How to experience the Daintree Rainforest in four days
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
If you’ve already ticked off a lot of the must-do Tropical North Queensland experiences like exploring the incredible waterfalls and many beautiful coastal towns, and want to dive a little deeper, then you need to pay a visit to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Spanning over 1200 square kilometres, the Daintree's history stretches back some 130 million years, making it one of the oldest continually surviving rainforests on the planet - one of the many reasons it was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988.
Home to ancient plant species, a plethora of wildlife, all kinds of stunning waterways, and recently returned to its Traditional Owners, the Daintree is a natural gem worth putting on your bucket list.
A road trip is the perfect way to experience Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation in four days — here’s our guide to hitting the road in style.
Where to stay while exploring the Daintree and Cape Tribulation
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Daintree Rainforest
Don't expect to rough it in the Daintree. This natural paradise might feel remote - in the most peaceful way - but it's home to oodles of accommodation that ranges from eco-centric to five star. A blend of both is perhaps the most luxurious place to stay, Silky Oaks Lodge.
An eco-lodge set on the Mossman River, treehouse-style accommodation meets immersive experiences that will make you want to build extra time into your itinerary to enjoy it all. From luxury spa treatments to exquisite dining, outdoor baths and a range of activities that get you among nature, Silky Oaks Lodge feels like heaven on earth.
For a budget-friendly option, there's Daintree Siesta, set on 20 acres of rainforest with motel-style rooms, as well as a spacious, rustic campground. Guests have exclusive access to rainforest walking tracks onsite, and when you're peckish, there's an open-air tropical dining area.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a 35-minute drive north of the Daintree River and is the one place on the planet where two world heritage-listed areas collide.
If you want to base yourself here, Cape Trib Farm's orchard cottages provide privacy and comfort with expansive mountain views in unbeatable locations. Or set on eight acres of pristine rainforest is the luxurious mist at Cape Tribulation which boasts an exotic fruit orchard and magnificent views across the rainforest. For beachfront rainforest accommodation in the Daintree, head to Cape Trib Beach House.
Day 1
AM: Start your day among the treetops
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
The Daintree is a few hours' drive north from Cairns, along the Captain Cook Highway. But let's take the scenic route.
Get yourself into adventure mode - and back into the air - with a visit to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Here, you’ll experience a birds-eye view of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and mighty Barron Gorge. Glide above the jungle canopy between Cairns and Kuranda, and descend to explore the rainforest up close along the boardwalks of Red Peak and Barron Falls.
If you prefer, you can return on the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway for a new perspective. Constructed between 1882 and 1891, this railway is an engineering triumph. Hundreds of men hand-made all 15 tunnels to create this unique journey for travellers. The route - boasting views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and waterfalls - takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
PM: Explore Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge Centre, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Back on the Captain Cook Highway, it's time to make your way to Mossman Gorge. While known for its spectacular rainforest walks and the opportunity for a freshwater swim, Mossman Gorge is best explored with a Kuku Yalanji guide on a Dreamtime Walk. This is sacred ground, and insights shared by the Indigenous community members offer a better understanding of how culture and nature thrive together here among the trees.
If you don't have time for a tour, simply head out on the self-guided boardwalk trails.
Silky Oaks Lodge is just moments from Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where opportunities to explore, unwind and dine await.
Day 2
AM: Cruise the Daintree River to spot crocs
Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise, Daintree River, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
It's time to head deeper into the Daintree, but before you take the ferry across the Daintree River, take a moment to explore it on a wildlife cruise.
Solar Whisper is an excellent choice—it’s a family operated business practicing true ecotourism with the option of one-hour and two-hour cruises throughout the day. Solar Whisper is a zero-emission solar electric boat that travels the beautiful length of water—meaning you can spot the crocodiles and other wildlife without noise or fumes disturbing them and their habitat. For an added bonus, indulge in the complimentary local Daintree tea, coffee and biscuits.
PM: Explore the Daintree Discovery Centre
Daintree Discovery Centre, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Take the car-ferry across the river and into the Upper Daintree. Nestled here in the heart of the rainforest is the multi-award winning Daintree Discovery Centre. This is a must-do while spending four days in the Daintree, as you can experience the glorious greenery from every angle—from the forest floor to the tops of the canopy. From the 23-metre-high Canopy Tower you’ll see beautiful orchids and, if you’re lucky, a python curled up in a giant fern basket. With an aerial walkway, interactive display centre, and audio tours, there’s something to suit every style of explorer.
The Daintree Discovery Centre is a leader in ecotourism. Their Micrometeorological Weather Station, located on the top level of the Canopy Tower, is making a vital contribution to climate-change research.
Peckish? Just a 5-minute walk away is Daintree Ice Cream offering a taste of the rainforest. Stop in for a scoop of seasonal flavours including dragonfruit, lychee, macadamia and mango to name a few.
Day 3
AM: Hunt for bush tucker with an Indigenous guide
Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Daintree and Cape Tribulation, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
There are so many awe-inspiring sides to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, where exploring is to read a living, breathing natural history book.
This morning, immerse yourself deeper in the culture of the Kuku Yalanji people with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Choose between a half-day or full-day tour based around the Daintree's rainforest and coastal habitats. This is your opportunity to listen, learn, and get hands-on to discover more about the Kuku Yalanji people—their environment, the food and medicine they derive from nature, and the traditional Aboriginal hunting practices they use. Have a go at boomerang and spear throwing, and try catching a mud crab.
PM: Go river drifting
Back Country Bliss, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Change pace this afternoon for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, as you river-drift at a leisurely pace to spot unique Daintree wildlife, including the elusive platypus.
Floating effortlessly with Back Country Bliss, bask in the cool, clear water, keeping an eye out for rainforest inhabitants as butterflies and birds pass above. Adventure has never felt so refreshing. This unforgettable journey combines the thrill of river drifting with trekking with knowledgeable guides to uncover the fascinating history and significance of the Mossman River, learning about its vital role in the ecosystem.
Day 4
AM: Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
Ocean Safari, Mackay Reef, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Start the last morning of your four day adventure in the Daintree Rainforest by swapping lush greens for the big blue. It's time to snorkel the world’s largest coral reef system—the Great Barrier Reef.
Ocean Safari will take you on an off-the-beaten-path adventure from the coast of Cape Tribulation. Check in at 8am and enjoy the 25-minute ride across sparkling waters, before diving into two locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs. Explore the abundance of iconic Queensland marine life, including tropical fish, giant clams, colourful coral and starfish.
The passionate skipper and eco host provides a fun-filled trip for travellers, while also shedding light on the value and importance of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest —two world heritage areas that sit side by side.
The half-day snorkel tour will have you back on the mainland by lunchtime, so you can refuel at Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar, located at the Ocean Safari office, for a delicious meal.
If you want to end things on a sweet note, jump back in the car for nearby Cape Trib Farm, where you can tour the orchard and taste your way through exotic tropical fruits: a one-of-a-kind agricultural experience that's sure to introduce you to flavours you never knew existed, yet thrive here in the Daintree.
PM: Squeeze in a final adventure
Emmagen Creek, Cape Tribulation, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
The holiday isn't over just yet — your final day calls for one final adventure.
Zoom your way through the canopy at TreeTop Adventures Cape Trib on three different ziplines to get to an 8m high viewing with 360-degree views over the rainforest.
Or five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation, Emmagen Creek is a serene spot within Daintree National Park - and the ultimate rainforest swimming experience, complete with a rope swing for those who like to play rather than pause. Be sure to obey all safety signage in the area, and be sure to take a moment to yourself: this is a place that will beckon you to take endless photos, but the memories are even better.
Want to see it all but short on time? Billy Tea Safaris offers a one day trip into the world-hertage listed wonderlands around Cairns. Cruise on a river full of crocs, stop under the canopy of a rainforest that has survived 140 million years and taste icecream made from exotic fruits.
Where to next? Why not keep heading north toward Cooktown for more adventure.
