Your essential Daintree Rainforest accommodation guide

Guide

Jess	 Pridmore

By Jess Pridmore

One of the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforests on earth thought to be over 130 million years old; words don’t do justice describing the awe and wonder when visiting the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. From the beauty of the land to the ancient Indigenous culture; you have to see it - and feel it - to believe it.

To truly experience the magic of the Daintree, choosing the best Daintree Rainforest accommodation for your trip is key. Whether you want to wake up with nature on your doorstep, camp on the forest floor, rent a beachside bungalow or go all-out in eco-luxury while immersing yourself in the region, you won’t be short of options.

This is your guide to choosing the best Daintree Rainforest accommodation.

Luxury Daintree Rainforest accommodation

Silky Oaks Lodge

Couple swimming in the pool at Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest

Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Regarded by many as the Daintree’s ultimate luxury stay, Silky Oaks Lodge boasts the holy grail of Daintree Rainforest accommodation; perfectly positioned for visitors to experience Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Each of the 40 luxurious treehouse retreats has stunning views out over the World-Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, with plenty of luxe furnishings—including your own hammock or outdoor tub —to take it all in. The property’s award-winning restaurant is a lesson in Australian fine dining, taking cues from ingredients supplied by the land.

Take once-in-a-lifetime tours deep in the rainforest, including heli flights to secluded waterfalls, Indigenous cultural walks, and solar-powered wildlife cruises.

Daintree Ecolodge

Couple dining amongst the rainforest Daintree Ecolodge

Daintree Ecolodge, Daintree, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

If you have your heart set on staying in Daintree’s World Heritage-listed National Park, then the Daintree Ecolodge is your destination. 15 eco treetop ‘banyans’ blend seamlessly into the rainforest canopy and offer unparalleled access to this ancient world. Stay in the Rainforest Banyan for luxury touches and the ultimate rainforest accessory; a standalone bath on the balcony with views that stretch to the lush canopy beyond. The wellness spa specialises in Indigenous-inspired treatments - this is the place to splash out and indulge.

Mist at Cape Tribulation

Cross the Daintree River by ferry and head north to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. Arrive and check into treehouse-inspired accommodation, Mist at Cape Tribulation. A luxurious retreat set on eight acres of rainforest, palm and exotic fruit orchards, Mist is home to just three pavilions for a serene and private getaway - best enjoyed from the deck. 

Eco accommodation in Daintree Rainforest

With pure nature the biggest drawcard up here, you can bet Daintree Rainforest accommodation takes protecting it seriously. Travellers have their pick of eco-friendly places to stay, with the above luxury properties all doing their part to be low-impact. The below Daintree Rainforest accommodation offers an unforgettable experience with slightly less impact on your holiday budget. 

Daintree Wilderness Lodge

Couple relaxing with cups of coffee on the deck of their rainforest accommodation

Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Daintree, Cairns & Great Barrie Reef. Photo by @daintreewildernesslodge

Nature lovers will feel right at home at Daintree Wilderness Lodge. Completely surrounded by the tropical sights and sounds of the rainforest, the property’s hand-built wooden bungalows look straight out of a fairy tale—each with a viewing roof for night-time stargazing and animal spotting.

The property takes its role as an eco-tourism lodging seriously, producing minimal waste and noise pollution to score an Advanced Ecotourism Eco Certificate. Among other important benefits, these steps mean more Daintree natives; cassowaries, monitor lizards, forest dragons and striped possums are regularly spotted around the grounds on the property’s private nature walk—so bring your camera.

Wildwood

Two friends toasting marshmallows on a campfire at night

Wildwood, Cape Tribulation, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Wildwood is perhaps one of the most unique Daintree Rainforest accommodation offerings - nestled into a rare fruit orchard that's home to over 800 trees of mangosteen, soursop, jaboticaba, rambutan, rollinia and other exotic varieties.

Just a 10-minute walk to Cape Tribulation beach, Wildwood is a quiet escape catering to a maximum of 12 guests. Choose the large two-bedroom house with a private swimming pool and adjoining one-bedroom garden apartment, or two self-contained cabins set 60m apart to allow plenty of privacy and peace during your stay in the rainforest.

Noah Creek Eco Huts

Fireside dining, elegant lodgings and a simple ethos about living ‘off-grid’; it’s all about life’s simple luxuries at Noah Creek Eco Huts. Depending on your party size, choose between their eco glamping huts or larger, South Pacific-style long house lodges, all self-contained with kitchenettes, ensuites and open-air hot showers, making it the ideal Daintree Rainforest accommodation for large groups and families.

Moments from Noah Creek Beach, the famous Bouncing Stones and walking trails of the Daintree, the on-site team offers both guided and advice on self-guided tours of the surrounding region, as well as organising a BBQ luncheon or fireside dinner for guests wanting to indulge, courtesy of Noah Creek’s bush kitchens.

Wompoo Eco Retreat

For killer views of Thornton Peak, Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea, book your Daintree Rainforest accommodation at Wompoo Eco Retreat in Diwan. Each self-contained bungalow has both a kitchenette and BBQ facilities for those nights when you fancy a spot of home cooking and is close to fresh waterholes, walking tracks and rainforest boardwalks.

Mid-range Daintree Rainforest accommodation

Heritage Lodge

Female in swim suit walking into a rainforest hotel pool

Heritage Lodge, Daintree, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest from your cabin at Heritage Lodge, and let the soothing bright-blue waters of Cooper Creek be your first brush with nature. 

Head out to explore, or kick back on your private balcony - cassowaries, butterflies and birds are regular guests here, too. The air-conditioned cabins are welcomed on hotter days, with a choice of queen or family accommodation.  

You could easily spend your days soaking up Daintree magic right here - and if you do, you won't go hungry thanks to the onsite restaurant serving bountiful meals full of local flavour.

Cape Trib Beach House

Inside view of an accommodation room including bed and open door

Cape Trib Beach House, Cape Tribulation, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Photo by @CapeTribBeachHouse

Get to know your fellow travellers at Cape Trib Beach House in the heart of Cape Tribulation; their choice of dorm rooms, family-sized cabins or beachside bungalows cater to all. Enjoy the surroundings of the rainforest at the property’s bar or bistro, a hit with visitors and locals for their locally sourced menu, splash around in the fern-fringed saltwater pool, or mingle with guests at one of Cape Trib’s famous beach bonfires. 

Cow Bay Homestead B&B

Despite the fact Cow Bay Homestead B&B is just 15 15-minute’ walk to Cow Bay Beach, you’ll feel right at home amongst the backdrop of tropical rainforest and gardens on your doorstep. Relax in a hammock in the central homestead, where the open fire roars and fellow guests mingle with a glass of wine at dinner. The property is immersed in the manicured gardens flora and fauna, visited daily by local birds and butterflies who call this stunning patch of land home.

Cockatoo Hill Retreat

For unabashed romance in the wilderness of northern Queensland, Cockatoo Hill Retreat is ticks all the boxes. Hidden on a ridge on Hutchinson Hill high above the Daintree River, each private treehouse steals incredible views of the ocean and rainforest—right from your king size canopy bed. The property’s jewel is the lush gardens (where breakfast is served daily) and lagoon-style swimming pool, perfect for those days when it’s just you, a fresh fruit platter and a good book.

Daintree Secrets Rainforest Sanctuary

Set amidst four acres of pristine rainforest over a crystal clear mountain stream, Daintree Secrets Rainforest Sanctuary offers a three-bedroom house (sleeps seven) with a panoramic view from the extra large veranda, it's conveniently located near the local cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions, but so secluded that you won't want to leave! 

Budget Daintree Rainforest accommodation

Whether you're leaving room in the budget for incredible experiences, or just looking for a low-cost holiday to switch off from nature, this budget Daintree Rainforest accommodation is for you. 

Daintree Siesta

A couple walking along a boardwalk in the rainforest

Daintree Siesta, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Set on 20 acres of rainforest, Daintree Siesta (formerly Lync Haven) has 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.

Safari Lodge

Want the camping experience without sacrificing life’s little luxuries like hot showers and power? Safari Lodge’s eco huts and campsites are the ideal Daintree Rainforest accommodation for budget-friendly visits to the tropical north. Just moments from Myall Beach and adjacent Noah Beach camping ground, soak up the serenity in one of their eco-friendly pads, with an onsite pool, campsite kitchen, showers and laundry facilities.

Cape Trib Camping

It's just you and World Heritage beauty at Cape Trib Camping - an absolute beachfront campground where you'll pitch your tent just steps from the sand. 

There are powered and unpowered sites available, catering to all styles of camping including large caravans, camper trailers, tents, hammocks and motorhomes. With all the off-grid comforts including hot showers, toilets, laundry and camp kitchens, your ticket to paradise starts from around $30 per night. 

If you're making your way up to The Tip, Cape Trib Camping is conveniently just minutes away from the Bloomfield Track entrance. Due to the delicate wildlife in the area, this campground is not pet-friendly. 

Thornton Beach Bungalows

For accommodation mere metres from one of the best beaches in the Daintree region, Thornton Beach Bungalows offers unparalleled beachside digs. Each small but perfectly formed bungalow is ideal for two, with kitchen facilities and a BBQ area for DIY dinners. Take in the views of the ocean from your private veranda or, better yet, walk the 300-odd steps and plonk your feet straight in the sea. 

PK's Jungle Village

One for the backpackers looking to blend their Daintree escape with a round or two of jungle juice at the bar, PK's Jungle Village offers dorms, camping and cabins for adventure travellers. 

This is the place to let go of the finer luxuries and embrace the magic of a life without a schedule, where days can be spent discovering new corners of the Daintree, and nights are spent with new friends. The village is home to a grocery store, communal kitchen, pool, restaurant and bar, along with a tour desk to connect you with the best experiences in the region, from horse rides along the beach to snorkel safaris on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Looking for things to do while you're in the Daintree? Here's a 4-day itinerary.

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