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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

Port Douglas: Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge Tour

1. Port Douglas: Daintree, Cape Tribulation, 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.

Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

2. Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Check-in at the Sailaway office at the 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.

Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

3. Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 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 travelers. Your journey continues, heading further north along the Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek. Enjoy ample time for a refreshing swim in this amazing freshwater swimming spot. Head to Cape Tribulation beach itself for a leisurely 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. 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.

Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

4. Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

The itinerary for this tour is as follows:• 6:45 AM: Hotel pickups commence from Cairns.• 7:30 AM: Pickups commence from the Cairns Beaches.• 8:10 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.

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

5. 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.

Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

6. Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

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: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

7. Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Embark on an afternoon departure on a luxury catamaran. Upon arrival, delight in freshly-brewed Tropical North Queensland tea or Jaques coffee with a light lunch. Take off for a leisurely 15-kilometer journey to the Low Isles. After some slow and smooth cruising, moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 3 hours. The crew will set you up with complimentary snorkeling equipment and optical masks (and seasonal lycra snorkeling suits or wetsuits and flotation devices if required). Relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass-bottom boat and join the guided heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. Cure your curiosity - there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and coffee with fresh homemade scones and a fruit platter. Then, enjoy a delicious selection of canapés with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink in hand as you admire the sunset over the Coral Sea. The spectacular sunset sail back to port will showcase beautiful views of the Daintree mountains. End the tour back at the Marina at 6:30 PM and continue your evening in beautiful Port Douglas.

From Port Douglas: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

8. From Port Douglas: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

Embark on a day trip where the rainforest meets the reef. See natural sights including the Great Barrier Reef, take an optional wildlife cruise, and participate in a smoke ceremony along the way. Discover Daintree River and Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge. Start your adventure with a scenic drive with the first stop at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world-famous Daintree National Park. The gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders and is bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll be welcomed by the traditional inhabitants, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will cleanse you of evil spirits during a smoke ceremony. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters. After crossing the mighty Daintree River and a break for lunch, it’s time to explore the ancient rainforest environment on an informative guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation sure to inform and impress. Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter — everything from low-lying ferns and shrubs to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems — all in one short easy walk. Opt to taste locally made ice cream at your own cost. Prepare for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout, which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta, and out to the Coral Sea. In the afternoon, opt to experience a wildlife cruise on the river. During the cruise, you may see a crocodile while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system. Return to Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid-back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.

From Cairns: Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation Bus Tour

9. From Cairns: Daintree Wilderness & Cape Tribulation Bus Tour

On this full-day tour you will discover the beautiful Daintree Rainforest. The remote natural magnificence of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest is far from the glitz of civilization and brings both awe and peace, a true solace to the soul. Daintree is nature's kingdom, a gem in Australia's crown of natural icons. Here you will find fan palms, Flying Paradise Kingfishers, tree frogs, butterflies of every hue and color, Rainbow Lorikeets, entwining strangler figs, and rampant climbing vines set by crystal streams flowing into a tropical sea. On this tour you will visit the Wildlife Habitat to experience the 5 wildlife environments – the savannah, rainforest, wetlands, nocturnal, and grasslands. Cross the Daintree River on board a cable-driven vehicular ferry. You will travel deep into the Daintree Rainforest to the Cape Tribulation Resort to enjoy a tropical lunch. At Cape Tribulation you can enjoy the dazzling white sand beaches and azure tropical sea and visit Alexandra Lookout to admire the spectacular views of the Daintree River and the Coral Sea. Cruise along the Daintree River among mangroves, impenetrable rainforest jungle, and crocodile-infested waters and enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Cairns.

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Daintree Rainforest

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,049 reviews

Our tour today was extremely fun. Although weather conditions and recent storms caused last minute changes in plans our guide Gavin did an amazing job going above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience and got value from the trip. I can easily say he gave us an experience that the other tour groups didn’t get due to him being more flexible with the time schedule and being adaptive to navigate the unforeseen weather impacts. It was overall extremely educational, lots of fun and a great atmosphere in our tour group through-and-through due to Gavin’s amazing attitude and outlook to life.

Rain in the rainforest, no surprise there but being wet all day on a bus can put a little damper on things. Our guide, Mark, did a good job providing lots of interesting information about the wildlife, history, and culture of the area. Please realize that this trip is fast-paced, not in-depth. Mark said that right up front so no complaint about it, but if I had it to do over I might pick a version that did fewer sites (Cape Tribulation wasn't worth the time to me).

This was great, awesome short cruise to watch the sunset and drinks and food floating around while you watch. Recommended for value for money

Matty was an excellent tour guide! He was extremely knowledgeable about the area and told us good stories and information. 10/10.

Great tour Daniel was very knowledgeable of the area. Food was great too