- Telephone
- Email
The Daintree Rainforest is without a doubt, Cairns’ most famous rainforest and an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s a landscape of towering rainforest mountains, deep gorges, rivers and creeks, waterfalls, coastal mangrove forests and long sandy beaches. The Daintree Rainforest National Park is made up of two distinct sections, Mossman Gorge in the south and Cape Tribulation in the north, separated by the Daintree River. Mossman Gorge is a magical place, where the clear waters of the Mossman River wind through the rainforest and around giant granite boulders. While Cape Tribulation is the only place on earth where two World Heritage listed sites sit side by side, the Wet Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest is a part of the traditional Country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. It’s a time capsule of ancient plants and animals, a vibrant and living landscape, rich with culture and an abundance of life. You can explore it independently, or on guided tour, with walking tracks and trails, rainforest boardwalks, river cruises, cultural experiences and interpretive centres providing many ways to discover the Daintree Rainforest.
We love the Daintree Rainforest for its remote wilderness areas and diversity of landscapes. This is a place so spectacular that Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth”, and you absolutely need to include it in your Cairns itinerary. From the rainforest mountains to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree River, mangrove forests, sandy beaches and the iconic ‘Where the Rainforest meets the Reef’ destination at Cape Tribulation, it’s a simply stunning place. You can hire a car and explore at your own pace, which is the perfect choice for families with infants and toddlers, or book a guided tour where local knowledge, wildlife spotting and commentary add another layer to the experience.
Get a free underwater camera rental when you book tours departing Cairns through us valued at over $750, we’ll lend you a GoPro underwater camera to use for the duration of your tours. Numbers are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Get in touch with us to claim this deal today.
Check out our favorite tours in the Daintree Rainforest.
Big Day Tour. Mossman Gorge. Daintree River Wildlife Cruise. Cape Tribulation. Daintree Rainforest. Down Under Tours.
Authentic cultural experiences with First Nations people in simply stunning natural destinations. Rainforest. Mossman Gorge. Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu).
Big Day Tour. Welcome To Country at Mossman Gorge. Daintree River Cruise. Cape Tribulation. Daintree Rainforest. Cairns Adventure Group.
Cape Tribulation 1/2 day reef tour. 2 hours snorkel time. 2 reef sites. EPIC 25 minute ride to the reef. AM & PM departure times.
This is our Guide to the Daintree Rainforest, the most northern end of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Daintree Rainforest National Park is split into sections, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, both offering different experiences for visitors. Mossman Gorge is around 80km from Cairns and is on the Cairns side of the Daintree River. Access to the gorge is via a shuttle bus service from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center, from there you can explore on walking tracks, trails and boardwalks. For a cultural experience you can book a Dreamtime Walk, guided by one of the Kuku Yalanji people. This includes a smoking ceremony and guided walk on private tracks. Cape Tribulation is about 140km north of Cairns and is on the other side of the Daintree River. You will need to use the Daintree Ferry to access this section of the Daintree Rainforest National Park. There’s a wide array of tours and attractions, which makes discovering the Daintree Rainforest an easy add to your Cairns itinerary. So without further ado, let’s look at what this amazing destination has to offer you.
The Daintree Rainforest area has two notable waterfalls, both of which are outside the National Park. Cassowary Falls (pictured here) is our favourite and is located on a private property around 43km from Mossman Gorge. Cassowary Falls is only accessible on guided tour, but it’s an epic guided tour. We’re talking all action, fast ATV rides through streams and creeks (you will get wet!), seasonal farm fruit tasting and time at Cassowary Falls for swimming and relaxing. They are small group tours and we guarantee, you’ll leave with a smile on your dial. Bloomfield Falls (Wujal Wujal) is the second waterfall and is on the Cape Tribulation side of the national park. This one is free to visit, but access is on the Bloomfield Track and you will need a 4WD for this. There is no swimming here due to the presence of crocodiles.
The Daintree River is the dominant waterway in the Daintree Rainforest. A mighty river system which winds through the dense rainforest and out to the Coral Sea. This river is teeming with life, including a very healthy population of saltwater crocodiles, the most famous of which is ‘Scarface’ a dominant alpha male. The best way to explore the Daintree River is on a guided wildlife cruise. There are several different operators running these tours, all of which depart on the Mossman side of the national park. Another way to see crocodiles in their natural habitat, is on a Cape Tribulation Wilderness Cruise. This is the only tour boat operating in the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree Rainforest National Park, and provides guided cruises on Cooper Creek.
The Daintree Rainforest is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Daintree Rainforest National Park offers an array of rainforest types. From the lowland rainforest close to the coast, to the dense upland rainforest covering the mountains and peaks. Much of this area has only lightly been touched by the hands of man, however, as you explore the Daintree you will see farmlands and small pockets of communities living side by side with the rainforest. Largely speaking, the feeling you’ll get during a visit here, is that you are in a remote wilderness area. Particularly in the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree Rainforest National Park, which is off-grid with no mains power or water supplies. This is where ingenuity comes into play, with resourceful locals and businesses, finding a way to be comfortable and remote.
The dense Daintree Rainforest is home to ancient plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. There are more trees than people here, from small under-story growth to towering giants with massive buttress roots. This is the place for unique encounters. It’s not unusual to see a Cassowary wandering along the road, so keep your eyes peeled for this and make sure you slow down and drive to the conditions. We usually see Boyd’s Forest Dragons clinging to tree trunks when we visit Mossman Gorge; these guys look like miniature versions of the Dinosaurs that used to roam here. Another rare Daintree Rainforest animal is the Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, which is only found in the lowland and upland rainforests north of the Daintree River. We have seen these guys, but managed to get zero photos.
The Cape Tribulation section of Daintree Rainforest National Park has some spectacular coastal scenery, where rainforest-covered mountains drop almost directly into the Coral Sea. Walu Wugirriga (Mount Alexandra Lookout) provides sweeping views across the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and out towards the Great Barrier Reef. Farther north you can explore Thornton Beach, Myall Beach and Cape Tribulation Beach, where the rainforest grows almost to the sand. These are wild tropical beaches, so remember you are in crocodile and marine stinger country. Admire the scenery, stay Crocwise and follow all warning signs.
The Traditional Owners of the lands in and around the Daintree Rainforest are the Eastern Kuku Yalanji (Aboriginal people). The Queensland Government signed a historic agreement with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji on 29 September 2021, formally returning ownership of 160,213 hectares across four national parks, including Daintree Rainforest National Park. Today the park is jointly managed by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, in accordance with an Indigenous Management Agreement and other land management arrangements. There are many ways you can connect with culture at the Daintree. There’s guided Dreamtime Walks from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre; these tours include a smoking ceremony and walk through the rainforest, learning about bush medicine and traditional plant use. You can also visit the Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub, in the Cape Tribulation section of the park near Myall Beach. Opened in April 2026 the hub has lots of interpretive signage providing cultural insight and environmental education.
The Daintree Rainforest National Park has lots of walking tracks, trails and boardwalks, of various lengths to various locations. There are 4 Mossman Gorge Self-guided walks. The Baral Marrjanga is the shortest at 270m, taking you to a lookout over Mossman River, it includes sections of elevated boardwalk. You can continue this walk to the Rex Creek Suspension Bridge, for more epic views. If you want to make it a circuit leave the bridge and follow the trail through the rainforest (2.4km return). There are 4 Cape Tribulation Walks too, located at various sections of the park. The first one is Jindalba, which you can do as a 650m return boardwalk experience, or a 3km circuit through the rainforest. Madja Boardwalk is a 1.2km circuit which explores lowland rainforest and mangrove-lined creek habitat. Dubuji Boardwalk is another 1.2km circuit which takes you to and from the rainforest, through mangrove swamps and out to Myall Beach (stop into the Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub while you’re here). Finally, the Kulki Boardwalk at Cape Tribulation, a 600m return walk which provides views over Cape Tribulation beach.
There are 5 main tourist attractions and activities in the Daintree Rainforest, not including the wilderness cruises. The first is Cassowary Falls, on the Mossman side of the park, which we’ve already covered. The other 4 are in the Cape Tribulation section of the park and include the Daintree Discovery Centre, Cape Trib Horse Rides, Treetops Zipline Canopy Tour and Ocean Safari. The Discovery Centre has boardwalks, aerial walkways, a 23 metre canopy tower, discovery theatre and interpretive centre. Cape Trib Horse Rides provides 90 minute horse rides that take you from the rainforest, along a river and out on to the beach. The pace is relaxed and the ride is guided. Treetops Zipline Canopy Tour provides a different perspective again. Explore the rainforest canopy on a series of connected ziplines, reaching a maximum height of 15 metres and spans varying from 15 to 130 metres long. Finally, Ocean Safari for simply epic half-day tours from Cape Tribulation to the Great Barrier Reef, with morning and afternoon departures.
Guided tours to the Daintree Rainforest are a great way to let you sit back and enjoy your day, without worrying about ferry crossings and trip planning. Many of the Cairns to Daintree Rainforest day tours include transfers to and from Cairns in an air conditioned coach, commentary, a wildlife cruise, lunch and visits to the Mossman and Cape Tribulation sections of the Daintree National Park. The Cairns Adventure Group Daintree Day Tour includes a Welcome to Country smoke ceremony with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center. For more cultural connection, the Daintree Dreaming Day Tour includes a coastal adventure with the Kubirri Warra guides on beautiful Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu), lunch at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and the amazing opportunity to participate in an art class with renowned Aboriginal artist Brian ‘Binna’ Swindley, who will guide you to create your own small canvas to take home. (Daintree Dreaming does not include a wildlife cruise or visit the Cape Tribulation section of the park). These are big days on the bus, but full of discovery and exploration.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is located outside the township of Mossman, around 80km north of Cairns. The centre is the gateway to Mossman Gorge, running a shuttle bus service with departures every 15 minutes, between 8am and 5pm. It’s open 7 days a week except Christmas day. The shuttle bus costs $15.50 for Adults, $7.75 for Children (5-15 years old), with Family Passes for $38.75 (2 Adults and 2 Children). Prices valid to 31 March 2027. You can do self-guided walks or book a Dreamtime Walk guided by one of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre has a café and restaurant, indigenous art gallery and gift shop, as well as restroom and shower facilities. Plenty of car parking available.
The Daintree Village is about 40km from the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. It’s a tiny one-street town with a general store and hotel, with café and restaurant. The Village itself started in 1873 and was home to the first European settlers in the region. Located on the banks of the Daintree River, Daintree Village does not have any specific tourist attractions, interpretive centres or walking tracks. Today the Village is more of a service hub, for surrounding farm properties and local residents. If you are doing a self-guided Daintree Rainforest Day tour exploring the region, we do not recommend going to Daintree Village, as there nothing specific to do or see here. That being said, you will pass by the Village on the way to Cassowary Falls, so feel free to pop-in and check it out on the way through.
Cape Tribulation is about 35km from the Daintree River Ferry. It is a beach, which you can explore on boardwalks and walking tracks. This is an iconic destination, where the Reef meets the Rainforest, literally. Standing on the sandy beach you are dwarfed by the rainforest mountains behind you, sliding down to the sea, with fringing reefs in the shallow waters in front of you. It’s also a historic destination, so named because this is where Lieutenant James Cook damaged his ship the Endeavour on the offshore reefs. Cook wrote ‘I named… the north point Cape Tribulation because here began all our troubles’. There’s no ‘Village’ as such, but there is a tiny township about a 5 minute drive from the beach, which has an IGA, Turtle Rock café and the booking office and departure point for the Ocean Safari tours. There’s also accommodation here, for those wanting to stay overnight.
The Daintree Rainforest National Park is a must-do when visiting Cairns, we always take our friends and family there. Due to its distance from Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is a full day visit at a minimum. The Cairns to Daintree tours have packaged up the best bits of the destination, making it accessible and easy. If you wanted to self-drive and explore, and had the time, we recommend allowing 2 or 3 days for your visit. There’s a range of accommodation, from camping to shared cabins, hotels and Airbnb properties. You do not need a 4WD to visit the Daintree Rainforest, unless you were planning to take the Bloomfield Track on to Cooktown. You do need a 4WD for the Bloomfield Track. All roads in the Daintree National Park, to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and Cape Tribulation are sealed. Drive to the conditions and watch out for Cassowaries. The dining options in the Daintree Rainforest are somewhat limited. We recommend the Hook-A-Barra Kitchen, part of the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm, for the Mossman section of the park, and Turtle Rock Café in the Cape Tribulation section of the park. Have to also mention the ice-cream options! Daintree Ice Cream Co make small artisan batches of handmade ice-cream, using seasonal produce picked from their orchard. Try a signature tasting cup, or choose your own flavours. Floravilla Ice Cream creates an amazing range of organic ice cream, also featuring seasonal fruits and flavours, such as black sapote, dragonfruit and durian. Both of these delicious places are in the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree National Park. We love them both.
The Daintree Rainforest National Park is north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. The park is divided into two main sections, Mossman Gorge in the south and Cape Tribulation in the north, separated by the Daintree River.
Mossman Gorge is around 80km north of Cairns, while Cape Tribulation is approximately 140km north of Cairns. Cape Tribulation is accessed by crossing the Daintree River on the vehicle ferry.
Yes, the Daintree Rainforest is very family friendly, with plenty for children of all ages to see and do. There are short rainforest walks and boardwalks, wildlife cruises, beaches, Mossman Gorge, cultural experiences, rainforest attractions and even Great Barrier Reef trips from Cape Tribulation. We first started taking Ethan to the Daintree Rainforest when he was four years old and have been regular visitors ever since.
Yes. Families with babies, toddlers and young children can absolutely visit the Daintree Rainforest. If you have very young children, we think self-driving is usually the best option. It gives you the flexibility to stop when you need to, choose shorter walks and attractions, and work around meals, naps and tired little travellers. We started taking our son Ethan on the Cairns Daintree Rainforest day tours when he was in Grade 3, and have continued to do so ever since. He loves the Daintree Rainforest and I’m sure your children will too.
Yes. You can visit the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day trip from Cairns, either by self-driving or joining a guided tour. A guided tour is an easy option if you want to see several highlights without having to plan the ferry crossing, stops and timings yourself.
Guided Daintree Rainforest tours can be suitable for families, but they are big days with a considerable amount of time travelling on a bus. For babies, toddlers and younger children, we generally recommend hiring a car and exploring independently. Families with older children may enjoy a guided tour, particularly if they are interested in wildlife, rainforest ecology and Aboriginal culture.
You can see some of the main highlights in one full day, but we recommend allowing two or three days if you are self-driving. This gives you more time to explore Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, rainforest walks, wildlife cruises, beaches and other attractions without rushing. Cairns Adventure Group also offers overnight Daintree Rainforest Tours which includes Mossman Gorge, a wilderness cruise on the Daintree River, an Ocean Safari half-day Great Barrier Reef tour, air conditioned coach transfers and accommodation.
You can visit the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day trip from Cairns, but families will generally have a more relaxed experience if they stay for one or two nights. This gives you more time to stop, explore shorter walking tracks, enjoy the attractions and work around younger children’s routines without trying to fit everything into one long day.
No. You do not need a 4WD to visit Mossman Gorge or Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. The main road between the Daintree River ferry and Cape Tribulation is suitable for conventional vehicles. You will need a 4WD if you plan to continue north along the Bloomfield Track towards Cooktown.
You need to use the Daintree River Ferry if you are travelling to the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree Rainforest National Park. Mossman Gorge is south of the Daintree River and does not require a ferry crossing.
Mossman Gorge is known for its clear rainforest river, giant granite boulders, walking tracks and cultural experiences. Cape Tribulation has a much more remote feel, with rainforest-covered mountains, beaches, mangrove forests, boardwalks and the famous scenery where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Both are a part of the Daintree Rainforest.
Popular things to do in the Daintree Rainforest include:
Some of our favourite family activities in the Daintree Rainforest include:
Yes. Saltwater crocodiles live in the Daintree River and surrounding waterways, including beaches. The safest and best way to see them is on a guided wildlife cruise. Crocodiles can also occur around creeks, rivers and beaches, so always follow warning signs and stay Crocwise.
Swimming conditions vary throughout the Daintree Rainforest. Mossman Gorge has popular freshwater areas, although conditions can change quickly after rain and visitors should always follow local safety advice. Swimming is not recommended in rivers, creeks or coastal areas of the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree Rainforest, due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. If in doubt, assume they are there and take appropriate precautions.
The Daintree Rainforest is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife. You may see southern cassowaries, Boyd’s forest dragons, tree kangaroos, crocodiles, butterflies, frogs, birds and many other rainforest species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but simply exploring the rainforest gives you a good chance of seeing something interesting.
The Daintree Rainforest is a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It contains ancient rainforest, plants and animals with evolutionary links stretching back millions of years. Around Cape Tribulation, the Wet Tropics rainforest sits beside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, creating one of Australia’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Both are good options. Self-driving gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and stay overnight. Guided Daintree Rainforest tours are ideal if you want local commentary, wildlife spotting and a planned itinerary without having to organise the ferry, driving and individual attractions yourself.
Yes. There is accommodation throughout the Daintree Rainforest region, including camping, cabins, rainforest retreats, hotels and holiday properties. Staying overnight in the Daintree Rainforest allows you to experience the rainforest at a slower pace and explore more than is possible on a Cairns day trip.
The Daintree Rainforest. You know the name, but do you know its history, its secrets and its most beautiful places? Active Tropics…
More
Cape Tribulation. Where the Reef meets the Rainforest. Bring it all together on one amazing half-day tour with Ocean Safari. Two Hours…
More
Cassowaries are an iconic resident of the Rainforests that surround Cairns. These majestic birds are easy to identify, standing between 1.5-2m tall…
More
© I Love Cairns 2026
