Daintree Rainforest

Discover the Ancient Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest, often referred to simply as “the Daintree,” is a stunning region on the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia, located about 105 km north of Cairns.

Spanning around 1,200 square kilometres, it forms part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia’s largest contiguous tropical rainforest area.  The Daintree is one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforest ecosystems, dating back around 180 million years—nearly 10 million years older than the Amazon. This ancient landscape has endured ice ages, continental drift, and the arrival of early humans, standing today as a living relic of Earth’s distant past.

Discovering the Daintree Rainforest on a Day Trip

The Daintree Rainforest is conveniently accessible for day trippers from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Discover the Daintree Rainforest today.

A Haven of Biodiversity

The Daintree Rainforest is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity. It is home to approximately 3,000 plant species from nearly 210 plant families, including over 900 different types of trees. This rich flora supports diverse wildlife. The rainforest is home to 30% of Australia’s frog, reptile, and marsupial species, 90% of its bat and butterfly species, and 12,000 insect species. Though it covers just 0.12% of Australia’s landmass, the Daintree is a vital ecological treasure, preserving life forms that have thrived for millions of years.

Exploring the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree River, named after the rainforest, winds through this lush landscape and drains parts of the forest within Daintree National Park. Visitors can explore the area via eco-friendly roads, which lead to walking tracks, white sandy beaches, and offshore coral reefs. The Daintree’s mix of dense rainforest, pristine beaches, and vibrant reefs makes it a truly remarkable destination. It offers a unique natural experience for all who visit.

Majestic Peaks and Scenic Views

Within the heart of the Daintree, towering peaks such as Thornton Peak and Mt Pieter Botte provide breathtaking vistas of undisturbed forests and valleys. These rugged mountains, the region’s diverse wildlife, and ancient trees make the Daintree Rainforest an awe-inspiring destination. Whether trekking through the rainforest, exploring Mossman Gorge, or marvelling at the coastal scenery where the rainforest meets the reef, the Daintree offers a unique and unforgettable connection to the natural world.

Walking and Hiking Trails in the Daintree

The Daintree Rainforest offers hiking enthusiasts a wilderness experience like no other. While exploring this area, it’s essential to carry ample drinking water, as the tropical humidity can be intense. Here are some of the noteworthy walking trails:

Myall Beach to Cape Tribulation Beach:

This one-and-a-half-hour round trip takes you from Myall Beach to Cape Tribulation Beach. Be prepared to cross a small creek; remember that low tide is the best time for this crossing. The hike leads through the rainforest and over the Cape Tribulation headland, offering stunning views of the area.

Dubuji Boardwalk

A one-hour round trip from Cape Tribulation Park, the Dubuji boardwalk meanders through the rainforest and mangroves. Informative signs along the way share stories about the plants and animals inhabiting the area.

Mardja Botanical Walk

This half-hour walk in the southern part of Cape Tribulation leads through the rainforest. Informative signs highlight the local flora and fauna. Look for crocodiles, birds, and other tropical creatures.

Mount Sorrow Ridge

For the more adventurous, the Mount Sorrow Ridge hike offers a six-hour return trip. Beginning at the National Park Office in Cape Tribulation, this challenging hike provides breathtaking views of the region. Detailed maps are available at the office for those up to the challenge.

Getting to the Daintree Rainforest

Reaching the Daintree Rainforest is a journey worth embarking on. Most travellers to North Queensland have heard of this famous destination, and there are multiple ways to access it:

Mossman Gorge

Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Cairns or 25 minutes from Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge offers an excellent starting point for exploring the Daintree.

Daintree Village

A little further along the road, you’ll find Daintree Village, a hub for Daintree River cruises and home to a few quaint cafes.

Cape Tribulation

For the adventurous, a direct drive to Cape Tribulation is an option. Follow the signs to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River Ferry after Mossman—plan a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Cairns or just over 1 hour from Port Douglas.

Daintree River Ferry

The Daintree River Ferry operates daily from 6 am to midnight, providing access to Cape Tribulation. Conventional vehicles can be transported on the ferry.

In addition, car hire from Cairns Airport or the Cruise Ship terminal allows you to explore the region at your own pace, allowing you to see and do more than organised tours.

The Daintree River Ferry: A Unique Crossing

The Daintree River Ferry, situated 50 kilometres north of Port Douglas, is the only means of crossing the river. Operating on a cable system, it can carry up to 16 vehicles at a time, making the journey from the south bank to the north bank a quick and fascinating experience. This cable ferry is the only one in a World Heritage area worldwide.

The ferry’s operation is impressive, crossing from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, seven days a week. Due to its essential role in granting access to the World Heritage Area, visitors should be prepared for occasional delays. Here are the current Daintree Ferry prices (as of July 2021):

• Motor Car and Utilities: $23 One Way / $39 Return
• Motor Bikes: $10 one-way, $17 Return
• Bicycles and Pedestrians: $3 One Way, $4 Return

The Daintree River: A Gateway to Paradise

The Daintree River uniquely separates the Daintree rainforest from the rest of the world. Crossing the river feels like entering a realm of unparalleled beauty and ancient wonder. It’s home to a vibrant array of tropical life, supporting saltwater and freshwater marine species, including the formidable saltwater crocodile.

The mouth of the Daintree River opens onto a shifting sandbar that changes with the tide. This area is a critical convergence point where the river’s salty waters meet the fresh, giving rise to a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife.

The Crocodile Habitat

The Daintree River is renowned for its population of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), also known as “salties.” These magnificent reptiles are the world’s most giant living reptiles and can grow up to 7 metres in length.

Taking a Daintree River cruise is one of the best ways to observe these ancient creatures safely in their natural environment. Knowledgeable tour guides accompany you on the cruise, sharing insights into the crocodile’s behaviour and the river’s broader ecosystem.

Daintree Rainforest FAQ’s

Daintree’s Flora and Fauna

The Daintree Rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting countless plant and animal species. Here are some highlights of the flora and fauna you might encounter during your visit:

Flora

1. Fan Palm Trees: The Daintree is home to the distinctive fan palm (Licuala ramsayi), an ancient and visually striking tree with large, circular leaves that resemble fans.
2. Carnivorous Plants: Watch for carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant and sundew, which have evolved to trap and digest insects for nutrients.
3. Ancient Trees: Some trees in the Daintree, such as the iconic strangler fig, are centuries old and play a vital role in the forest’s ecosystem.

Fauna

1. Cassowaries: The Daintree is one of the few places in Australia where you might spot the elusive and endangered cassowary, a large, flightless bird.
2. Tree Kangaroos: These unique marsupials are often high in the rainforest treetops.
3. Birdlife: The Daintree is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly and the southern cassowary.
4. Insects: Keep an eye out for strikingly coloured butterflies and moths that are abundant in the area.
5. Frogs: The rainforest is home to various frogs, including the green and golden bell frog and the magnificent tree frog.
6. Reptiles: Besides saltwater crocodiles, various lizard and snake species can be found in the Daintree Rainforest.

A World Heritage Gem

The Daintree Rainforest, with its rich biodiversity, unique plant life, and stunning landscapes, was deservedly listed as a World Heritage Site in 1988. It’s a remarkable destination for travellers and a vital ecological treasure. As you explore this natural wonder, remember to tread lightly and leave no trace, helping to preserve its pristine beauty for generations to come.