Welcome to Daintree National Park, a breathtaking paradise where the lush rainforest meets the vibrant coral reefs. 

Nestled in the heart of Queensland, this enchanting destination showcases the beauty of Australia’s nature. Here you can explore ancient rainforests, head on serene river cruises, and get up-close-and-personal with prehistoric wildlife. Not to mention the beautiful Cape Tribulation beach is right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re a thrillseeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply in search of an adventure, there are plenty of wonderful things to pack out an epic Daintree National Park itinerary.

How to Get to Daintree National Park

When planning your trip, you have two main options: driving yourself or joining a tour. Renting a car offers the freedom to choose your route and schedule, allowing you to linger at scenic spots along the way. From Cairns, it takes around an hour to reach Daintree – but note that you will need to take the Daintree Ferry, which costs $45 return per vehicle.

Alternatively, joining a tour is a convenient option. Tours typically include all transport from Cairns or Port Douglas, making it a hassle-free way to explore the park. We took this Billy Tea two-day tour, which included a day in the Great Barrier Reef, but you can also opt for a Daintree-only version.

The Best Things to do in Daintree National Park

Wander Along Cape Tribulation Beach

One of the highlights of our trip was strolling along Cape Tribulation Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef. Alright, the weather might have been a little bit miserable when we visited, but it was still an impressive beach nonetheless.

Our guide urged us not to go in the water as there are lethal jellyfish and crocodiles nearby. You’ll also see plenty of signs on your way to the beach that advise against this. Instead, enjoy the beach and take a nice stroll along the sand.

Embark on a Daintree River Cruise

Set sail on a Daintree River cruise for a truly unique Aussie experience. Picture yourself spotting saltwater crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, vibrant kingfishers zipping through the air, and a host of other unique wildlife that call this lush paradise home.

The majority of Daintree tours will include a river cruise, though you can book an individual tour if you prefer. You’ll be led by local experts who share their passion and knowledge of the fascinating creatures that thrive here.

Take a Peek at Alexandra Lookout

There are plenty of viewpoints inside Daintree National Park, but Alexandra Lookout might just be our favourite. This scenic spot offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views that encompass the lush expanse of the Daintree Rainforest, the winding Daintree River, and the sparkling Coral Sea.

This spot is accessible via the Cape Tribulation Road and is the perfect place to snap some stunning photographs. The lookout’s elevated position allows for sweeping vistas that highlight the natural beauty of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Explore the Rainforest By Guided Boardwalk

Visiting the dense rainforest section of Daintree was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide took us to the Marrdja Boardwalk where we spotted plenty of intriguing (read: scary) insect species up close.

Our guide was incredibly informative. We learned about the intricate relationships between plants and animals, as well as how the indigenous communities have helped to preserve the natural landscape of Australia over time.

Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive cassowary, one of Australia’s most iconic and endangered birds, known to roam the dense undergrowth of the Daintree rainforest. Our guide said it was pretty rare to see one, so we were in awe when we finally spotted a dinosaur-like bird hiding in the distance. 

The Daintree Discovery Centre is also nearby, which offers plenty of interactive exhibits. Ascend the Canopy Tower for panoramic views of the lush canopy and traverse the Aerial Walkway for a unique perspective, or head on a guided tour of the rainforest to learn more about conservation.

Go River Drift Snorkelling

We’ve raved about River Drift Snorkelling in our Cairns guide, but this truly is one of the most fun things to do in Daintree National Park. Blend swimming, snorkelling, floating, and an unforgettable rainforest walk in one fun day.

Navigate down a meandering rainforest river aboard your trusty river sled, a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. This unique journey also serves as an ideal introduction to snorkelling, so keep an eye out for playful fish and turtles darting among the river stones.

Take a Stroll Around Mossman Gorge

Visiting the Mossman Gorge is a must when you’re visiting Daintree. The gorge is known for its lush rainforest, crystal-clear waters, and ancient Indigenous heritage. Upon arrival, visitors are required to park at the Mossman Gorge Centre and then board a shuttle bus to the gorge, which helps minimise environmental impact and preserve the pristine landscape.

Once at Mossman Gorge, there’s plenty to see and do. Embark on one of the self-guided walking trails, such as the popular Rainforest Circuit, which winds through dense vegetation and leads to tranquil waterholes. Or, opt for a guided Indigenous Dreamtime Walk to learn about the traditional culture and significance of the area from knowledgeable local guides.

Try the Local Exotic Fruit Ice Cream

If you’re taking a tour, it’s very likely that you’ll stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company for a complimentary tub (and a handy bathroom break.) If you’re self-driving, we recommend you take a quick detour – because who doesn’t love ice cream?

The more unusual flavours are seasonal but there are also some very classic options. We tried coconut, yellow sapote, strawberry, and wattleseed and, while we can’t say we loved every flavour (the yellow sapote was a weird one,) it was fun to try the unique offerings.

Make a Pit Stop at Rex Lookout

While it’s not a dealbreaker if you don’t swing by Rex Lookout, we briefly stopped here as part of our day trip and it was beautiful. It’s a stellar point not far from Mossman Gorge with sweeping views of the beaches below. There’s a car park where you can pull over for a quick snack break, or just to snap some photos.

Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tours

Like we mentioned earlier, we booked a two-day Billy Tea tour and loved it. Our guide was funny and informative, and we got to visit the vast majority of places mentioned in this guide. Plus, day two was spent snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. 

Alternatively, if you only want to spend one day in Daintree, we recommend booking this tour which takes you to Daintree, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge. If you’re really short on time, this half day tour covers Daintree and Mossman Gorge (starting from Port Douglas.)

Best Places to Stay Before Heading to Daintree

There are plenty of places nearby that make the perfect base before visiting Daintree. We opted to spend a week in Cairns (and loved it) but many tours will also pick up guests from Port Douglas, Palm Cove, and the Daintree Village itself.

How Much Does a Trip to Daintree & Cape Trib Cost?

We won’t lie, these tours can be very pricey. Generally, you’ll end up paying around 200-250 AUD for a full day tour, which is expensive but will typically include everything from hotel drop off to food.

If you’re not visiting Daintree National Park on a tour, you’ll need to consider the cost of car rental and fuel, ferry fees (45 AUD return), activities, food, and accommodation if you plan on staying in Daintree overnight.

What to Know Before You Go

Planning a day trip to Daintree National Park? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your adventure. Although there’s a lot of driving, especially from Cairns, the journey is filled with stunning views and plenty of activities to enjoy once you arrive.

Pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, towel, and swimming costume if you plan to take a dip (not in the ocean!) Don’t forget insect repellent and extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs, or a treat like ice cream. During the rainy season, a raincoat or umbrella is a must.

Dress comfortably for the tropical environment – light, breathable clothing and flat shoes or sandals are ideal. If you’re visiting in the cooler months (July to August), bring a light coat or jacket. Avoid thongs (flip-flops) or high heels due to the uneven ground in the rainforest.