Where to go
In the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly.
To me, walking through the Daintree Rainforest is like taking a step back in time. From the dry, arid landscape of today’s Australia, to the broad-leafed Gondwanaland
James Boettcher – FNQ Nature Tours
Daintree Ferry Travel Tip – From July to September, there are often delays crossing the Daintree River, particularly between 10am and noon travelling north and between 3pm to 5pm travelling south. To avoid queues, travel before 10am & return in the evening. The ferry operates daily from 5am to midnight. More information here.
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, 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.
Where else but Tropical North Queensland can you sleep soundly in a spot where two World Heritage listed sites meet?
This summer, swap your inner city stresses for cool, rainforest rejuvenation, checking into one of these accommodation providers in the rainforest.
Take one look at these dreamy Port Douglas and Daintree swimming holes and you’ll agree that Mother Nature sure knows how to make a great swimming pool. Take a trip to these dips in Port Douglas, Daintree & Cape Tribulation.
Tropical North Queensland is the only region in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Connect with these ancient cultures 60,000 years in the making.
Choose your own adventure with these unique tour ideas in Cape Tribulation; a place where Australia’s oldest, largest and longest rainforest collides with the only living organism seen from space.
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.
There’s a sense of responsibility that comes when you’re visiting one of the world’s seven wonders; a calling to nurture nature. If leaving only footprints (or fin waves in this case) is high on your priority list, here are some ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef during your next holiday.
If you’re looking to connect with nature and discover a rainforest that’s the oldest, longest and largest in Australia, go behind the foliage with this guide to the five precincts of the Wet Tropics.
It might be a well-known fact that Tropical North Queensland is the only place in the world where two natural World Heritage sites collide, but there’s more first and only’s to this destination than its reef and rainforest.
Discover local specialties and hidden gems on a mini road trip through Tropical North Queensland with these one day wonders. Here are eight itineraries to get you out and about.
Deep tissue massages, vichy showers, hot stone therapies, seaweed wraps and coconut coffee scrubs, here are a few places to bliss out in Tropical North Queensland.
A getaway is looming and you’re longing for a tropical escape – Cairns and Port Douglas are both popular holiday havens boasting a wealth of experiences. Read this guide to help plan your trip to these two seaside locales.
Don’t let its flop and drop reputation fool you, there are many things to do in Port Douglas. From hunting with Traditional Owners & exploring the Great Barrier Reef, to river floats & wildlife parks. Here’s how to spend your time in Port Douglas.
The CREB Track is a challenging and isolated mountain bike and 4WD journey, traversing spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest weaving from Daintree village to the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal and on to Cooktown.
Get to know our famous forest, which spans 8940 square-kilometers and covers more ground than Samoa, Luxemburg and Puerto Rico, with this list of 10 things you didn’t know about the Wet Tropics.
The creation story of this ancient place isn’t simple, so here’s the abbreviated version of how the rainforest began some 200 million years ago.
Cape Tribulation to Cooktown
Drive the beautiful and wild Bloomfield Track from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown – a bucket-list drive for all 4WD enthusiasts.
View itineraryDaintree to Cooktown
The CREB Track is one of the country’s most challenging four-wheel-drive adventures, traversing spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest as it weaves its way north from Daintree village to Cooktown.
View itineraryCairns to Cape Tribulation (return)
Welcome to the loveliest little drive in Queensland. Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas.
View itineraryCairns to Cairns
Get ready to discover the very best of Tropical North Queensland on the Great Tropical Drive. Some 26 different routes make up the drive, taking you from coast to Savannah, islands to the outback, rainforest to reef.
View itineraryCairns – Cape Tribulation
Enjoy an accessible adventure in the Daintree & Cape Tribulation with this two day itinerary.
View itineraryWellness comes naturally to the top end as warm tropical weather, lush rainforests, long stretches of beaches and an abundance of fresh food set the scene for healthy habits.
View itineraryCairns to Cape Tribulation
Cairns
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.
While the #CapeYork season might be finished for this year, we’re still loving all the incredible photos from your adventures up north 🙌🚙
This might be one of the most scenic accommodation spots in Cape York, with everything from lush rainforest to beaches, ATVs, jet skis fishing, helicopter tours and more (this is just the start of the list!) 🌴
Will we see you at @thetemplecapeyork next year? 🤔
📸 @allards.across.oz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
We’re back in Cape York again with some stunning coastal views ☀️🌴 It’s not every day you get to see the rugged outback looking this good 🙌
📸 @wunez #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Freshwater swimming at the tip of @australia is pretty epic 🙌💦 Welcome to one of the most famous Cape York waterfalls, Fruit Bat Falls 😍
📸 @hayley.coleman #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
When you`ve been driving through the bush for days, it can be easy to mistake Twin Falls in #CapeYork for a mirage 😯 But like @tickerofftouring discovered, this waterfall near the tip of @australia is as real as they come & a great place for an afternoon swim after a long day on the dusty roads of Cape York 🚙🌴
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Found only in Cape York and parts of New Guinea the palm cockatoo is a unique cousin of the white cockatoos we’re all used to seeing around @tropicalnorthqueensland 🦜🌴 Did you know that Palm Cockatoos are one of the few bird species known to use tools? 🛠 These birds have a very interesting territorial display, banging a stick or seed pod against trees like a drum! 🥁
📸 @lidostudio.photography #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Black cockatoo approaching the ground with it’s feet stretched out and wings in the air. It is landing on brown dirt, surrounded by green grass]
It doesn’t get much better than this 🤩
Discover the coloured sand cliffs at #ElimBeach, the stretch of seaside which hugs the coastline northeast of Cooktown 🏝 This beach is popular with families travelling with a 4WD for good reason – once you get there you can climb up the sand dunes and scoot down on a homemade sandboard, with views of the Great Barrier Reef the whole time 🏄 Kick back on Elim Beach’s squeaky white sand or walk along the coloured sands and see how many different hues you can count 🙌
📸 @heightened_vision #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: 4WD with trailer loading boat into the water at Elim Beach, Cape York. The sand is bright orange and the water is a vibrant blue/green]
Ever been to Eliot Falls in Cape York? If you’re planning a trip to The Tip this season then don’t forget to check it out! 🌴🏜
📸 @wanderessofoz #explorecairnsGBR #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
You`ve heard #CapeYork as a bucket-list 4WD journey, but have you considered heading to The Tip on a motorbike? 🏍This ultimate adventure with @capeyorkmotorcycles is the trip to do if you like to push the boundaries, get the adrenaline pumping & do things a little different 💪 Plus you’ll get some well deserved rest at stunning waterfalls you won’t find anywhere else! 🌴💦
📍 Fruit Bat Falls, Cape York
📸 @phlipvids #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #fruitbatfalls
When you think of #Cooktown, is this what you imagine? 🌺😍
Welcome to a town whose history & heritage draws thousands of visitors each year. If you find yourself yearning to explore, chart your course with this guide to 10 things to do in Cooktown 👇
1. Explore the gardens & grab a bite at the Visitor Information Centre
2. Try a historic pub crawl for size
3. Turn back time at the museum
4. Enjoy the sunset at Grassy Hill
5. Spot a croc in Cape York
6. Drop a line & get the catch of the day
7. Discover local Indigenous artwork
8. Retrace the town`s colourful history
9. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere on the waterfront
10. Get on country with an Indigenous tour
📸 @phlipvids #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #seeaustralia
You might not have realised, but you could be waking up in paradise on your #CapeYork adventure 🌴 Found just 10 minutes from the stunning #ChilliBeach, @thetemplecapeyork offers an off-grid, isolated getaway 😌☀️ This is the perfect location for fishing addicts, dirt bike enthusiasts, bird watchers, history buffs & anyone finding themselves on an epic Cape York adventure wanting to chill out and soak it all in 🧘✨
The best bit? They are pet friendly! So you can bring your four-pawed friends along for the ride 🐶
#seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #explorecairnsGBR
Are you visiting Tropical North Queensland soon? Take advantage of our Tropical Dollars and get $100 off tours and experiences* when you book through Experience Oz! Use code TNQ100
