Where to go
In the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly.
What I love about the Daintree Rainforest is that you never know what amazing creatures you’ll find here – from freshwater turtles and cassowaries to beautiful Ulysses butterflies
Lauren Dempsey – Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours
The Daintree is the place to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the modern world. It’s a raw, wild, ancient environment that resembles a real-life Jurassic Park, where it looks entirely possible that dinosaurs could emerge from the lush undergrowth.
Covering 1200sq k between the Mossman Gorge and Bloomfield River, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. An estimated 180 million years old, it is tens of millions of years older than the Amazon and contains living examples of unique ancient plants as well as thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles.
Despite its rugged, untouched nature, the Daintree is easily accessible on a day-trip. Walk through the forest on hiking trails and wooden boardwalks, climb high above the canopy on ziplines, take a dip in the Emmagen Creek swimming hole or paddleboard along the still waters of the Mossman River. Huge cassowary birds peck their way through the undergrowth and one of the best places in Tropical North Queensland to spot crocodiles is along the Daintree River.
The Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this region for 50,000 years and have a deep connection with the land. Take a tour with a local Indigenous guide to learn about the history of the rainforest, bush tucker and traditional medicine.
The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The forest tumbles right down to the coast with just a thin strip of sand separating it from the clear blue water. And accessing the reef is simple … with great snorkelling around Mackay and Undine reefs.
Phone reception is limited in the Daintree, so take the opportunity for a digital detox.
There are backpacker and budget accommodation options in the Daintree, but also a handful of places that offer a unique brand of sustainable eco luxury. There’s little contact with the outside world and many produce their own power on-site.
Pay attention to crocodile warning signs posted around rivers, swimming holes and the ocean. While crocodile attacks are unlikely, you need to be sensible and respect the advice of park rangers.
It’s a good idea to stock up on food and essential supplies in Mossman and Port Douglas before heading north.
The Daintree and Cape Tribulation are all about the outdoors – hike through ancient rainforest, paddle down remote rivers and discover the timeless Indigenous connection to the land.
Visitors to Tropical North Queensland can experience two natural treasures in one amazing day — the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Jane Scott reports on a nature lover’s dream.
The strip of bitumen between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, now known as the Great Barrier Reef Drive, is 140 km of jaw-dropping beauty. The road winds between two world heritage icons that Tropical North Queensland is famous for: the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland. Here are six itineraries to get you out and about.
North Queensland’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a landscape of astonishing beauty and biodiversity. Craig Tansley immersed himself in this national treasure, the oldest tropical rainforest on earth and one that visitors can easily access.
Self-drive or hire a car and explore the Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. The road is completely sealed and is two-wheel drive accessible. You’ll cross the Daintree River by ferry which is open from 6am to midnight each day. EFTPOS is available at the ferry between 8am and 4:30pm, seven days a week. At all other times, it’s cash only.
Tours to Daintree and Cape Tribulation depart Cairns and Port Douglas, daily. Private transfers can also be arranged.
The perfect places to embrace nature and disconnect.
