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Things to do in
Daintree Rainforest

From tropical treks to incredible wildlife cruises, the oldest rainforest on earth doesn't disappoint.

Daintree Rainforest: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

1. From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

Explore Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Ride a 4WD vehicle as you spot wildlife, catch incredible views, and try regional food along the way. After being picked up in a 4WD, make your way north along the Captain Cook Highway. Stop first at the Daintree Cruise Centre for a quick tea, coffee, and biscuits before setting out to explore the Daintree River on a 1-hour guided cruise. During your cruise, you may spot estuarine crocodiles, from youngsters to massive 4-meter adults. Learn about the birds and wildlife that make this area their home. Then, make your way to the Alexandra Range Lookout, located in the heart of the rainforest, to enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, the ocean, its surrounding reefs, and the majestic Daintree River. At the Jindalba boardwalk, you'll go on an informative 45-minute guided tour to experience the Park's beauty up close. See ancient 900-year-old palms, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Boyd’s Forest Dragon. After exploring all morning, you'll be ready for lunch. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, mere steps away from Cape Tribulation Beach. Your journey continues, heading further north along the Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek. Cool off with a refreshing swim in this amazing freshwater swimming spot. Head to Cape Tribulation Beach for a stroll along the beach to admire the views. Those feeling a little more energetic can take the short botanical boardwalk to the Cape Tribulation beach lookout. After Cape Tribulation beach, if there's time, stop at Daintree’s hidden secret, the Daintree ice creamery. Your taste buds will be tantalized with exotic tropical fruit homemade ice cream. A signature scoop of ice cream is included. As the day comes to an end after taking the ferry back across, head back toward Port Douglas and Cairns, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Queensland: Cape Tribulation, Daintree, and Mossman Day Trip

2. Queensland: Cape Tribulation, Daintree, and Mossman Day Trip

The itinerary for this tour is as follows:• 6:40 AM: Pickups commence from Cairns.• 7:30 AM: Pickups commence from the Northern Beaches.• 8:20 AM: Pickups commence from Port Douglas.• 9:20 AM: Mossman Gorge Centre. Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre and board your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Return to the Centre for morning tea.• 11:15 AM: Daintree River Cruise. Reach an understanding of this wildlife environment for one hour. See bird habitats, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the saltwater crocodile.• 12:45 PM: Tropical Lunch. With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Enjoy a choice of quality steak, fish, or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.• 2:00 PM: Cape Tribulation. Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.• 3:15 PM: Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Enjoy a delicious tropical fruit ice cream made from fruit grown on their own organic orchard.• 4:00 PM: Alexandra Lookout. After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island, and beyond to the Coral Sea.

Cairns: Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Tribulation Day Trip

3. Cairns: Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Tribulation Day Trip

Scenic drive along one of the nicest coastal drives in the world Rex Lookout - Stunning Mountain & Ocean Views Spectacular Mossman Gorge at the Southern end of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park Port Douglas - Flag Staff Hill lookout/short town driving tour Restaurant lunch and exotic tropical fruit tasting (choice of meals) Daintree River Cruise – spot crocodiles and other wildlife on one of the most diverse river systems in the world Alexandra Lookout - breathtaking views towards the Great Dividing Range, Daintree River mouth, Snapper Island & Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef Botanical walk in the Daintree Rainforest- Bio diversity at its best Cape Tribulation - Kulki Lookout and Cape Tribulation beach “where the rainforest meets reef” Rainforest guided walks – a unique environment of rainforest and mangroves types and species Daintree Ice Cream Company – optional and popular local stop (Own Expense) Cross Mighty Daintree River by cable ferry Full Interpretation and Commentary– friendly, knowledgeable Naturalist / Eco and World Heritage accredited guides explain our unique flora, fauna and history of this unique region

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

4. Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Your day on the reef: Cruise from Cairns on board the fastest, luxury superyacht for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. The 35-meter luxury superyacht departs Cairns daily, with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations known for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Enjoy snorkelling at both reef sites with all snorkelling equipment and tuition provided. A gourmet buffet lunch with fresh prawns, fish, steak, and a variety of salads together and a free glass of wine with nibbles for your return journey provide a level of service and comfort that is unmatched. Your day in the Rainforest: Then, embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, cool down with a refreshing swim at Emmagen Creek and enjoy lunch at Cape Tribulation. Savour a homemade Daintree ice cream on your journey home.

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

5. Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Experience The Daintree Rainforest, one of the world’s natural wonders. Its complex tropical ecosystem is over 180 million years old, making it a registered UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. Explore the rainforest by cruising along the Daintree River. Snake your way through the heart of the area. The densely populated mangrove estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife so you'll have the chance to see a dazzling array of tropical creatures, including the Estuarine Crocodile. The largest of all living reptiles and an iconic Australian animal, saltwater crocodiles are hypercarnivorous apex predators. Throughout the day they appear deceptively docile but these opportunistic hunters will react with impressive agility when there’s prey around. Uncover all aspects of this incredible environment. From these ancient reptilian predators, to flocks of birds, schools of fish, sneaky snakes and a variety of the mangrove species lining the riverbank. All aspects of this ecosystem play an important role and are equally interesting. Join this tour and ask as many questions as possible and let the guides show you the ultimate wildlife experience on the Daintree River.

Port Douglas: River Drift Experience in the Daintree

6. Port Douglas: River Drift Experience in the Daintree

Begin your 'River Drift' adventure as you arrive at a secluded spot by the Mossman River, surrounded by the enchanting rainforest. Our team will greet you and provide essential gear, including comfortable boots and a personal river sled. With excitement in the air, you'll carry your sleds on a short walk through the dense rainforest, stepping into a world of natural wonder. As you reach the river, the adventure transforms into a fascinating rainforest river walk. Towing your sleds effortlessly behind you, your guides lead you upstream, sharing stories and insights about the river and the surrounding ecosystem. This captivating walk is not just a journey; it's an exploration into the heart of the rainforest, offering opportunities to learn, observe, and immerse yourself in a surreal environment. The riverbed, made of hard granite sand, provides a firm, easy path for walking. Reaching the furthest point of the walk, it's time to embark on the river sleds. Navigate your way down the river, cutting through a secret stream that leads to the main Mossman River. Experience the varied pace of the river's flow. Glide through calm waters under a lush canopy, then feel the exhilaration of navigating faster currents. As you lay on your back, floating and drifting with the river's flow, the journey culminates in a serene and unique experience, leaving you with lasting memories of floating through nature’s gallery. The 'River Drift' tour offers an unparalleled way to connect with the natural beauty of the Mossman River, blending adventure with the blissful calm of floating under the rainforest canopy

Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

7. Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Check-in at the Sailaway Boathouse at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 4:30 PM for a 5:00 PM departure. Climb aboard a luxury catamaran for a 1.5-hour evening cruise. Depart from the marina and feel the wind in your hair as the spectacular vessel moves smoothly and comfortably across the ocean. Receive a complimentary glass of beer, wine, or champagne. Savor a delicious selection of freshly prepared hot and cold canapes. Relax and unwind whilst enjoying the fantastic views of the coral sea and Daintree coastline. Enjoy pure sailing, great music, ambiance, and first-class service. After the sunset cruise, return to the marina at 6:30 PM.

Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

8. Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

***Due to ex-cyclone Jasper, parts of the Daintree Rainforest are currently not accessible which unfortunately affects our usual Daintree Tour*** There is a shorter tour which will discover the Southern Daintree. Our experienced guides will take you to the best spots of the southern Daintree region on this personalised adventure in our modern and air-conditioned vehicles. Marvel at guided rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge, visit Newell Beach and historic sites, embark on a Daintree River wildlife cruise allowing you to spot native wildlife and visit Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat where koalas, wallabies and an abundance of birds await you. *Visit the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park *Stunning beaches *Guided rainforest walks *Crocodile & wildlife spotting *Entry to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas *Morning Tea & Picnic Lunch *Insect repellent, umbrella & onboard library *Free return transfers from Port Douglas accommodation _________________________________________________________________ The Daintree Tour will re-open again soon! Discover the rich diversity of the Daintree Rainforest through various national park walks on a guided tour from Port Douglas. Travel in a modern, comfortable, and spacious vehicle that offers great visibility. Visit Mossman Gorge and enjoy a river cruise. Be picked up and dropped off at select hotels in Port Douglas. Relax on the drive to the Daintree Rainforest which contains 30% of the frog, marsupial, and reptile species in Australia. Walk through the Mossman Gorge, an ancient rainforest, to see the crystal clear waters of the Mossman River flow over giant boulders. Rainforest boardwalks guide you through this pristine rainforest to uncover its incredible diversity. Stop at stunning beaches and learn about Captain Cook’s journey along the coast of Queensland. Go for a walk along the beach where the rainforest meets the reef. Cruise on Cooper Creek where you can spot estuarine crocodiles on the banks of this mangrove-lined creek. Have lunch at the Heritage Lodge, which is a hidden rainforest resort. At the Daintree Ice Cream Company, taste four delicious scoops of tropical fruit ice cream in a cup. Relax and enjoy your ice cream in a tropical garden and fruit orchard. Visit the Alexandra Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the Daintree Rainforest, mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and Port Douglas in the distance. Return to your hotel at the end of your tour. 

Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

9. Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

Experience the Daintree Rainforest on a guided tour to the Mossman Gorge, Alexandra Lookout, Cape Tribulation, Noah Valley, and Gateway to Paradise. Spot native wildlife, swim in a rainforest stream, cruise the Daintree river, and enjoy lunch surrounded by rainforest.  Get picked up at your hotel and stop at the renowned Mossman Gorge, the first sight on your Daintree Forest tour. Embark on a guided walk and then hop aboard a river cruise on the Daintree River, home to the elusive estuarine crocodile.  Observe stunning native and migratory bird life, butterflies, and breathtaking scenery. Cross the Daintree River, journey to Alexandra Lookout, and enjoy sweeping views extending from the Daintree River Estuary to the Coral Sea. Stop for morning tea, muffins, biscuits, and coffee. Continue on to Cape Tribulation, with a stop at Kulki Lookout for unparalleled views of the rainforest and beach. Discover Noah Valley, a World Heritage private property that plays host to some of the most spectacular, pristine rainforests found anywhere in the world. Take a stroll along the Gateway to Paradise and see one of the most primitive flowering plants still in existence. Enjoy a swim in a crystal-clear rainforest stream while your lunch is prepared in a private retreat. Savor steak, fish, or a vegetarian option, served with salad, bread, and fruit. Follow lunch with an interpretive guided rainforest walk through the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Discover how all living parts of the rainforest depend on each other for survival. Conclude the tour with a visit to Daintree Ice Cream Company.

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

10. Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

An exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. This half-day eco-tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. The tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where guests board the vessel bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The Ocean Safari vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. After a fast 25-minute ride, guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay Reef. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines. The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree, two world heritage areas side by side. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.

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What people are saying about Daintree Rainforest

Overall rating

4.6
(1,049 reviews)

The Daintree forest is a must if you're in Cairns - it's a magical place (it's a truly special place). The smoking ceremony and the explanation from the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people about plants and tools is so precious, I wish we had more time with them. The wildlife habitat was super nice, you can get close to wild animals and it seems they're well cared for and treated nicely. The time with the animals is also never enough. The river cruise was also nice, even though we saw only 2 crocodiles, because it was raining. Overall great experience.

Our group thoroughly enjoyed our day and Randall was an excellent guide, highly knowledgeable and extremely obliging. We particularly liked the smaller group size and I would have no hesitation in recommending Tony's Tropical Tours to anyone visiting Port Douglas and Daintree.

Fantastic. Disappointing cape tribulation and Daintree entrance was not accessible. But that’s natures fault. Not on the tour. Our guide Steve was a gentleman and so knowledgeable. Great banter too. Cafe in Mossman was delicious too and the scones were excellent.

We had a wonderful experience. Rasa was very knowledlegeable and we learnt plenty of things about the area. The tour was balanced without expending too many hours in the car unlike any other tours. Highly recommended!

steve was an amazing tourguide and made sure we had a wonderfull day. there was a lot on the list today but it was very relaxed. i can only recommend this tour