The oldest rainforest in the world

Daintree National Park

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?

Spot the elusive Southern cassowary!
© David Clode, Unsplash
Immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest
© David Clode, Unsplash

Welcome to the Daintree Rainforest

Be enchanted by the most extraordinary place on earth, the Daintree Rainforest. Picturesque and awe-inspiring, this 463 square miles 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.

There are many great Daintree Rainforest tours on offer
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Take a cruise along the Daintree River
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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).

A crocodile in Daintree National Park
Spot crocodiles on the banks of the Daintree River
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Crocodile in Daintree | Australia wildlife
Say G'day to saltwater crocodiles in the Daintree River

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.

The Daintree Ice Cream Company is dedicated to wildlife and habitat protection
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Be sure to stop by the Daintree Ice Cream Company!
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Soak up the tropical vibes on Cape Tribulation Beach
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Cape Tribulation is a must-visit when in North Queensland
© Manno Moreno, Unsplash

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.

A trip to the reef is an absolute must!
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Be astounded by the natural beauty of Cape Tribulation
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Take a ride on the Skyrail and discover Barron Gorge National Park
© Tourism and Events Queensland
There are ten national parks to explore nearby Cairns
© David Clode

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.

Conquer the Great Barrier Reef Drive
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Port Douglas is the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Cool off at the Mossman Gorge
Spot an abundance of wildlife including green tree frogs

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!

Spot the elusive platypus!
© Ash Thomson Photography
Connect with nature at Mossman Gorge
© Tourism and Events Queensland

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.

Two swing chairs on a wooden deck in the middle of a rainforest
Listen to the sounds of nature, nestled in an ancient rainforest
A four poster bed with mosquito nets
Stay in unique small-scale accommodations

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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.

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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.