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Guide to the Daintree Rainforest

Welcome
Getting to the Daintree Rainforest
When to visit

A forest so spectacular, Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”

The creeping vines and emerald canopy of the Daintree Rainforest have been growing for more than 180 million years. That’s right – it’s the world’s oldest tropical rainforest by an impressive 10 million years, so it’s no wonder that visitors can feel the ancient energy with every step. Just as special as the forest itself are the experiences you’ll find within it, from crocodile spotting to spear fishing. Indulge in the healing properties at a luxury spa, float gently down the river on a raft and soak up generations-old knowledge from the area’s traditional custodians, the Kuku Yalanji.

There are two parts to Daintree National Park, home to the Daintree Rainforest: the mountainous Mossman Gorge area and the coastal Cape Tribulation section. Mossman Gorge is around 22 kms (14 mi) from Port Douglas or 77 kms (48 mi) from Cairns, with the Cape Tribulation section a further 40 kms (25 mi) to the north.

Cairns Airport (65 kms/40 mi from Mossman Gorge); international and domestic arrivals
Hire cars are available at Cairns Airport, Cairns city and Port Douglas
Private and group tours to the Daintree Rainforest depart from Cairns and Port Douglas
Access to the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree Rainforest is by car ferry across the Daintree River

The Daintree Rainforest unsurprisingly gets a lot of rain – with some areas experiencing up to 6 m (19 ft) of precipitation in a year. In the wet season, from December to April, you’ll encounter high humidity and frequent rainfall, but you’ll also experience gushing waterfalls and the rainforest at its most lush. The relatively mild and cool dry season, which extends from May to September, is ideal for long hikes in the national park.

High season: Late autumn to early spring (May to September)
Low season: Summer and early autumn (December to April)
Don’t miss: An Aboriginal-guided walk through the rainforest departing from Mossman Gorge Centre at any time of the year

Top things to do in the Daintree

Bloomfield Track, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Embark on an epic road trip

Boasting white sand beaches, dense rainforest and epic reef, the north of Queensland is a road tripper’s paradise. Hop behind the wheel to find adventurous experiences and relaxing hideaways in equal measure. Here’s your tropical itinerary.

Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Marvel at Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge, nestled within the rainforest, is simply spellbinding. Crystal clear water trickles over smooth boulders in the gorge, and the nearby Mossman Gorge Centre offers Indigenous walks, an art gallery and advice for exploring on your own.

Crocodile, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Take a crocodile cruise

The Daintree is home to one big prehistoric predator: the saltwater croc. On a crocodile cruise, you can get an up-close view of these giants, which can grow up to five metres (16 feet). As you float along, you may also see birds, snakes and frogs.

Adventure North Australia - Daintree Dreaming Tour, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Hunt for your supper

The Kuku Yalanji people have used the rainforest as their supermarket for tens of thousands of years. On a tour with Adventure North Australia, you can share in the ancient knowledge as you attempt to spear mud crabs and gather bush tucker.

Daintree Discovery Centre, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre

The Daintree Discovery Centre is the perfect place to begin your Daintree exploration. Get to know the wildlife through interpretive displays, see the canopy from an aerial walkway and find all the advice you need to plan your day.

Walkabout Cultural Adventures and Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Walk with an Aboriginal custodian

The guides at Walkabout Cultural Adventures hold an abundance of knowledge about the rainforest. On an all-day tour, you’ll learn about this special environment from a Kuku Yalanji perspective, opening your eyes to an ancient way of seeing the world.

Silky Oaks Lodge, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Silky Oaks Lodge

Stay in a luxury lodge

Extend your Daintree stay at a luxury lodge. Silky Oaks Lodge features treehouses that allow you to be fully immersed in the nature around you. Dine at the outdoor restaurant, unwind in the onsite spa and find a pocket of forest all your own.

Aerial view over a group of four people sitting on inflatable red boards in a river surrounded by green trees with Back Country Bliss Adventures, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Float under the canopy

Few experiences are more fun than floating down the river on a raft. A Back Country Bliss tour combines the leisure of drifting beneath the green canopy and the excitement of spying below the surface with a snorkel. It’s an unforgettable afternoon.

Janbal Gallery, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Browse the art at Janbal Gallery

Janbal Gallery is more than an art collection. It’s an authentic experience of Aboriginal art, which you can discover through hands-on painting and storytelling experiences. Then, browse the gallery to bring home a beautiful creation for yourself.

Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, Daintree, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Have an Indigenous spa experience

The Daintree Rainforest is full of native ingredients harbouring healing properties. At the Daintree Ecolodge, treatments are inspired by the forest and its ancient culture; book into a massage, native salt exfoliation, nourishing mud wrap and more.

FNQ Nature Tours, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland © FNQ Nature Tours

Discover the rainforest at night

The Daintree is stunning by day and truly fascinating by night. Venture out on foot with FNQ Nature Tours to watch the forest change as the sun goes down. You’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like snakes, insects, bandicoots and owls.

Daintree Rainforest, Tropical North Queensland, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Go on a hike

With well-maintained tracks and more adventurous trails, the Daintree has hikes for all ages and fitness levels. Epic scenery is guaranteed, from towering trees and twisting vines to waterfalls and rippling creeks. Here are some of the best walks.