See all Daintree Rainforest Tours from Port Douglas here 

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest on the planet and a remarkable ecological wonder, it is almost 12,000 square kilometers and stretches from north of Mossman to Cape Tribulation.

Deemed a World Heritage Site in 1988, the rainforest is your gateway to Cape Tribulation and a must see part of your itinerary while you're in Far North Queensland.

 

What can I do in the Daintree Rainforest?

Famed for breathtaking views and scenery, we suggest you get out and about in the rainforest. A good place to start is the Daintree Discovery Centre. Learn all about the history of this ancient site, explore viewing platforms and take rainforest walks. Or perhaps you'd like to whiz through the rainforest canopy on a zip line, search for crocodiles along the Daintree River or visit the Daintree Village and beautiful Cape Tribulation. Take a dip in one of the safe, croc free places to swim and for those who wish to stay a little longer, check in at one of the many award-winning eco lodges that are tucked within the rainforest. 

Wildlife

The Daintree Rainforest is home to many endemic species, which means these animals are found nowhere else on earth. Some endemic species of the Daintree Rainforest include Southern Cassowaries, Boyd's Rainforest Dragon, tree kangaroos and the Daintree River Ringtail Possum. You might also spot an Estuarine Crocodile, possibly our most infamous creature, plus a multitude of birds and insects.

Indigenous

The Daintree region which encompasses the Daintree Rainforest and the Daintree River is the home of the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. 
You can take part in an unforgettable Indigenous cultural site seeing tour through the rainforest with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Choose from either full or half day tours which include local Aboriginal guides teaching bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest, learn to throw a spear, and swim in pristine fresh water swimming holes.

With a maximum of only 11 people, this is an intimate cultural experience of the ancient region.

Getting to the Daintree 

The best way to explore the Daintree from Port Douglas is to hire a car and head on over across the Daintree Ferry!

The Daintree Rainforest proper is located north of the Daintree River and 68km north of Port Douglas and is accessible via the Daintree River Ferry. Tickets are purchased at the entryway to the ferry at the manned booth. While the trip only takes around 10 minutes, there can be longer lead times during peak seasons so plan your itinerary accordingly.

The Daintree Ferry operates everyday from 5am to midnight daily. Price for cars is $30 return.

There is no public transport from Port Douglas to the Daintree Rainforest, however, you can organise private transfers. Your hotel concierge can help arrange this for you. If you're doing a Daintree Rainforest Tour, they will arrange transport for you and will most likely offer pick up and drop off from your accommodation.

Safety in the Daintree

While the Daintree isn't considered a dangerous place to visit there are a couple of things to be on the look out for. Dangerous plants such as the Stinging Tree and Wait-A-While can irritate the skin and cause severe pain, so it's best not to touch or pull at rainforest foliage.

Do not feed the wildlife. Although you may want that perfect picture, remember that feeding wildlife can cause them to become aggressive and risk both your and their safety. Cassowaries in particular are reknowned for their aggression and there as been an increase in vehicular deaths of Cassowaries as visitors have been encouraging them to approach cars with food.
Keep to sign posted tracks and paths when walking through the rainforest, and always listen to your tour guide or local experts to keep you safe in this beautiful part of the world.

What to wear

  • Loose fitting clothes in light coloured fabrics are best

  • Sensible shoes for walking, thongs or sandals are usually fine but if you're a more avid walker pack some walking shoes