Guide to Travel the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is surely an unmissable road trip stop when visiting the northern part of Australia East Coast. Especially for Nature Lovers and Adventure seekers.
The Daintree is Australia’s largest tropical Rainforest, and one of the oldest of the planet. It is located along the coast of Far North Queensland, starting roughly from the city of Mossman.
The official starting point is the Daintree Gateway, where you have to cross the Daintree river on a special boat running between 6 am and midnight. The fare is 18$ one way or 31$ rountrip.
The most famous spot is Cape Tribulation, a land stretch located about 35 kilometres past the ferry. The road keeps going all the way up to Cooktown, but it will be paved and easily drivable only for the first 70 kilometres. After that you will face a river crossing, and the road gets just too bad for most vehicles.
Getting to and around the Daintree
Having a car is basically the only way to move along Cape Tribulation Road. The only running busses are the ones from the tour groups departing from Cairns and Post Douglas. A couple of them used to have lunch at my working place.
The only other available options are riding a bike for shorter journeys or hitchhiking around. You might have to wait for a while before getting a lift, but in remote areas people are usually more likely to help.
And having basically only one road to follow makes things definitely easier.
Many friends used it to come up all the way from Cairns and back with no issues, just having to change driver every while.
A local friend once had to walk for 4 hours from Cape Tribulation back to his place. But it was like 2 am and he was returning from the pub. So it doesn’t really cunt I guess.
And yes, Aussies could do LITERALLY ANYTHING for a beer!
I have been lucky enough to call this place home for a couple of months. Here you can my post on work and live in the Daintree
Dangers and the Forest
How safe can be going to the forest in one of the world most dangerous countries, when it is about wildlife?
And not just a common wildlife: giant spiders, snakes, crocodiles and deadly jellyfishes.
I’m sorry (or well, lucky?) to say, in one year time I haven’t seen any of them. Just kangaroos pretty much everywhere. Wombats and opossums in Tasmania.
I won’t hide those guys are pretty scary at night, by the way.
Also bush turkeys stealing food at the beach, and way too many lizards.
But going to the Daintree I was really expecting to face any possible danger I’ve hear about.
However, I have been walking at night, climbing trees, doing yoga at the beach and wild camping in the bush. But nothing. Not even a little croc sunbathing at the shore. Soo disappointing.
I have seen many dangers signs and heard crazy stories from people.
My favourite were the ones from Bonnie, a cleaning lady at my workplace. She was exactly the female version of Mr. crocodile Dundee, if you know the movie character. And I’m pretty sure she used to keep a gun in her pocket.
But I’ve also met an aboriginal family at the beach one day, letting their kids swimming in the ocean. They said crocs are just lazy folks, too slow and easy to spot to be really dangerous. Still better to be safe, I guess.
If you are lucky enough to meet one, some very unique forest inhabitants are the Cassowaries. Also known as the world’s most dangerous birds. I have seen them a couple of times: the first time in our backyard, looking for food. And another very special one along the main road.
My fun cassowary experience..
I was riding my bike back from the beach, where I went to watch the sunrise. At some point I encountered the big bird, standing still and looking at me. I admit he made me a bit afraid, not knowing what the chick was about. And not knowing what to do either. Just ready to cycle away as fast as possible.
Until he suddently turned his back to me, POOPED in the middle of the driveway, and just left. I kind of regret I forgot my camera that morning.
Another interesting inhabitant of the forest are the Green Tree Ants. The only green part is actually their butt. And it tastes like LIME! Needless to say, when I was living there someone made me try it out. And I can confirm it really does.
Just in case you are not willing to kiss and ant’s butt to check it out too!
WHAT TO DO in the Daintree Rainforest
It’s now time to dive into the reasons why you should visit the Daintree.
That’s my list of the main activities:
1) Roadtripping along CapeTribulation Road
Driving is the easiest way to explore the Rainforest, as you just have to follow its main road. When going along the Daintree’s main driveway keep on eye at the signs, especially the brown ones. They are there to point out all every tourist attraction, from lookouts to broadwalks and nice beach spots. Well known examples are the Dobuji or Marrdja broadwalks, and the Kulki lookout. In most cases you will walk between forest and Mangroves, so watch out for Crocodiles!
Most of the spots are easily reachable with a quick walk from the car park. And the info boards will tell you their length. If you are short on time do not worry too much, as Australian indications are usually pretty conservative. You can find a more detailed Daintree walks list here.
2) Hike through the forest
If you are more active, and also have a the time, there are also many adventurous hiking possibilities. The majority is along the creeks, easy to follow during the dry season. Make sure to pick the right period, as it can even get pretty dangerous in raining times. In many cases the walk ends after several kilometres to a waterfall, but you can obviously stop and go back at any point.
Be ready to change your pathway
Once I’ve had to leave my shoes and swim across the river to keep going on the other side. But do not worry too much at this time, as there are no Crocodiles in the creeks!
The Daintree reptiles are actually Salt Water Crocodiles, so there are not many chances to find them into fresh water creeks. Especially the furthermost ones from the ocean and Daintree River.
But that also means they’re HUGE: up to 5 metres long
Nice hiking examples are the walk to Emmagen Creek, starting from Cape Tribulation and leading to swimming holes and also the beach.
Noah Creek, the one where I got to cross the river to keep going.
And Alexandra bay Waterfall in Diwan, reachable with a couple of hours walk from my working place. When I got there, in october, it wasn’t a proper waterfall, as the water stream was quite tiny. But at least walking along the dry riverbed has been fairly easy.
3) Climb Mount Sorrow
This steep hike is known as one of the most challenging of the area, going from Cape Tribulation Road to the top of the peak. The walk starts about 150 m after of the Kulki car park. Watch for the small wooden sign slightly hidden on the left side of the road, when heading north. It is a winding track of about 3,5 kms all the way up to the 650 metres high viewpoint above the whole Rainforest.
The walk is engaging but not as hard as most guides describe it. I’ve read many times to start early morning as it will take about 8 hours. I’ve covered the whole trail in about half of the time.
But I have to say that the soil was nicely dry, and that’s not always the case.
Did I already tell you about how conservative those info usually are?
Another really great mountaintop is Thornton peak, the highest of the area. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to climb it, but I wish I did. My local colleagues told me about the great Adventure they had with some wilderness guide friends: a two days hike with camping in the middle of the forest. The length should be around 14 kilometres. If you want to know more, I have found this post about Climbing the peak for you.
4) Go for a swim
Even if you are more like a lazy traveller, you will find plenty of easily reachable crystal clear swimming spots. Always fresh waters, no crocs allowed!
The best known is Emmagen Creek, about 5 kilometres past Cape Tribulation.
And Manson’s waterhole, located just behind the homonymous cafe. As it is privately mantained, it will be nice to grab some lunch from them on your way. Or to leave a donation, if you’re willing to. It also features some nice swings.
If you are willing to walk for a while you will find plenty of also less known and nice choices. Just make sure they are far enough from the sea to be safe.
Some are located past a private area, like the beautiful swimming hole of the Heritage Lodge. But if you kindly ask for permission, no one usually deny a quite swim to their visitors!
The Blue Hole
I need a little disclaimer about this particular one. The amazingly blue waters of this hidden waterhole are rarely included in tours and guides, but unfortunately people often visit it anyways. I remember several people coming to our place asking how to find it, and my boss always acting like she has no clue.
As many signs located on its way says, swimming there is only allowed to the local Jalunjiwarra women. It is an Aboriginal sacred site, and I do really believe everyone should respect the rule.
Same story with tourists climbing to the top of Uluru rock. I bet no one would even ever try to climb up the Colosseum or any other monument, especially the holy ones. And I don’t see how that should be different.
5) Get some Beach Vibes
The Daintree is the place where the Rainforest meets the Great Bareer Reef. So it is not surprising it features plenty of paradise beaches.
With all their white thin sand, green palm trees and.. GIANT REPTILES, unfortunately.
I know I already told you about the crocodiles. I just can’t stop repeating. The shore is that beautiful to be dangerous, that you can’t really tell it is. I’ve seen some brave ones going for a quick swim, and I admit with the right people I have been among them too.
But as they say in the shows.. don’t do it at home kids!
If you really want to have a swim, consider a Snorkeling Tour
Probably the safest option to jump into the ocean waters facing the Rainforest. Other than the many diving and snorkeling tours leaving both from Cairns or Port Douglas, there is a shorter tour starting directly from cape tribulation. It leaves twice daily, at 8 am or 12 noon, and lasts for about 4 hours.
Head to the Turtle Rock Cafe and ask for the Ocean Safari tour on the Great Barer Reef. Or book it online
It ain’t be cheap, something like 160$ for adults. But it is still less than a full day tour from one of the city mentioned above
What you won’t really escape however, are the deadly Irukandji, or Box Jellyfishes. Their main season runs from November to May. But better to always wear a wetsuit, just to be sure. You can easily get one directly from the company, usually for about 8$, and they will also shelter you from the burning Australian UV rays.
6) Tourist Tours and Stuff
If you’re willing to explore more of the Daintree and its activities, and are willing to pay for the tour or tourist attraction involved, here are other possible options:
Bus tours from Cairns or Port Douglas. Also the most Adventurous, and expensive ones, on 4WD and up to Bloomfield.
Crocodile seeking Cruises along the Daintree River. Starting both from before the ferry, or from the middle of the forest, like the Daintree Wilderness Cruises. Just in case you’re craving a safer Crocodiles encounter.
Other options are visiting the Bugs Museum, taking a tour of the Daintree tea factory or experience a Yoga Retreat. Or simply start your trip from the Discovery center
7) Beyond the Remote Area
Also consider a tour out of the Remote Daintree area. Or simply a stop on your way there before crossing the Daintree River.
A very nice option is to take a walk along the Mossman Gorge. The swimming spots are definitely more crowded than the ones inside the Daintree, but the Gorge overall worth the visit.
In case you are willing to jump back to the civilization, head to Port Douglas. The Town, pretty fancy and touristy I admit, is filled with Hostels, Hotels, Restaurants, Pubs and Even Clubs.
The first night I spent there I’ve seen a TOADS RACE in a pub. People were betting on the fastest frog and winning beers for their right guess. A little weird. But again, it’s all about the Beers.
Foodie time: eating in the Rainforest
with all this swimming, jumping and hiking, I guess you got a hungry. Despite the Daintree being a pretty remote area, it really doesn’t lack foodie experiences. Besides the fancy restaurants featured in most resorts and accommodations, there are some unique eateries to check out.
The Daintree Icecream company
I’d start with my favorite one. Here you can taste a delicious Ice cream freshly made with totally organic and homegrown ingredients. While taking a walk around the tropical fruits plantation or just sitting in the shop. And if you’re planning to visit it several times, be ready to find always different flavors.
Looking for a Special Burger?
Slightly pricey than a normal burger place, but if you want to taste something special (and are not vegetarian), you should check out Masons’ cafe. Other than the swimming hole mentioned above, they offer Crocodile, Emu, and Kangaroo burgers. And special combo plates with all of them.
Then you can get a pizza at the cape Trib Camping, a beer at the Cow Bay Hotel, or a dinner and a few drinks playing pool at Pk’s Jungle Village. Just to name a few. An even dine surrounded by the wildilife in Lync Heaven.
Sleeping in the forest
As always, wild camping in Australia in not legally allowed. And in places like the beach, warmly not advisable.
However, you will find plenty of more or less budget friendly options. Ranging from the very common fancy retreats, to a couple of camping and relatively cheap accommodations like Pk’s hostel. But do not expect many budget backpackers places.
last note: remember to choose the Right Season
as the Daintree is located in a Tropical Area, the weather follows the typical seasonality:
the summertime, roughly from December to April, is also the wet season. Humidity is at its most, and big thunderstorms are daily occurrence. Is it also Jellyfish season in all North Queensland.
the winter, on the other hand, is considered high season. Temperatures are only slightly lower, and the drier air makes it feel more pleasant. The best time is between May and September
I hope this post will help you planning your next Daintree Adventure! And remeber to don’t miss out the opportunity to enjoy the Rainforest, if you end up in the area
Thank you for taking the time to read this post!
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Thanks so much for the article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.