Top 4 Places to Eat in 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 provides a unique culinary journey, where establishments, often integrated into the natural landscape, celebrate local and indigenous produce, catering to a diverse range of visitors from families to couples.

1. Julaymba Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Native Ingredients

Situated on a balcony overlooking a serene lagoon, this restaurant offers an immersive dining experience within the rainforest. The à la carte menu, which rotates regularly, highlights seasonal and locally sourced produce, including ingredients from an onsite vegetable garden. Special dietary needs are accommodated, and a private six-course degustation dinner is available for an intimate experience.

Price: Degustation from AUD $170 (approximately USD $110) per person.

Getting There: Located at Daintree Ecolodge, 3189 Mossman-Daintree Road, Lower Daintree. Access is typically by private vehicle, south of the Daintree River Ferry.

2. On The Turps Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Australian

An open-air restaurant nestled on the edge of Cooper Creek, it provides a tranquil and idyllic setting enveloped by the Daintree Rainforest. The atmosphere is well-suited for a romantic dinner, offering delicious meals crafted with local produce. Booking in advance is recommended for this unique rainforest dining experience.

Price: Estimated AUD $40-70 (approximately USD $26-46) per person for a main meal.

Getting There: Part of Heritage Lodge, located on Turpentine Road, Diwan, approximately halfway between the Daintree Ferry and Cape Tribulation. Visitors usually travel by car.

3. Mason's Cafe

Cuisine: Cafe fare, Local & Bush Tucker

This casual cafe in Cape Tribulation is a great spot for lunch, emphasising local Daintree produce, including fresh tea, coffee, fruits, and fish. It offers unique dishes such as jackfruit burgers as a vegan specialty, and tasting plates featuring local meats like kangaroo, emu, and crocodile. The cafe is conveniently located near a beautiful swimming hole.

Price: Main dishes AUD $15-30 (approximately USD $10-20).

Getting There: Found at 3781 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, accessible by car north of the Daintree River Ferry.

4. Daintree Ice Cream Company

Cuisine: Tropical Fruit Ice Cream

A delightful stop for unique, biodynamic, and organic ice cream. The flavours are crafted from exotic fruits grown on the property, often including mango, coconut, and other seasonal rainforest varieties, served in a serene tropical garden setting.

Price: AUD $7-10 (approximately USD $5-7) per serving.

Getting There: Located on Cape Tribulation Road, Diwan, making it a popular and easy stop for those driving between the Daintree River Ferry and Cape Tribulation.

Check out our other pages on Daintree Rainforest

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