What Is The Daintree Rainforest? Complete Visitor's Guide
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest living rainforest on Earth, located in the northeast of Australia in Tropical North Queensland. Thriving for an estimated 180 million years, the biodiverse hotspot holds generations-old knowledge from the area's traditional custodians, the Kuku Yalanji First Nations people.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest during your trip to Tropical North Queensland!
What is the Daintree Rainforest and why is it special?
The Australian Daintree Rainforest is special because it's the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. It is home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects, many of which can only be found in that region. Throw in majestic waterfalls, towering mountains, lush forests, and a shell-covered coastline, and you've got one of the most beautiful places in Australia.
The west is bordered by the MacDonnell Range while the east of the forest meets the edge of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the only places in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest!
Where to go in the Daintree Rainforest, Australia
When visiting the Australian Daintree Rainforest, here are the top destinations you may want to include in your itinerary.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is one of the main tourist villages in the Daintree Rainforest. If you plan to visit this ancient expanse of dense natural beauty, you'll most likely stop in Cape Tribulation. Home to a rocky headland that juts out into the turquoise coral sea, here you can explore nature and get a taste of the incredible Daintree.
Stroll on Cape Tribulation Beach or Myall Beach and admire the primal, untouched, coastal views. Or join a local tour to go zip lining, night hiking, or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Or tackle one of the amazing hikes and walks in Cape Tribulation.
There is one main street in Cape Tribulation with a few tourist lodges and shops. There is only one small store with basic amenities, so stock up on supplies before you visit! You can also visit Cape Tribulation on a day trip from Cairns, or on an overnight tour from Cairns.
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is a beautiful section of the lower Daintree. Here you can stroll through ancient wilderness and admire the crystal clear waters of the gorge. You can also learn about Indigenous history from the local Kuku Yalanji people.
Read our guide about how to get to Mossman Gorge for more travel tips!
Alexandra Lookout
One of the best photo spots in the Daintree Rainforest is Alexandra Lookout. Most guided tours of the Daintree will stop here, and you can also easily reach it via self drive itinerary. The wide platform offers amazing views of the wilderness and the vibrant Coral Sea!
Daintree River (boat cruise, not swimming!)
The Daintree River is a hotspot in the rainforest. First of all, you have to cross the Daintree Ferry to access Cape Tribulation and other parts of the upper Daintree. But many tours also include a Daintree River Cruise, which is one of the best activities in the Daintree.
The river is home to a large population of healthy and huge saltwater crocodiles! So a Daintree River Cruise lets you see these mighty reptiles in their natural habitat. In case you need a reminder, the only way to explore the Daintree River is by boat with an expert guide. It is NOT recommended for swimming!
Daintree Ice Cream Company
Another beloved spot to visit in the Daintree Rainforest is the Daintree Ice Cream Company. This adorable ice cream and sweets shop has a unique array of ice cream flavours made with exotic fruits grown on the nearby orchard. If you want to truly taste the flavours of the Daintree Rainforest, this is the place to go!
How To Get To The Daintree Rainforest
Getting to the Daintree Rainforest is half the fun! Located about 3 hours north of Cairns, you will need to fly into Cairns and either take the bus, a hire car, or a guided tour up to the Daintree Rainforest.
Bus
The cheapest option, with Trans North coach buses running between Cairns and Cape Tribulation a few times a week. But these leave you with no transport when you are in the Daintree, which may not be ideal.
Hire car / or drive your own car
The most flexible option, perfect for couples and groups of friends wanting a self-drive adventure. Drive along the scenic Captain Cook Highway and take your time exploring the Daintree! Also ideal for overnight stays of 1 or more nights.
Daintree guided tours
The best option for first-time travellers, solo travellers, or those short on time. Tours depart from Cairns or Port Douglas, with all transport and activities included. Most Daintree tours are one day, or there is an overnight option.
The most popular Daintree Rainforest day tours include:
- Uncle Brian's 1 Day Cape Tribbin'
- Discovery Tours Small Group Daintree Tour
- Tropics Wings Daintree & Wildlife
- Daintree Dreaming Aboriginal Adventure
- Billy Tea Safari's Daintree & Cape Trib
- Down Under Tours Daintree & Mossman
And more! Contact our Cairns travel experts to enquire about which tour is best for you, and we will help you book your ideal Daintree adventure.
Additional Travel Tips for the Daintree Rainforest
To further help you plan your trip, here are some links to our other articles that cover more specific topics about visiting the Daintree Rainforest!
- What to bring to the Daintree Rainforest
- How many days do you need in the Daintree Rainforest
- Visiting the Daintree on your own vs. with a tour
- How much is the Daintree Ferry?
View our most popular Daintree Rainforest tours!
Wildlife In The Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is home to some incredibly unique and ancient creatures. Here is an overview of the wildlife you may see!
Birds
The Daintree has over 430 recorded species of birds, varying from small Honeyeaters and Kingfishers to giant Cassowaries. While bushwalking around the area, you are sure to spot some colourful birds in the trees or the skies.
Cassowaries are one of the rarest birds to see in Australia. They are an endangered species that can only be found in this region of the world. Standing up to two metres tall, they have blue faces and a large brown bony horn on their heads. If you're lucky enough to spot one in the Daintree Rainforest, it will surely be a memorable encounter!
Reptiles
The Daintree Rainforest is also home to many of Australia's native reptiles, including snakes, frogs, lizards, and crocodiles. There are 15 species of gecko alone in the Daintree!
The Lace Monitor, Australia's second-largest Goanna, can often be found lumbering around on the forest floor of the Daintree. Don't let their slow demeanour fool you, once they want to move, they can quickly get up a tree or run away at great speed. They feed on carrion, as well as eggs or small animals.
And of course, there are saltwater crocodiles found in the Daintree River and in rivermouths near the beaches. All beaches in the Daintree have crocodile warning signs on the sand, so swim at your own risk!
Mammals, marsupials, and rodents
There are plenty of species of marsupials, rodents, and mammals that roam the Daintree Rainforest. A popular animal you might see in the evenings is the Flying Fox, the largest bat in Australia. While its ominous size looks scary, it only eats fruit and pollen and is a very docile animal.
The Daintree Rainforest is also home to the elusive Tree Kangaroo, a marsupial that is adapted to life in the trees and has a long tail.
Wildlife spotting is always a highlight of visiting Tropical North Queensland!
Should I Visit The Daintree Rainforest?
Absolutely, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in Australia. You can easily reach the Daintree from Cairns or Port Douglas, either by joining a tour or renting a car. You can go all the way up to Cape Tribulation without a 4WD, but you'll need a more hefty vehicle if you plan on venturing even further north.
With rainforests, wetlands, mangroves, rivers, and waterfalls spanning over 12,000 square kilometers, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most beautiful forests in Australia and the world!
