforest education

As long-term human inhabitant educators, the directors confirm that there is no better classroom or laboratory, for the inspired education of any student body, than the rich interior of the oldest surviving rainforest in the world.  Neither is there any better educator, than the long=term inhabitant guides. Daintree Rainforest.  Upholds the highest standards of World Heritage management, so that all parties are ensured the same quality of excellence in management and presentation.

An early customer once remarked, “It’s as though I have entered the world’s greatest library, having just discovered the wonders of reading!”

Daintree Rainforest research

An area possessing some of the most biologically diverse rainforest on the planet has extraordinary potential to reveal valuable insights into the past, provide foods and medicines and yield secrets that will ensure preservation and continuity of life into the future. Daintree Rainforest researches into the myriad interactions that bind together a vibrant and secure community of life.

A living laboratory provides a research landscape of distinction, with the centrepiece of the oldest rainforest in the world and human custodians of rainforest knowledge.

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Rainforest tours of excellence

Immerse yourself in either a 2-hour Grand Fan Palm gallery Tour OR 4-hour Greater Wilderness Experience

Rainforest educational services of distinction

Providing university and secondary institutions of academic excellence with unrivalled ecological experiences

Excellence in conservation management

Fulfilling World Heritage management obligations without subsidy, without development entitlements and without competitive neutrality

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Daintree Rainforest

GROUP EVENTS & GUIDED TOURS

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WE TAILOR TO YOUR NEEDS

The Daintree Discovery Centre has been hosting specialised groups for more than 30 years. This can range from junior school students right through to international scientists. Qualified staff conduct pre-booked group tours (minimum 10 people through the Daintree Discovery Centre. The Centre is renowned for its excellent boardwalk tours and expert tour guides.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

PRIVATE GUIDED GROUP TOURS

To ensure the Daintree Discovery Centre experience is top quality, the maximum numbers per guide is 20 people.

The Centre has the capacity to cater for group of 100+ at any given time and still provide an unforgettable rainforest experience.

With the appropriate notice, experienced staff will design a unique program of events to suit your specific needs – and in particular, the needs of specialty groups visiting the Daintree Rainforest.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU VISIT FOR

Group visits vary according to the needs, interests and time constraints of those involved. While the average commercial tour group tends to spend approximately one hour at the Centre, the time varies enormously. For instance, those who want to focus on the Canopy Tower might spend as little as 30 to 40 minutes, while other special interest groups, international students or visiting research personnel often prefer to spend the whole day exploring various aspects of the rainforest.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

RESEARCH STUDY BASE

The Centre has also been involved in a successful exchange program with US College students who use the Discovery Centre as their study base while in the Daintree area.

Such groups often spend a week or more at a time – interacting with visitors to the region, gathering rainforest data and generally tapping into the wealth of expertise available from the staff and management of the Discovery Centre.

The Discovery Centre can cater for your group booking. There is a selection of sandwiches, cakes, slices, muffins, tea and coffee, cold drinks available depending on your group’s requirements and personal dietary needs.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

OPTIONS FOR GROUP TOURS

Most tour groups tend to choose one of the following options. However, such choices are flexible and can be tailored to suit the needs of your particular group.

  • Option 1:  Our ‘Standard Service ‘for regular commercial clients and charter groups includes morning/afternoon tea followed by a comprehensive and highly entertaining guided tour of the Aerial Walkway, Cassowary Circuit, Bush Tucker Trail or the Canopy Tower. Such groups also have full use of all interpretive facilities, theatre and the Display Centre.
  • Option 2:  A deluxe morning/afternoon tea service is also available to regular commercial clients and specialty charter groups. This service includes the use of our boutique cafe area and the provision of a more úp-arket morning/afternoon tea followed by our comprehensive and entertaining guided tour. Such groups also have full use of all interpretive facilities, theatre and the Display Centre.
  • Option 3:  A self-guided tour of the Centre conducted by your own guide/coach captain and full use of all interpretive facilities, theatre and the Display Centre. We can provide morning/afternoon tea, or alternatively you may choose to provide your own refreshments.
  • Option 4:  Any of the above with a 68-page interpretive guide book provided at cost.
  • Option 5:  Entry only – visitors buy their own refreshments and interpretive booklet if they wish.

self guided tour daintree rainforest

Leave your pets at home; take any rubbish out with you; don’t feed the wildlife and don’t pollute the water. Enjoy yourself and leave nothing but footsteps and take nothing but photographs! 

Wet Tropics Management Authority

The Centre’s facilities are also available for study groups, seminars, workshops, meetings and nocturnal studies. For prices and further information please contact our friendly team on 

Phone: 61 7 4098 9171 Email: [email protected]

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IMAGES

  1. Daintree Tour

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  2. Daintree Tour

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  3. 6 Guided Walks & Tours in the Daintree Rainforest, QLD

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  4. Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Small Group Tour

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  5. Mossman Gorge

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  6. Cairns Attractions

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COMMENTS

  1. Self-Drive Guide

    Cross the Daintree River by ferry and travel north into the best of the Daintree - the Reef and Rainforest Coast. Allow a minimum of one and a half hours drive time from Cairns to reach the ferry, one hour from Port Douglas. Turn right at the signpost for Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Ferry.

  2. Self-Drive Itineraries

    With so much to see, it's worth spending some time planning your self-drive itinerary beforehand. Remember to plan time to stop and take in the environment, do a river cruise, walk the beaches and soak up the lush, rainforest surrounds. Our downloadable Daintree Visitor map can be very useful for your planning.

  3. Self Drive Tours in the Daintree Rainforest

    Self Drive Tours. River Cruises. Walks. Driving to the Daintree Rainforest. 270. Daintree Treetops Zipline. Fly above the tropical World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. This fully guided tour 2 hour tour, will have you ziplining from tree to tree up to 15 meters above ground - through a fully guided 2 hour Zipline Tour.

  4. 3 Day Daintree Rainforest Self Drive Itinerary

    We have you sorted. Starting and ending in Port Douglas, on this 3 day self drive Daintree Rainforest itinerary you will snorkel in fresh and salt water, be wowed by magnificent lookouts, tick off world heritage wonders, be treated by secluded rainforest retreats and discover everything there is to know about the 130 million year old Daintree ...

  5. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Australia's Daintree Rainforest

    Getting to the Daintree Rainforest by Guided Tour . For a stress-free and pain-free trip to Daintree, take a guided tour. To help, we've listed the best Cairns to Daintree rainforest tours in the next section. You'll also find that all the tours do pick-ups from Port Douglas. ... Suggested Daintree National Park Self Drive Itinerary Day 0 ...

  6. Daintree Rainforest Best Things To Do (& Daintree Itinerary)

    Daintree River Crossing: To get to most Daintree attractions, you will need to cross the Daintree River. The Daintree ferry goes back and forth constantly but do expect a wait time during peak hours. The round trip cost is $39 AUD and runs from 5:00AM - 12:00AM. More on this soon.

  7. Tour Prices & Opening Times

    The Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre is open every day, except for Christmas Day (25th December). Hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. ... Self-guided Audio Tour (available in 8 languages* Children's Audio tour suit ages 5 - 9 years) 68 page interpretive guide book;

  8. Our Daintree day trip self-drive up to Cape Tribulation

    The ferry to Cape Tribulation. Cape Tribulation isn't on an island, but it's quite remote. You can access it with a 2WD, but you'll need to catch a ferry to cross the Daintree River. There's no need to book and the ferry operates all day, from 5 am to midnight. You may queue a bit during the peak season but the ferry can take about 30 ...

  9. Self Drive Trip to the Daintree Rainforest

    To make a self drive trip to Daintree Rainforest we rented a campervan and headed to the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world, ... The Discovery Centre is a place where to learn about the rainforest. On a self-guided tour on an elevated walkway you cany observe rainforest and its plants from above, and for more views you can even ...

  10. Daintree Daytrip: Self Driving to the Daintree Rainforest

    Exploring the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest continuously surviving rainforest, is on most people's list of 'must-do's when they visit Far North Queensland, and its easily done as a self driving Daintree daytrip from Cairns. The Daintree lies about 140kms to the north of Cairns along a road that hugs the coast to Port Douglas ...

  11. Daintree Rainforest 1-Day Itinerary: a complete guide

    Regardless of the direction you are visiting from, there are practically only two options for visiting the Daintree Rainforest: self-drive or guided tours. ... 2-Day guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest & the Great Barrier Reef. A packed itinerary to explore Far North Queensland from the land and the water.

  12. Daintree National Park: Things to Do, Best Tours & How to Get Here

    Daintree Tours: For a full-day journey through the best sites of the rainforest, Daintree Tours offers 2 similar yet exciting ways to experience Daintree. Take a guided tour through the nearby Mossman Gorge, travel up through Daintree National Park, and take a crocodile cruise on Cooper Creek. Daintree Tours also offers an ultimate zipline tour ...

  13. Self Walk Audio Tour

    The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most fascinating and diverse eco-systems on the Earth and your introduction to this very special place starts at the Discovery Centre. ... Audio Tour (8 languages) 68 Page Interpretive Guide Book 7 Day Re-Entry Pass Children's Audio Tour (5-9 years) Follow;

  14. Top Daintree Tours For Culture, Crocs & More

    The intimate tours last approximately 1.5 hours and finish with bush tea and damper. Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks begin with a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) 3. Cassowary Falls tour. Cassowary Falls is an incredible waterfall located on private property, so the only way to see it is the exclusive Daintree waterfall tour.

  15. Rainforest Boardwalks

    VENTURE OUT. At the Daintree Discovery Centre, we are passionate about conserving this ancient landscape - for you and your children - which is why all our self-guided tours are set out on elevated boardwalks. Take your time exploring the Cassowary Circuit, Bush Tucker Trail, Reptile Room, Jurassic Forest and 500-year-old strangler fig tree.

  16. Self-Guided Walks

    Self-Guided Walks. at Mossman Gorge. Embark on your own adventure through the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. Soak up the wonders of the national park at your own pace as you navigate walking tracks and trails, including the popular Gorge Circuit. Be sure to visit our Mayi Café prior to your walk to pick up some grab and go snacks so you ...

  17. Daintree Rainforest, Daintree National Park

    From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour. Explore Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Ride a 4WD vehicle as you spot wildlife, catch incredible views, and try regional food along the way. ... Experience the Daintree Rainforest on a guided tour to the Mossman Gorge, Alexandra Lookout, Cape Tribulation, Noah Valley, and ...

  18. Daintree Walking Tracks

    Daintree Rainforest Self Guided Walks and Special Interest Rainforest Tours . A Large selection of Hiking and Walking Trails through Daintree Rainforest National Park, Your guide to the tours and attractions of the Daintree Rainforest. Back To Top. Don't Dream it, Book it! Book Direct 1300 780 ...

  19. All-Day Tour Of Daintree Rainforest With Aboriginal Guide

    Embark on an unforgettable all-day tour of the Daintree Rainforest, guided by a knowledgeable Aboriginal guide. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of this ancient wonder as you learn about the cultural significance to the Kuku Yalanji people. From sampling bush tucker to experiencing traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, this immersive adventure offers a deeper understanding of their ...

  20. Cape Tribulation Tours & Activities

    Both rainforest and beaches can be explored by self-guided tours and trails, with options of discovering the area through guided walks, reef trips, or even flying foxes, horse rides and sea kayaks to paddle the coastline. ... The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most fascinating and diverse eco-systems on the Earth and your introduction to ...

  21. Daintree Self-drive Tour

    Tips for your tour. Please drive carefully and adhere to the speed restrictions. This is an area rich in wildlife. Cassowaries can occasionally be seen crossing the roads. Rainforest Village at Cow Bay (14 km from the ferry) is the last available petrol station north of the Daintree River before Cooktown. Please don't feed the animals ...

  22. Daintree Rainforest Tours

    Tours into the heart of daintree rainforest, at the centre of the oldest rainforest in the world, under the expert guidance of long-term inhabitants. ... EXCEPTIONAL GUIDED WALKING TOURS INTO THE OLDEST RAINFOREST IN THE WORLD. Daintree Rainforest Tours admin 2024-01-12T07:05:29+10:00.

  23. GROUP EVENTS & GUIDED TOURS

    PRIVATE GUIDED GROUP TOURS. To ensure the Daintree Discovery Centre experience is top quality, the maximum numbers per guide is 20 people. ... the needs of specialty groups visiting the Daintree Rainforest. ... A self-guided tour of the Centre conducted by your own guide/coach captain and full use of all interpretive facilities, theatre and the ...