At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Are you a nature lover? Escape the ordinary and discover a place like no other. Enter nature’s open-air art gallery, where you can discover an abundance of rare fauna and flora, including witchetty grubs. This slice of paradise is home to 30% of Australia’s frog, marsupial and reptile species and 65% of bat and butterfly species. A truly unique part of the world that is waiting to be explored.
Where should you visit in Daintree Rainforest?
Welcome to the Daintree Rainforest
Be enchanted by the most extraordinary place on earth, the Daintree Rainforest. Picturesque and awe-inspiring, this 1200 square kilometre wonderland is one of the best biologically diverse rainforests in the world. Home to an abundance of rare and unique flora and fauna, it is also the world's oldest rainforest. Estimated to be about 180 million years old, there is so much to discover in this incredible part of Australia.
The Kuku Yalanji people warmly welcome you to their land
The traditional owners of the World-Heritage-Listed Daintree tropical rainforest are the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. For thousands of years, the Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this beautiful part of the world. A spiritual and culturally significant place, with a culture that is built around a deep respect for nature. Today, their stories and songs continue to give special meaning to the environment.
Go on a cultural discovery that will take you from the coast to the rainforest
The Kuku Yalarji people would love to share an authentic Indigenous experience with you. Learn about traditional hunting skills and gathering techniques. Learn to search for bush tucker such as mud crabs, fish and mussels. Savour your freshly caught tucker (food).
Cruise the Daintree River
Start your day by hopping on a boat and cruising through the murky waters of the Daintree River. A place where the world’s largest crocodiles sunbathe. Take a tour with a local skipper, who has an abundance of knowledge to share with you. Along the way, spot intriguing birds which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Try to spot a Great Billed Heron in flight or a slithering Green Tree snake resting in the sun.
Try exotic tropical flavoured ice cream
For a local taste sensation, go to the Daintree Ice cream Company and try exotic fruit ice cream. Since 1993, Tracey has been making a unique range of ice cream from her organically grown fruit in the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world.
Kulki | Cape Tribulation
Nestled along the coastline of the Daintree is Kulki (Cape Tribulation). Step back in time, get off the beaten track and discover nature in one of its purest forms. The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Wander through a tropical rainforest
Located 35 kilometres north of the Daintree River Ferry, here you can enjoy a self-guided walk. The Dubuji Boardwalk is an easy walk through the rainforest and mangroves. Or conquer the Madja Botanical Walk. If you prefer, why not experience a horse ride along the beach? Or take a tour with an Indigenous guide.
Great Barrier Reef
Stretching over 2300 kilometres and covering an area of approximately 348,000 square kilometres is one of the world's seven natural wonders. Home to the largest living ecosystem in the world, 900 islands and over 2900 individual reefs. Marvel at more than 1500 species of fish, over 400 types of hard coral, 7 species of marine turtle, and rare marine mammals such as dugong.
Cairns
Feel the laid-back vibes in Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland's natural treasures. Located approximately a 1 hour and 35 minutes drive to the Daintree, it's an ideal base to start your holiday. With a large selection of outdoor activities, you are spoiled for choice in Cairns.
Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle
Take a ride on the Skyrail and have a unique encounter with a World-Heritage rainforest. Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and go diving or snorkelling. Check out the lively boulevard or catch some Far North Queensland sun in the swimming lagoon. Visit the mountain village of Kuranda which is known for its vibrant arts community and daily markets. And soak up some culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Port Douglas
Located in Far North Queensland, approximately one hour drive north from Cairns is Port Douglas - the gateway to the Daintree. It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive from Port Douglas to the Daintree, along the Captain Cook Highway. Discover a tranquil oasis that has all the ingredients to soak up tropical vibes.
Join a full-day tour and discover an ancient rainforest
From here, you can join a Daintree tour or self-drive and explore this spectacular area yourself. There are also plenty of opportunities to visit the Great Barrier Reef with many day tours departing from Port Douglas. Uncover the magic of the outer reef or if you prefer, spend a day sailing and discovering Low Isles.
Mossman Gorge
Marvel at the natural beauty of Mossman Gorge, one of Tropical North Queensland's local gems. The 56,000-hectare area is located approximately 30 minutes drive from Port Douglas and approximately 32 minutes from Daintree Village. And just two kilometres from the township of Mossman. It's a must-do when you're in this gorgeous part of the world.
The gateway to the world's oldest rainforest
Mossman Gorge allows you to learn more about the Indigenous people of Australia and their connection to this astounding natural environment. Start your journey at The Mossman Gorge Centre and enjoy an ecotourism experience.
135 million years in the making
Go on a guided walk through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide and learn about all the incredible flora and fauna living here. The Kuku Yalanji people will happily share their culture, stories and legends as you explore this lush tropical rainforest.
Spot platypus in a natural swimming hole
The Mossman Gorge is a natural masterpiece and is the perfect place to cool off in North Queensland. With crystal clear rock pools and enchanting rainforest surroundings, it's a favourite place for locals to go swimming. Huge smooth boulders line the shallow pools that are scattered throughout the rainforest. Keep a lookout for platypus, turtles, fish and a large assortment of birds!
Activities
Where to stay?
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Daintree and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with an accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Discover more
The Great Barrier Reef
Be mesmerised by 600 types of coral, over 2900 individual reefs, and 900 tropical islands. A wonderland that… read more
Cairns
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is an absolute tropical paradise.… read more
K'gari
Be enchanted by the World Heritage Listed natural wonder, K'gari. Located along the south-eastern coast of… read more
Noosa
Experience one of Australia's most stunning upmarket beachside towns, Noosa. Located on the East Coast of… read more
With a size of 1.853 million square metres, 13,347 kilometres of coastline, the Great Barrier Reef, the world's… read more
Why book with us?
- Well-organised holiday, designed just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
- Peace of mind with a local network in Australia and a 24/7 emergency number
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.