Daintree Rainforest

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons

The Daintree Rainforest in Australia is a World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest, renowned as one of the oldest on Earth. It offers a diverse landscape where ancient rainforest meets pristine beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, providing opportunities to explore unique wildlife, waterways, and Indigenous culture.

While the Daintree Rainforest itself is primarily a natural immersion destination, social opportunities for tourists and backpackers can be found in nearby towns such as Port Douglas. Here, a selection of backpacker accommodations often organizes tours and events, serving as a base for meeting other travelers before or after experiencing the rainforest.

Top 5 Things to do in Daintree Rainforest

Activities range from exploring ancient rainforest on guided walks and elevated platforms to wildlife spotting on river cruises and tasting unique local produce.

1. Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge

Engaging in a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge provides a profound connection to the Daintree's Indigenous heritage. Guided by local Kuku Yalanji people, these walks journey along private, gentle tracks, visiting culturally significant sites and traditional bark shelters. Guests participate in a traditional 'smoking' ceremony to cleanse and ward off bad spirits, learn about bush foods and medicinal plants, and hear enchanting narratives of the rainforest and the Kuku Yalanji's special relationship with it. There is also an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a safe, cool river hole.

Cost: The 1.5-hour guided walk, including the Gorge shuttle bus and entry, is approximately AUD $100 per adult and AUD $50 per child (from April 2025). To self-serve and only access the Gorge, a shuttle bus from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to the gorge's heart costs AUD $15 per adult and AUD $7.50 per child (from April 2025).

Transport: Mossman Gorge is about a 20-minute drive north of Port Douglas or 1 hour 15 minutes from Cairns. Visitors can self-drive to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where parking is available. Many guided tours from Cairns and Port Douglas include this activity. Public transport to Mossman Gorge is not readily available, making self-drive or organised tours the most practical options.

2. Daintree River Wildlife Cruise

Cruising along the Daintree River offers an excellent opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat, particularly the elusive saltwater crocodiles. These hour-long cruises provide expert commentary on the river's ecosystem, enabling guests to spot a variety of birds, snakes, and other creatures often camouflaged within the dense mangroves and rainforest. The quiet, often solar-powered, boats ensure a minimal disturbance to the environment, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.

Cost: A 1-hour cruise typically costs around AUD $28-$38 per adult, with family and child rates available. Some cruises offer complimentary tea or coffee.

Transport: Cruises depart from various points along the Daintree River, often near the Daintree River Ferry crossing on the south bank. This is approximately a 45-minute drive from Port Douglas. Access requires self-driving or joining a guided tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. The Daintree Ferry costs AUD $30 for a return vehicle journey.

3. Explore the Daintree Discovery Centre

The Daintree Discovery Centre provides an accessible and informative way to explore the rainforest from multiple perspectives. Visitors can walk an elevated Aerial Walkway, climb a 23-meter (75-foot) Canopy Tower for breathtaking views over the rainforest canopy, and wander along various boardwalks at ground level. Self-guided audio tours offer fascinating insights into the ecosystem, its unique plants, animals, and Indigenous culture, making it suitable for all ages. It also offers a 7-day re-entry pass, allowing for exploration in different conditions.

Cost: Admission is approximately AUD $41 for adults, AUD $19 for children (5-17 years), and AUD $100 for a family (2 adults + unlimited children).

Transport: Located about 10 kilometers north of the Daintree River Ferry at Cow Bay, the Discovery Centre is best reached by self-driving or as part of a guided tour. The Daintree River Ferry costs AUD $30 for a return vehicle journey.

4. Cape Tribulation Beach and Boardwalks

A visit to Cape Tribulation offers the unique experience of seeing where two World Heritage-listed sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, converge. Visitors can stroll along the pristine beaches and explore the diverse rainforest on well-maintained boardwalks like the Kulki, Dubuji, and Madja Boardwalks. These walks provide opportunities to see vine forests, mangroves, and rare fan palms, with viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the coast. While the beaches are beautiful, swimming in the ocean is not recommended due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles.

Cost: Accessing the beaches and boardwalks is generally free.

Transport: Cape Tribulation is approximately a 2-hour drive north of Port Douglas, requiring a crossing on the Daintree River Ferry (AUD $30 return per vehicle). The road is sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles up to Cape Tribulation. Many guided tours also include Cape Tribulation as a key stop.

5. Taste Exotic Flavours at Daintree Ice Cream Company

A delightful stop for a unique culinary experience, the Daintree Ice Cream Company offers ice creams made from exotic fruits grown in its own orchard. Flavours change daily based on what is in season, providing a rotating selection of tropical tastes. Visitors can enjoy their ice cream in a serene garden setting and explore a self-guided orchard walk to learn about the fruit trees. This charming establishment provides a refreshing break amidst rainforest explorations.

Cost: A signature '4-scoop cup' with changing tropical flavours costs approximately AUD $7.50.

Transport: Located on Cape Tribulation Road in Diwan, north of the Daintree River Ferry, the Daintree Ice Cream Company is accessible by self-drive. It is a popular stop on many guided tours to Cape Tribulation. If staying in nearby Diwan or Cape Tribulation, it is within walking distance for some.

Check out our other pages on Daintree Rainforest

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Australia

New South Wales
Northern Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Southern Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia