Daintree Rainforest: Everything you need to know

Posted on December 6, 2022

Welcome to the magical world of the Daintree Rainforest! As your virtual guide, I’ll take you on a journey through one of the world’s oldest rainforests, revealing its secrets and uncovering the many wonders that lie within.

Traditional Owners

I want to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands mentioned in this post and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Altogether, there are 18 Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

In this area, the Traditional Owners are the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people. Their country extends from near Cooktown to Port Douglas. For the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people many natural features of the landscape have spiritual significance including Wundu (Thornton Peak), Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi), Wurrmbu (The Bluff) and Kulki (Cape Tribulation).

About the forest

Australia has several stunning cities, but to truly appreciate its breathtaking natural beauty, you need to escape the bustle of the city. North Queensland is where you’ll find the Daintree Rainforest.

The Daintree Rainforest is not only breathtaking and great for photo opportunities, but it is also home to one of the planet’s oldest rainforests.

During my stay in Cairns, I went to the Daintree Rainforest. Make sure to provide enough time if you intend to dive the Great Barrier Reed to also visit the Daintree!

Daintree Rainforest Creek — Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the oldest rainforests in the world, roughly 130 million years old.

The Daintree has a lush canopy and is covered in ancient ferns and green foliage. The forest is also the largest tropical rainforest in Australia at 1,200 square kilometres.

How to get there

Driving your own vehicle or renting a car is the best way to reach the Daintree Rainforest. Having a rental car can make you life a lot easier if you plan to explore North Queensland, since there are few options for public transport.

The city of Cairns, which is a wonderful stop in of itself, is the closest airport to the Daintree Rainforest. The forest is roughly a 2 hour journey from Cairns airport.

To reach the Daintree, you will need to take the Captain Cook Highway, heading north of Cairns. This highway has the most breathtaking views, the drive will be an adventure in itself.

Although travelling there by rental car is the simplest method, you can also travel to the forest via bus. Coral Reef Coaches travels from Cairns to Cape Tribulation twice daily, and upon request, they will make a stop at the Daintree Rainforest.

To reach the rainforest you need cross the Daintree River, as you ride the ferry across you are about to enter the oldest rainforest in the world. There is minimal to no phone reception so you will be able to immerse yourself and connect with nature.

Where to stay

If you love the forest and want to stay a little longer, you can choose to stay close by.

Silky Oaks Lodge

In 88 acres of it’s own rainforest on the outskirts of the Daintree, Silky Oaks Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge located along the Mossman River. Accomodation consists of a number of rooms and collection of treehouses with a larger house, and the design is lavish and elegant. A fantastic restaurant and luxurious spa are also located at the lodge.

Daintree Eco Lodge

The Daintree Eco Lodge, which is tucked amongst the canopy of the rainforest, offers family-friendly Daintree lodging. The exclusive eco-friendly bayans (treehouses) are the ideal home base for family outings to surrounding attractions including Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River as well as the eco lodges indoor pool and private waterfall.

Daintree Wilderness Lodge

Daintree Wilderness Lodge experience will stay in your memory, with only 7 raised cottages that were build to blend in with the enormous Fan Palm gully of the rainforest. The lodge is situated in a prime spot of Kuku Yalangi land, situated between the Great Barrier Reef Marine ark and the Daintree National Park, both of which are included as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Get ready to uncover hidden boardwalks, trails, swimming holes, unique fauna, birds, or snorkel off Cape Tribulation. This is the place where you can really immerse yourself in the rainforest.

Things to do at the Daintree Rainforest

Alexandra Lookout

After taking the auto ferry across the Daintree River, our first visit in the Daintree Rainforest was Alexandra Lookout, which was only a short drive away.

You can see far into the rainforest, the Alexandra Range, and Snapper Island from this lookout. It offers a fantastic view of the point where the rainforest and the reef, two locations on the World Heritage List, converge.

Hikes

Hiking the Rainforest — Daintree Rainforest

1. Jindalba Circuit Track

Distance: 650m (or 3km loop)
Time needed: 30 minutes (or 1.5 hours)
Things to know: Jindalba Boardwalk is not wheelchair accessible

Jindalba was named by the traditional owners of the land, the Kuku Yalanji people, and means ‘foot of the mountain’. It’s located at the bottom of Mount Alexandra, close to the Daintree Discovery Centre.

2. Dubuji Boardwalk

Distance: 1.2km
Time needed: 45 minutes
Things to know: Myall Beach is part of the trail but you can’t swim due to crocs.

The Dubuji Boardwalk, meaning ‘place of spirits’ in Kuku Yalanji, was the first Daintree Rainforest walk I did, and it didn’t disappoint.

3. Emmagen Creek

Distance: 800m
Time needed: 15 minutes for the walk and 30 minutes to hang out at the swimming hole.
Things to know: It’s safe to swim here.

River Cruise

The Daintree River is a wildlife haven. Discover amazing species, such as goannas, crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, butterflies, lizards, and insects. One of the most crowded mangrove estuaries in the world are located here.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Everything you need to know about visiting the Daintree, including its history, things to do nearby, and where to stay, is available at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

There’s more, though! With its many walking routes, the Discovery Centre is a delight for children.

Explore the Cassowary Circuit, Aerial Walkway, 23-meter Canopy Tower, Jurassic Forest, Bush Tucker Trail, and even the Discovery Theatre, among other sections.

The dinosaur trek in particular will be a hit with the kids!

Drive

The Daintree Drive offers breathtaking scenery that ranges from remote tropical beaches with palm trees, quiet coves, and craggy headlands to luscious sugar-cane fields and mountains covered in rainforest. Even if you don’t enjoy hiking or don’t have time, there is still something for everyone.

Mossman Gorge

Located just outside the town of Mossman, the Gorge is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of the Daintree Rainforest, and is a must-see for travelers. This area of untouched forests and crystal clear creeks is teeming with amazing wildlife and stunning nature.

HOTHANDS Hand Warmers Pair Value Pack Air Activated Warmers Up to 10 Hours of Heat, 5 Count

(475656)

$8.49 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

Blukar LED Rechargeable Torch, Super Bright Flashlight Adjustable Focus | 4 Lighting Modes, Long Battery Life, Waterproof Pocket Size Handheld Torches for Power Cuts, Emergency, Camping, Outdoor

(46537134)

$18.39 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

LE LED Torch, Super Bright Battery Powered Flashlight with Adjustable Focus, Waterproof, Handheld Tactical Mini Torches, Lightweight Flashlight for Emergency,Running, 3 AAA Batteries Included

(45549636)

$15.99 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

WUBEN G5 LED Torch Rechargeable, EDC Flashlight Dual Light Source Torches | Bright Small Torch, Handheld Torches with RGB Light, Mini Magnetic Base Pocket Size Flashlight Keychain for Camping, Outdoors

(465285)

$29.63 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

Boyzn 1, 3, 5 or 7 Pack Men's Workout Running Shirts, Dry Fit Moisture Wicking T-Shirts, Gym Athletic Short Sleeve Tee Shirt

(44515218)

$29.59 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you click on the link. I do not recommend anything that I don’t personally use, and the income goes towards keeping this site updated and free. Please refer to my Disclaimer and Terms of Service for more information.

Auto Amazon Links: No products found.

Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

(4654981)

$129.99 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )

adidas Performance Lightweight Baseball Cap

(4651426)

$14.99 (as of October 1, 2026 14:01 GMT +09:30 - )