in Far North Queensland, Australia
Daintree Rainforest
Ancient tropical rainforest over 180 million years old, the oldest in the world. Explore pristine wilderness, spot cassowaries and crocodiles, and visit where rainforest meets reef at Cape Tribulation.
The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical lowland and upland rainforest spanning approximately 1,200 square kilometres in Far North Queensland, Australia, north of the town of Mossman. It is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, designated in 1988, and is widely cited as the world's oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest, with fossil evidence suggesting it has existed for at least 180 million years. The forest is home to more than 3,000 plant species, including 700 species that exist nowhere else on earth, as well as a high concentration of Australia's most ancient plant families.
The Daintree River forms the southern boundary of the forest's most intact section. A cable ferry crossing connects the road south of the river to the northern section, known as the Daintree Discovery Coast. The ferry operates during daylight hours and is the only vehicle access point to the Cape Tribulation area, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef — a conjunction of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites found nowhere else in the world.
The Daintree River cruise is one of the area's most popular activities. Short boat trips depart from several jetties near the township of Daintree and pass through mangroves and gallery rainforest, offering reliable saltwater crocodile sightings throughout the year. Crocodiles are present in all waterways north of the river and along the coast; swimming in open waterways is strongly discouraged.
Mossman Gorge, approximately 75 kilometres south of Cape Tribulation and accessible from Mossman, is the most visited site in the southern Daintree. The gorge has a clear, fast-flowing swimming hole within the rainforest, accessible by shuttle from the Mossman Gorge Centre. The Kuku Yalanji people, Traditional Owners of the Daintree, offer guided cultural walks departing from the Centre.
Cassowaries — large, flightless birds classified as endangered — inhabit the Daintree and are occasionally spotted crossing roads, particularly in the early morning near Mission Beach and the Cape Tribulation area. Spotlighting walks after dark reveal tree kangaroos, possums, and glowing fungi.
Hours: Park open 24 hours; guided tours various times
Best for: nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, eco-tourists
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Mossman Daintree Rd, Daintree QLD 4873
-16.1700, 145.4183 — View on map
Highlights
- World's oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest, estimated at over 180 million years old, UNESCO World Heritage Area
- Cape Tribulation coastline where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef — meet
- Daintree River crocodile-spotting cruises through mangroves and gallery forest north of Mossman
- Mossman Gorge swimming hole with Kuku Yalanji cultural walks led by Traditional Owners
- Endangered southern cassowary sightings along forest roads, plus tree kangaroos on nocturnal spotlighting walks
Tips
- Take crocodile-spotting cruise on Daintree River
- Drive carefully - cassowaries cross roads
- Visit Mossman Gorge for swimming in crystal-clear creek
FAQ
How do visitors get to the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns?
The Daintree is approximately 110 kilometres north of Cairns, about a two-hour drive via the Captain Cook Highway. The Mossman Gorge area is accessible without a ferry crossing. To reach Cape Tribulation and the northern rainforest, visitors cross the Daintree River on a cable ferry that operates during daylight hours. Rental cars and organised tours both serve the region.
Is swimming safe in the Daintree?
Swimming at Mossman Gorge is generally considered safe and is popular with visitors. However, all rivers, estuaries, and beaches in the Daintree region north of the river carry a crocodile risk — swimming in open waterways outside designated safe swimming areas is strongly discouraged. Jellyfish (including the dangerous Irukandji) are also present in coastal waters during summer.
When is the best time to visit the Daintree?
June to October (the dry season) is the most accessible period, with lower rainfall, passable roads, and lower humidity. The wet season (November to April) brings spectacular waterfall flows and lush vegetation but can make some tracks impassable and the heat and humidity very intense. Cassowary sightings are possible year-round.
Is photography allowed in the Daintree Rainforest?
Photography is fully permitted throughout the national park and in public areas. Some Aboriginal cultural sites at Mossman Gorge have photography restrictions — guides will advise at the start of Kuku Yalanji cultural tours. Night spotlighting tours allow photography of nocturnal wildlife; a red filter on torches reduces disturbance to animals.
Accessibility
Mossman Gorge Centre is wheelchair accessible, including the shuttle bus and main viewing areas near the gorge entrance. The gorge swimming section involves uneven boulders and is not wheelchair accessible. Most Daintree River cruise operators can accommodate passengers with limited mobility on their boats — confirm at the time of booking. Cape Tribulation boardwalk sections are accessible, but many rainforest trails involve roots, uneven ground, and steep terrain.
When to visit
June to September is the optimal season — dry, cooler temperatures (around 25°C), passable roads throughout the region, and reduced insect activity make for comfortable exploration. The wet season transforms the landscape with dramatic waterfalls and intense green foliage but road conditions north of the Daintree ferry can deteriorate rapidly. Mornings are the best time of day to spot cassowaries and other wildlife.