Daintree Rainforest
Named after Australia's pioneering geologist and photographer, Richard Daintree, the Daintree Rainforest was listed as a World Heritage site in 1988 and is protected by the Daintree National Park. Estimated at being over one hundred and thirty five million years old, the Daintree rainforest is home to some of the most primitive plants in the world. Amongst the tropical surroundings of the Daintree Rainforest live at least 430 species of birds, 13 of which are endemic, and unique animals including the endangered Southern Cassowary, the White Lipped Frog, Boyd's Forest Dragon, and the native Australian Platypus. The Daintree Rainforest is a living breathing museum of flora and fauna that we need to continue to protect and preserve for millions of years to come. View all the Daintree rainforest tours and attractions here.
Daintree Rainforest Tours - Visitor Information
The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation offers a unique opportunity to experience pristine wilderness, rich Indigenous culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Step into a world unlike any other when you visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, two of Tropical North Queensland’s most remarkable destinations. This ancient forest has thrived for more than 110 million years, making it the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Within its dense greenery, you’ll find an astonishing diversity of wildlife, including: 26% of Australia's frogs, 17% or its reptiles, 58% of its butterflies, 30% of Marsupial species and 48% of its birds.
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tours
Day tours from Port Douglas make it easy to explore this world heritage rainforest where ancient trees meet pristine beaches and unique wildlife thrives. Choose from a one day tour, multi-day tour including Atherton Tablelands or Cooktown, or there is a limited of half day Daintree tours - for those short on time, or staying within the Daintree.
Daintree River Cruises
A Daintree River cruise is one of the best ways to experience the region’s thriving ecosystem up close. The river meanders for around 140 kilometres, bordered by dense mangrove forests and rainforest vegetation. As you glide through the calm waters, look out for saltwater crocodiles, and tropical birdlife. Expert guides share fascinating commentary about the river’s fragile ecosystem and its role in sustaining the surrounding rainforest. Most of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation Day Tours include a Daintree River cruise.
Daintree Village
Nestled on the riverbanks, Daintree Village offers a charming glimpse into the past. Established in the late 1800s as a logging settlement, this small town of around 100 residents still retains much of its heritage character. Today the town exudes an old world charm and plays host to visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and northern Queensland to Cooktown & Cape York.
The small town has a population of roughly 100 people, many of whom are descendants of those who first lived in Daintree Village. While logging fueled the local economy for many years, dairy farmers built a butter factory in 1924 and today the primary industries of the Daintree Village are tourism, tropical fruit farming and beef-cattle.
Daintree Village is home to some quaint eateries, and knick knack shops, and the renowned Daintree Timber Museum and Gallery. The museum has many tools once used by the original loggers and features a woodwork store where you can purchase one off hand crafted pieces of kitchen and ornamental items made from locally grown timbers.
The Daintree River flows past the village and is home to many estuarine Crocodiles so swimming here is not an option. The Daintree Village region is a world-renowned birdwatcher's paradise and there are several specialist guides to show you around. More than half of the continent's bird species have been recorded here. Eight out of ten Kingfisher species can be spotted in and around the Daintree at various times of the year.
As all avid birdwatcher and photographers know the mornings are the best time to spot the wildlife waking up. Getting up early can be very rewarding for birdwatchers with sightings of the endangered Southern Cassowary foraging around, the Victoria's Riflebird, the beautifully coloured Wompoo Pigeon, Brush-turkeys and Scrub fowl who are always about just to name a few.
Daintree Discovery Centre
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a place where visitors can learn about many interesting facets of the Daintree Rainforest. The state of the art facility offers both self guided and guided tours along the rainforest boardwalks, and has some stunning views of the rainforest canopy from their 23 meter high viewing tower across to McLean's Creek which is also suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
The interpretive display centre shows a variety of interactive technology covering climate change, ecology, flora and fauna and is a great place for kids to visit and learn from for school projects. There is a small theatre offering a choice of films on Cassowaries, Crocodiles, conservation of the rainforest and more.
Did you know?
The Kuranda Rainforest is approximately 60,000 years old, the Amazon Rainforest which is sadly being destroyed is approximately 7 million years old and our Daintree Rainforest is more than 110 millions years old.
How do we know that? The Daintree Discovery Centre told us so.
Daintree River Ferry Crossing
Accessing Cape Tribulation requires a ferry crossing over the Daintree River. Traffic can build up during peak times between 11:00 am – 12:30 pm heading north and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm heading south. Arriving outside these hours ensures a smoother trip for self drivers.
Daintree Local Tropial Flavours
End your Daintree adventure with a treat from one of the region’s iconic stops:
- Daintree Ice Cream Company – Famous for its handmade ice creams made from exotic tropical fruits grown on-site (open 11:00 am – 5:00 pm).
- Floravilla Bio-Dynamic Ice Cream Factory – Serving unique organic flavours (open 8:00 am – 5:30 pm).
- Daintree Coffee Company – Known for its strong, locally roasted blends, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Getting to the Daintree
The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are located in Tropical North Queensland, roughly 2 hours north of Cairns and just over 1 hour from Port Douglas via the scenic Captain Cook Highway. Self-driving is popular, but many travellers opt for guided Daintree tours, which include transfers, ferry tickets, and commentary from experienced local guides.
To reach Cape Tribulation, vehicles must take the Daintree River Ferry, the only crossing point north of the river. Once on the other side, the journey continues along Cape Tribulation Road, where you’ll find rainforest boardwalks, secluded beaches, and panoramic lookouts.
Daintree Rainforest Accommodation
If a day in the Daintree Rainforest is not enough then you can choose to stay immersed within the rainforest in a unique Rainforest Retreat offering treehouse style accommodation, or family friendly accommodation options. You could also do a multi-day tour or a private guided Daintree tour with a personalised itinerary tailored to your interests.
Ensure to contact the local team at the Tour Specialists to discuss the ideal Daintree & Cape Tribulation tour for your rainforest experience in this unique part of the world.
