Daintree Rainforest - Tropical North Queensland Holiday Destination
The Daintree Rainforest is the largest area of tropical rainforest in Australia and is located a short 2 hour drive north of Cairns. The Daintree National Park is a World Heritage Site and part of the unique Wet Tropics area.
It's a spectacular piece of country full of hundreds of tropical animal and plant species as well as some rare and endangered species.
Daintree Village is a laid back rural town located on a bend on the mighty Daintree River. It was once a place for gold rush pioneers, then became a centre for the Queensland timber industry and is now a tourist town that opens up the wonders of the Daintree - from Mossman Gorge to the Bloomfield River with all the wonders that lie between.
Daintree Rainforest Accommodation
There's not an abundance of accommodation options in Daintree Village so we recommend you book well in advance before you make the trip out there. There is a range of eco friendly lodges as well as self contained cabins, small bed and breakfasts and motels.
Once you get over the Daintree River you will find a number of accommodation options around Cape Tribulation Beach. There's hostels, backpackers and motels for the budget conscious and more upscale holiday houses, resorts and boutique lodges.
Things to Do or Places to Visit in the Daintree
The Daintree covers a huge expanse of country from rainforest to beach, river to ocean. It's a nature lover's ideal getaway with some adventure filled activities to go along with it. There's no right way to explore this region however there are some experience that should not be missed.
Have a look at all the different tours on offer because they are extensive and are often led by the people who know the area and the animals best - there's horse rides along Cape Tribulation, Sea Kayaking to Snapper Island National Park and all sorts of cruises so you can view the region both day and night.
Daintree National Park
Wander through the Daintree National Park which is believed to be around 110 million years old and home to the largest range of animals on earth. There are many different walks that range in difficulties and will take you past sights like Mossman Gorge, the Manjal Jimalji trail and over the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail. Keep your eyes peeled the whole time and your camera at the ready as there are beautiful lookouts, approximately 430 species of birds in the trees, brilliant butterflies, croaking frogs and many more marsupial and reptiles that are only found in Australia.
The Daintree River
Once you leave Daintree Village you must cross the Daintree River. This river runs through the rainforest and is home to salt and freshwater animals including the terrifying saltwater croc. There's only one way to cross this mighty river and that's by the Daintree River Fairy which connects the northern section of the Daintree Rainforest to the Cape Tribulation Area. The ferry operates from 6am till midnight, 7 days a week and carries up to 40 vehicles at a time. Once on the other side you'll have the only sealed road to take you on the next part of your journey. Make sure you keep your eye out for a croc or two!
The Daintree Discovery Centre
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great place to begin exploring the region as it offers great insight and information into this beautiful yet delicate environment. Sit in the Audio Visual Theatre and watch a series of educational DVD's or climb high into the rainforest canopy and walk through the trees on a series of boardwalks 400 metres above land.
There's sign posts as well as audio tours available in a variety of languages so you can learn more on the different circuits. Another great way to get a view of the area is by climbing The Canopy Tower which has a number of different viewing platforms that take you from the forest floor to tips of the trees with amazing views to match.
Cape Trip Exotic Fruit Farm
The Cape Trip Exotic Fruit Farm is an interesting way to learn more about the regions exotic fruits and farming practices. It's quite a unique experience and the fruit tasting tour starts at 2pm everyday and lasts until about 3.45pm. Take a walk through the exotic fruit orchard that is home to over 2000 trees from not only North Queensland but also the Amazon, Borneo and the Caribbean. You'll probably never come across most of these fruits again so make sure you try them even if they don't look that conventional.
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Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Tour
Experience the magic of Cape Tribulation on this budget-friendly day tour. Discover two World Heritage-listed wonders – the Daintree Rainforest and stunning beaches – in a single day. Relax and enjoy the scenic coastal drive as you journey from Cairns or Port Douglas. Explore the lush rainforest at Mossman Gorge, unwind on pristine beaches, and savor a delicious meal in the charming Daintree Village. This unforgettable adventure offers the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and affordability.
Cape Tribulation, Daintree River Cruise and Bloomfield Track Small Group Tour
Take a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas to cruise the Daintree River and explore the Cape Tribulation rainforest. You'll have free time at Cape Tribulation to take a guided walk, drive the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track and go for a swim in the Coral Sea. After a break for morning tea it's all aboard for an informative river cruise. Relax and enjoy the Daintree's splendor as you learn about estuarine crocodiles and mangrove forests, and enjoy nature at its best.
Daintree Dreaming Aboriginal Art and Culture Tour
Immerse yourself in the ancient wisdom of the Kuku Yalanji people on this enriching cultural journey. Begin with a scenic drive from Cairns to Mossman Gorge, where you'll be warmly welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony. Explore the cultural centre before embarking on an unforgettable rainforest experience. Choose from an interpretive walk led by an Adventure North guide or an in-depth Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with a local Aboriginal guide. Savor a delicious lunch before unleashing your creativity in an art class with renowned artist Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley. Learn about Dreamtime stories and local history as you create a unique piece of art to cherish.
Daintree Rainforest Tour with Dreamtime Walk, Mossman Gorge and River Cruise
Discover the magic of the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day adventure. Cruise the iconic Daintree River in search of crocodiles and other wildlife, then immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest at Mossman Gorge. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous guides, you'll uncover the cultural significance of this sacred site and learn about the rainforest's unique ecosystem. Enjoy a delicious lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea as you explore this World Heritage-listed wonderland. This unforgettable experience combines breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Full Day Julaymba Dungay Tour to the Daintree and Mosman
This full-day Julaymba Tour journeys through the stunning landscapes of Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest with a knowledgeable Indigenous guide. Learn ancient hunting techniques as you walk the coastline with traditional spears and boomerangs. Discover the intricate connection between the Kuku Yalanji people and the land, exploring how they harnessed the rainforest for food and medicine. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you soak up the beauty of this unique ecosystem. This unforgettable experience combines cultural insights, outdoor adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Half day Mossman Gorge & Daintree River
Immerse yourself in the magic of Mossman Gorge with our expert guides. Explore the ancient rainforest, taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters (conditions permitting). Enjoy a morning tea break on the beach before embarking on a thrilling Daintree River cruise in search of iconic crocodiles. With intimate groups of just 11 people, you'll experience the wonders of the rainforest and river in an exclusive and personalised way.
Reef and Rainforest Tandem Skydive in Cairns
Get your adrenaline pumping on a skydiving adventure from Cairns. Enjoy incredible bird’s-eye views of the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef as you jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive with an experienced diver. Fall freely from 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) in the air before floating by parachute back down to the ground. First-timers are welcome.
Getting to the Daintree
It takes about 2 hours to drive from Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest and it will take you on one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, Cook Highway. You'll pass Port Douglas, amazing views of the Coral Sea with a backdrop of rainforest on your left. While you won't need a 4WD to take you through the Daintree Rainforest if you are thinking of going further north to the Bloomfield Track you will definitely need one.There are a number of bus and boat tours that will take you to the Daintree as well. Also, if you're running low on time there is an airstrip, the Cow Bay Airstrip which takes you to your destination but also gives you wonderful views along the way.
