The Daintree Rainforest National Park is a special place in Australia. Not only is it the world’s oldest rainforest, but it also boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites side by side: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Wet Tropics Rainforest. Located in northeastern Australia, it feels like a world on its own. Get lost in the lush jungle and try to spot the rare cassowary. Or take a boat trip down the Daintree River in search of crocodiles or “salties”. Here you can read about the best things to do in the Daintree Rainforest National Park, how to get there and where to stay!
Where is Daintree Rainforest located in Australia
The Daintree Rainforest National Park is located around Cape Tribulation in northeastern Australia called “Tropical North Queensland”. Daintree Rainforest National Park is a 1.5-hour drive from Cairns and 40 minutes from Port Douglas. Many book a day trip from Cairns to explore the area, ticking off all the highlights. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can also drive there. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to take a ferry to cross the Daintree River, which costs $49 AUD round trip per car. The ferry ride lasts less than five minutes, but it’s the only way to access the park.
5 best things to do in Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest has existed for more than 180 million years, making it the oldest rainforest in the world! So this is something you absolutely should not miss while travling along Australia’s east coast. You can perfectly explore the area in one day, but for the best experience we recommend spending a night there. Waking up in the jungle with the sound of all the mysterious animals living there is really very special. The ferry ticket you purchase for the outbound trip is valid for several months, so you can easily take the ferry back on another day if you wish.
1) Hiking in Daintree Rainforest
The best way to take in this beautiful UNESCO site is to put on your hiking boots and get out into nature. You will find several short walks or “boardwalks” in the rainforest that take you through the jungle and along the pristine beaches of the national park. Along the trails, you’ll often find informational signs about what grows and lives in the rainforest. Our favorite boardwalks were Madja Boardwalk and Dubuji Boardwalk. Each boardwalk is no longer than 2 km and is very accessible to young and old.
2) Crocodile spotting on the Daintree River
Crocodiles are in Australia, and in the Daintree Rainforest you have the best chance of seeing them! Australia’s crocodiles are also called “salties” by locals because they live in saltwater. By taking a boat trip down the Daintree River, you can see them in their natural habitat and at a safe distance. We went on the Daintree Solar Cruise because this is an all-electric boat. That means it’s very quiet and doesn’t disturb the animals so you’re more likely to see them, and it’s ecological too! Besides crocodiles, you also have a chance to see a tree snake, poisonous green frogs and many tropical birds. This tour starts at the ferry and is best taken before or after you visit the Daintree Rainforest.
3) Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is the furthest point most go when visiting the Daintree Rainforest. This is because after Cape Tribulation, the road turns into a dirt road that requires a 4WD. Cape Tribulation is an unique place because here you walk out of the rainforest right onto the beach. Hike to the higher vantage point where you will have a fantastic view of the Daintree Rainforest on the one hand and the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef on the other. Swimming is definitely not recommended though because of the crocodiles and poisonous jellyfish that live in the water.
4) Spot the rare cassowary
We had never heard of a cassowary ourselves, but this flightless bird with blue-red neck is very special. The endangered cassowary is found only in this part of Australia and New Guinea. Unfortunately, there are only 1,200 of them left in Australia, so you’ll need some luck to spot one of these shy animals. They play an important role in the rainforest ecosystem and are therefore considered the guardian of the rainforest. Should you be lucky enough to encounter one, do keep enough distance. A cassowary can be dangerous if it feels threatened, just like any animal.
5) Taste the best ice cream in Australia
We never expected to find this here, but believe us, it’s a hidden gem! In the Daintree Rainforest, you’ll discover the Daintree Ice Company. Set in a beautiful garden filled with tropical plants, this place offers delicious and unique ice cream. The flavors are inspired by the exotic fruits and plants grown in the garden. Be sure to try the Signature Cup, which features four different flavors for a delightful surprise. Afterward, take a stroll through the garden and grab a map to learn about the plants and crops you’ve just tasted along the way.
Daintree Ice Company opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where to stay in Daintree Rainforest
In Daintree Rainforest you’ll find plenty of nice and ecological accommodations. For an unique experience, sleep high in the trees at the Daintree Eco Lodge. Or retreat to one of the Noah Creek Eco Huts in the middle of the rainforest.
If you travel around with a camper like we did, you also have some campsites where you can stay. Near Cape Tribulation you will find Cape Tribulation Campground with all the necessary facilities. We slept at the Noah Beach Campground. For only $7 AUD per person, you will stay here in the middle of nature and right on the beach. No phone reception, back to basics but completely one with nature! And who knows, you might see a cassowary passing by your camper or tent.
Best time to visit Daintree Rainforest
You are in the tropical part of Australia and in a rainforest. So expect the occasional rain shower! Generally, May through September is considered the best time to visit this part of Australia. From October, the rainy season starts and it is also considerably warmer and more humid. This is also the period when cyclones can occur in Queensland.
What would you like to do in the Daintree Rainforest in Australia? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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