Daintree Rainforest, Tours & Attractions, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Natures work in the world. This ecologically unique rainforest is home to the most extensive range of rare plants and animals on earth, and all are found within an area of approximately 1200 square kilometers – the largest chunk of protected tropical rainforest in Australia and the oldest living rainforest in the world!
The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Rainforest are World Heritage Listed areas and contain the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with near extinction, anywhere in the world. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists.
There are so many things to do and things to see in the Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforests, you have the choice of a four wheel drive Day Tour or Overnight Accommodation and spend a few nights in a luxury eco resort or wilderness lodges or simply glamping or backpacking with a few mates.
Just whatever you do do not miss a chance to see the oldest and most precious of rainforests left in the world. Sir David Attenborough says it is a world wide treasure that needs to be protected at all costs.
Visiting the Daintree Rainforests and it's attractions in Cape Tribulation exposes tourists to a wonderfully unique outdoor experience.
- Untouched tropical rainforest jungles
- Golden beaches with calm water
- Hiking and walking trails
- Thousands of species of birds and other wildlife
- Remote wilderness
- Ecological information about the most diverse ecosystem in the world
The beaches of the Daintree Rainforest and the Cape Tribulation region are rated among the most spectacular in the world. The tropical warmth combined with dazzling sunshine and crystal clear calm water makes you wonder if this is what heaven could be like. One of the most wonderful features of the Daintree beaches is the lack of people. Stretching for miles, you can cast your eyes along the golden sand and not see a single soul, just the trees waving at you in the breeze.
The tropical rainforest is home to the most diverse range of plants and animals on earth. The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation region supports species of plants and animals that have existed for millions of years and are integral to the ecosystem not just of the Daintree Rainforest, but of other areas around the world too. As difficult as it may be to imagine, what happens in the Daintree Rainforest affects what happens on the other side of the planet.
Daintree Rainforest Information & Attractions
Be enchanted by the beauty, life and tranquility of Earth's oldest surviving tropical rainforests and enjoy a truly sustainable eco holiday experience in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef. Over 97 per cent of land in Cairns and Great Barrier Reef is protected including areas in the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation beaches to the north, the Atherton Tablelands the Lamb Range, McAllister Ranges and Mission Beach to the south.
Thanks to boardwalk access, you can guide yourself or join a four wheel drive Daintree Rainforest tour through these, living museums with thousands of flora, fauna and species of marsupials, reptiles, birds and butterflies that have survived natural disasters and climate change for over 135 million years Swim, paddle and explore crystal-clear rivers, volcanic lakes, and spectacular waterfalls surrounded by rainforests on the Atherton Tablelands, a short drive west of Cairns.
Various rainforest tour providers generate their own electricity, water, organic food and produce, and use sustainable practices to ensure your Cairns rainforest experience generates lots of memories but leaves only footprints. The Daintree Rainforest gained a World Heritage Listing on the 9th of December 1988. This was a declaration of Australia's commitment to the preservation of the rainforests around Cairns and recognition of its important environmental values that it provides not only to Far North Queensland but the rest of the world. The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation area is adjacent to another World Heritage site of equal importance, Australia's Great Barrier Reef. There are few places in the world as significant and with such biodiversity as the Cape Tribulation Daintree Rainforest and they need to be protected for generations to come.
The Daintree Rainforests are home to one of the highest populations of primitive flowering plants in the world. Of 19 primitive plant families on earth, 12 are found in the Daintree Cape Tribulation Rainforests. A similar number of primitive flowering families are also found in all the rainforests of South America.
These ancient plant families may well hold the secret to a number of unanswered questions regarding the origins of the flowering plants - plants on which the human race depends for food and medicines.
One of the most well known animals living in the Cape Tribulation Daintree Rainforest area is the Estuarine or salt water Crocodile. This creature has been the bane of many explorers and settlers in the region during the past 100 years, and it continues to be a threat to visitors to the Daintree who are unaware of the dangers associated with swimming among them in pretty rivers and billabongs.
The dinosaur like salt water crocodile is from the reptile family, and has a cold-blood system which means it needs to regulate its own body temperature closely. For this reason, it is common to see a saltwater crocodile lying still on the river banks with its mouth gaping – a cooling process to maintain body temperature between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius
The rainforests that surround Cairns, the Lamb Range, McAllister Range and the Daintree Rainforest in Australia provides one of the best examples of tropical environments in the world. It is part of a region in Tropical North Queensland called the "Wet Tropics." It receives vast amounts of rain when there is a tropical low around the months of February March; however this usually occurs in torrential downpours that last only a few hours at a time. When it's not raining, usually the sun is out in full force highlighting the vibrant colours of the rainforest and the sea.
Temps in the rainforest are surprisingly mild due to the protective canopy layer of tall trees. The air is often humid but cool. The highest recorded temperature is 36.7 degrees Celsius and the lowest recorded temperature is 8.9 degrees Celsius.
Other Interesting Daintree Rainforest Day Tours & Attractions
If you would like to take a day tour to see the Daintree Rainforest and the Cape Tribulation attractions and the surrounding Cairns Rainforests, rivers and waterfalls, have a look at these highly recommended day tour companies:
- Billy Tea Safari's
- Tropical Horizons Tours
- A Barrier Reef and Daintree 2 Day Combo Deal
- Budget Deal Starter Pak - Daintree Tour
- Deluxe Deal Pak - Daintree Tour
- Half Day Daintree Tour
These Cairns day tours will pick you up from your Cairns or Port Douglas Hotel accommodation and provide you with a wealth of knowledge about the importance of preserving the rainforests and the history of the past inhabitants and the current wildlife that call the Cairns rainforests home. Some of the amazing birds in these rainforests migrate to Cairns annually from other countries and are a draw card for bird watching enthusiasts or ornithologists to study and photograph their habits.
Going on tour with a Cairns rainforest day tour operator saves you the headache of following maps and getting lost and you also get to see the best of the region as these rainforest guides know the area intimately. They provide you with enough bathroom breaks along the way and also provide morning and afternoon tea and lunch in idyllic rainforest settings. These Cairns day tour operators also have a wealth of knowledge and know where to spot the wildlife and they know where all the boardwalks and safe swimming holes are.
Have a look here for some more interesting facts on the Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforests. How about spending some extended time exploring the Daintree Cape Tribulation rainforests and the Cairns Atherton Tablelands Rainforests? Have a look here are the wide choice of Holiday Accommodation in the Daintree and have a look here for accommodation on the Atherton Tablelands
Daintree Cape Tribulation Rainforest Weddings
Cairns Resorts Weddings - Holiday resort weddings are romantic and uncomplicated and your wedding guests just love to use the excuse to travel to the north Queensland tropics to attend your wedding ceremony and make a holiday out of it especially if its winter in the southern states of Australia.
Hand picked resorts in Cairns and the Daintree Cape Tribulation rainforest offer wedding packages to suit all couples' budgets, hopes, dreams and memories. Having your wedding in Cairns and Cape Tribulation can have huge financial savings when compared to customary weddings in your home town. Your Cairns wedding would be a unique and inspirational ceremony and dream honeymoon, for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home town wedding.
General Daintree Information
Daintree Village Tourism - The Daintree Village Tourism Association is a voluntary body comprising tourism operators and service providers within the travel industry operating between the Daintree River and the Mossman River north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland
Daintree Rainforest Tours | Cape Tribulation | 4WD Bloomfield Track | BT
- Departs From: Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Cairns Beaches, Trinity Beach, Thala Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton B
- Duration:
10.5 hours (approx)
Our most popular small group Daintree Rainforest tour. Personal environmental tour guide, all inclusive price. Courtesy Hotel pickup & return, Cape Tribulation National Park Fees, 1 hour cruise down the Daintree River to spot crocodiles, Morning Tea, Guided National Park tour, walk on elevated boardwalks thru the rainforest. Small personalised tour, explore the 4WD Bloomfield Track, Hand Feed Kangaroos, A enjoy a freshwater swim in mountain water at Emmagen Creek Tropical BBQ Lunch(specify dietary requirements) Walk on Cape Tribulation Beach Cable Ferry Crossing and more
Cape Tribulation | Daintree Rainforest | Daintree River Cruise | Mossman Gorge Walk | THT3
- Departs From:
- Duration:
11 hours (approx)
Small group day tour visit Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Park, enjoy a river cruise spotting crocodiles, visit the Daintree Discovery Centre Aerial Walkway Canopy Tower, and see the majestic Cape Tribulation beaches and lookouts, all meals included.
Daintree Aboriginal Cultural Tour | Mossman Gorge | ANDD/ANDDN
- Departs From: Cairns, Northern Beaches & Port Douglas
- Duration:
Cairns: 10.5 hours approx
Northern Beaches: 9.5 hours approx
Port Douglas: 8 hours approx
Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques before a 2-hour coastal mangrove walk to identify and catch sea and land ‘bush tucker’ (bush foods) on this full-day Aboriginal cultural experience. Be welcomed to country with a traditional ‘smoking ceremony’ and then have the chance to catch your own foods using a traditional spear, such as crabs, fish and mussels, before cooking them up on the balcony of your guides own home. In the afternoon take in the immersive beauty of Mossman Gorge with your guide and learn how local Aboriginal people have used the bountiful Daintree rainforest to survive for over 50,000 years.
Cooktown Tour | 1 Day Fly/Drive Tour | Cooktown | SCO
- Departs From: Cairns
- Duration:
12 to 14 hours (approx)
This amazing full-day 4-wheel-driving tour will see you tackle the Bloomfield track, crossing creeks and traversing mountains to make your way north from Cairns towards the historic town of Cooktown. Take in the immersive beauty of the ancient Daintree rainforest, where you may spot the famous giant bird the Cassowary or the much-loved Ulysses Butterfly. See the mysterious Black Mountain, a place of local legend and superstition; explore Cooktown and visit the James Cook museum; take in the view from the Grassy Hill lookout and enjoy lunch at an iconic Aussie pub, plus much more, on this full day out in Far North Queensland.
Cape Tribulation | Daintree | Mossman Gorge Tour | ATE
- Departs From:
- Duration:
11 hours (approx)
See the best of the Daintree rainforest on this Cape Tribulation day tour. Start your day with the beautiful drive north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway, tracing the coastline from Cairns to Port Douglas you have amazing views of the sparkling Coral Sea. Your first stop is Mossman Gorge where you are welcomed with a traditional ceremony performed by the local Aboriginal people. Choose to have a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water or just soak up the wonder of the oldest rainforest on earth. Enjoy lunch on the beach at Cape Tribulation Beach House. A wildlife river cruise and rainforest boardwalk also make up this great day out in the rainforest.
Full Day Tour | Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise, Cape Tribulation & Cassowary Falls | DDT
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
Full Day
Experience the wonder and delight of the oldest continually surviving rainforest ecosystem on earth – the Daintree Rainforest – on this one day rainforest tour. Departing Port Douglas, with a maximum of 8 guests, you will visit the beautiful Mossman Gorge, the Daintree rainforest and Cassowary Waterfalls. Learn about Aboriginal culture and view traditional artworks by local indigenous artists at the Mossman Gorge Centre; have a swim in the crystal-clear waters of a picturesque rainforest creek; and enjoy a Daintree River cruise where you can spot crocodiles, snakes, birds and other wildlife. Morning tea and a delicious lunch are also included.
Daintree Rainforest Tours | Cape Tribulation | Native Wildlife | TW | TCT
- Departs From:
- Duration:
12 Hours
Join the oldest coach operator in Far North Queensland on this full day tour to experience Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River and Rainforest. Travel in air-conditioned comfort from your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas to your first stop at the Wildlife Habitat to get up close with Australia’s amazing variety of native animals. Travel onwards to Cape Tribulation, stopping to take in the amazing views from Alexandra lookout. You will then cross the Daintree River via a cable-ferry to start your Daintree river wildlife-spotting cruise. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and the different water-birds that live on the river. Morning tea and lunch are included.
Daintree Rainforest Tour, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge | DUT CTR
- Departs From:
- Duration:
Approx. pick up time: Cairns - 7:00am and Port Douglas - 8:15am.
Approx. return time: Cairns - 7:00pm and Port Douglas - 6:00pm
Start your day with a stop-off in the quiet resort town of Port Douglas on your way to the Daintree. Once at the oldest living rainforest in the world, you will jump on board a boat for a cruise up the Daintree River, where you can spot crocodiles, a wide range of water birds, snakes and more. Enjoy a tropical lunch and perhaps indulge in a glass of locally produced wine. After lunch the next stop is Cape Tribulation – a beautiful and unique beach where the rainforest grows all the way to the sea. The final stop is Mossman Gorge Centre, where you can enjoy a Aboriginal cultural tour and absorb the beauty of the Mossman River.
Cape Tribulation | Daintree Rainforest | Daintree River Cruise | Mossman Gorge Walk | THT3
- Departs From:
- Duration:
11 hours (approx)
Start your day fresh with locally grown produce before kicking back to relax on a cruise up the Daintree River. Your knowledgeable local guide will help you spot all the amazing animals along the river, including the apex predator the mighty Saltwater Crocodile. You will then explore the unique wilderness in Cape Tribulation National Park, where your guide will point out all the interesting things and tell you about the history of the rainforest. After lunch it is time to check out Mossman Gorge and the Mossman River, with its crystal-clear waters lined by lush rainforest. Go on a rainforest walk and learn about the medicinal and food qualities of the local plants, which were used by Aboriginal people to thrive in this area for over 30,000 years.
Half Day Daintree River & Mossman Gorge (PM Tour) From Port Douglas | DDT
- Departs From: Port Douglas
- Duration:
4.5 hours (approx)
Enjoy a sleep in before setting off for a half day tour to explore the Daintree rainforest. See crocodiles, snakes, birds, butterflies, frogs and more native animals on a river cruise. After the cruise, you’ll be taken to beautiful Mossman Gorge, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water of Mossman River. Learn about the history of the area, including the history of the rainforest and the special relationship the local Aboriginal people have with this unique landscape. Check out the visitor centre before hopping back in your tour vehicle for the return journey to Port Douglas.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa Resort
1 Bedrooms 
1 Bathrooms 
Carparks 
Restaurant 
Pool 
Wireless Internet 
Cable Tv/Austar 
Bar 
Day Spa 
Heated Pool 
Daily Servicing 
Free WiFi 
Free Car Parking 
Free Breakfast 
Experience the beauty of the Daintree National Park staying at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa in one of the 15 rainforest villas, each with screened balconies to be fully emersed in the surrounding rainforest.
- FREE Breakfast Daily
- FREE Night Offer
Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree Rainforest
Fitness Centre 
Internet Access 
Disabled Access 
Guest Laundry 
Tennis Court 
Located in the Daintree Rainforest on Mossman River, a short drive from Port Douglas, Silky Oaks Lodge & Healig Waters Spa offers luxurious Treehouse style accommodation.
- FREE Breakfast Daily
- FREE Onsite Activities - Canoe Hire, Tennis, Mountain Bikes plus more..
Daintree Crocodylus Village
Resort Shop 
Bicycle Hire 
Family Friendly 
Experience the eco friendly accommodation at Daintree Crocodylus Village - with a choice of safari style tent bungalows (as some people refer to glamping) with either private Rainforest Bungalows or share options available.
Heritage Lodge & Spa Daintree
BBQ Facilities 
Situated along Cooper Creek, Heritage Lodge & Spa is a boutique lodge with 20 Rainforest cabins suitable for couples and families - enjoy wildlife spotting, rainforest walking trails, and a refreshing dip in the pool after a day exploring.
- FREE Continental Breakfast
- 3 Day/2 Night Guided Tour Option - departing Cairns
Ferntree Rainforest Resort
Ferntree Rainforest Resort is a great retreat for couples and families located in the heart of Cape Tribulation. Enjoy a choice of accommodation options incuding Private Cabins, Poolside Rooms and share accommodation for budget travellers.
- FREE Tropical Breakfast Daily
- Over Night Tour Packages available from Cairns
Daintree Retreat Holiday Home - WAW
Weekly Servicing 
Imagine your own private Holiday House set amongst the world heritage rainforest at Cow Bay. This 3 Bedroom Timber Holiday Home features Large outdoor deck, private tropical swimming pool, Pool Table and only 600m from Cow Bay.
- Stay 3 or 7+ Nights and SAVE
Red Mill House Bed & Breakfast Daintree
Enjoy a relaxed escape at Red Mill House B&B located in Daintree Village - great for bird watching, and wildlife watching in the World Heritage Daintree National Park. Choose one of four Rooms each with private ensuite and Breakfast Daily.
Cockatoo Hill Retreat Daintree
Cockatoo Hill Retreat offers private Rainforest Treehouse style accommodation with Complimentary breakfast Daily. Enjoy stunning views and tranquility amongst the world heritage rainforest of Daintree National Park.
