Daintree National Park was one of our favorite destinations during our trip along the east coast of Australia. It is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated to be around 135 million years old. Millions of years ago, nearly all of Australia was covered with rainforest, but unfortunately, only a mere 0.3% remains today. A large portion of the remaining rainforest is located in Daintree National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This last piece of rainforest is truly special, especially knowing that it is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Visiting this rainforest requires some preparation, so we’re sharing all the practical tips and things to do in Daintree National Park here.

Flora and Fauna in Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park is home to countless plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The rainforest is filled with gigantic trees, some of which are over two thousand years old. Although Daintree National Park covers only 0.2% of Australia, it is home to more than half of all the animal species living in Australia. It is the habitat of many species of frogs, snakes, wallabies, platypuses, tree kangaroos, saltwater crocodiles, and freshwater crocodiles. You may also encounter the cassowary, a rare flightless bird that is characteristic of this region. Keep an eye out for the Ulysses butterfly. This large butterfly flutters all around the rainforest and is impossible to miss with its shiny bright blue color. What makes Daintree National Park even more unique is that it is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

How to Visit Daintree National Park?

You can visit Daintree National Park on a day tour from Cairns, but if you want to see more of the park, having your own transportation is essential. There are no buses or taxis in the park, and the distances are too vast to walk. We stayed for three days to explore everything and recommend setting aside at least two full days for your visit. There’s so much to see in the park that it’s impossible to experience it all in one day.

Traveling around Australia by bus and don’t have your own vehicle? You’ll then be limited to a day tour from Cairns. During a day tour, you’ll visit the most well-known spots and still get a good sense of Daintree’s diversity. We recommend joining this Daintree day tour where you’ll visit Mossman Gorge, take a river cruise in search of crocodiles, visit Cape Tribulation Beach, and finish at Alexandra Lookout before heading back to Cairns.

Tip: Alternatively, you can rent a car in Cairns for a few days. This way, you can visit Daintree National Park at your own pace without relying on a day tour. If you choose this option, make sure to bring an international driver’s license as it will be required when picking up the rental car.

Good to Know: Daintree National Park is Divided into Two Parts

Daintree National Park is divided into two sections, separated by the Daintree River. The section before the river is called Mossman, and the section after the river is called Cape Tribulation. To travel between the two sections, you use the ferry. This ferry operates continuously from sunrise to sunset, and it only takes about five minutes to cross. The ferry crossing costs 49 AUD for a round trip by car. Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan your activities in the right order so you don’t have to use the ferry more than twice. Most of the activities and attractions are in Cape Tribulation, but a few are in Mossman. When this is the case, we’ll mention it in this article so you can visit these spots during your journey from Cairns to Daintree National Park.

What to Do in Daintree National Park?

Here are the top 10 things we think you shouldn’t miss in Daintree National Park.

Hike through the Jungle and Swim in the River at Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is located before the Daintree River and is the first spot you’ll encounter when entering Daintree National Park. Because of this, it’s a popular spot, but definitely not one to skip. Mossman Gorge is an incredibly beautiful natural area where you can enjoy a lovely walk through the rainforest and swim in the refreshing river. The cool water temperature means you don’t have to worry about crocodiles here.

To get to Mossman Gorge, navigate to this parking lot. From here, you’ll need to take the shuttle for the last few kilometers. Then, you’ll walk over suspension bridges to several beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Rex Creek River. You can take a dip in the water here, but we recommend first walking the 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) trail through the jungle. The Maps.me app shows the exact route of the trail. The well-maintained path is mostly flat, so it’s accessible for everyone. You’ll walk through dense jungle with towering strangler fig trees and large granite boulders. Once the sound of the river fades into the background, the sounds of the jungle take over, and you’ll hear the beautiful melodies of tropical birds. The trail is a loop, so you’ll end up back where you started. Now, it’s time for a well-deserved swim in the river.

Secret Swimming Spot: If the river is crowded, we looked for another place to swim. We found a beautiful spot just before the end of the walk (see the left photo below). Here, you can swim and chances are you won’t have to share the spot with anyone else! Just be cautious of currents and slippery rocks. There’s a narrow path from the main trail leading to this spot, which can be found at these coordinates in Maps.me: –16.46835, 145.327005.

Search for Crocodiles in Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park is the best place in Australia to spot crocodiles. It’s incredibly impressive to see these powerful creatures in their natural habitat. The best chance to spot crocodiles is during the Australian winter months (June-August). The water is cooler during winter, causing the crocodiles to sunbathe on the banks. They can also be spotted in other months, but the chances are lower since they tend to stay underwater. We joined the Solar Whisper Cruise and highly recommend it. The boat is electric, allowing you to quietly glide along the river without disturbing the crocodiles. You can get very close to the crocodiles without them swimming away. The guide will also share insights into their behavior and habitat. If no crocodiles are spotted, you can redo the tour for free, for example, the next day. The boat departs from Mossman just before the ferry to Cape Tribulation.

Important: Australia has two types of crocodiles: freshies (freshwater crocodiles) and salties (saltwater crocodiles). The salties can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) long and are dangerous to humans due to their territorial nature. Getting too close can lead to an attack. In areas where saltwater crocodiles are present, warning signs are often posted. Always take this seriously and never enter the water there.

Enjoy the View at Alexandra Lookout

After crossing the river on the ferry, you’ll drive for about 15 minutes and reach Alexandra Lookout. Here, you can enjoy stunning views over the jungle, with the ocean in the distance. It’s a perfect stop to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of nature.

Spot Cassowaries in Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park is one of the few places in the world where cassowaries live, and with a bit of luck, you might spot one! These unique flightless birds can grow up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) tall and weigh around 50 kilograms (110 pounds). The cassowary has a distinctive appearance, with a bright blue neck and head, adorned with bright orange wattles. They also have a horn-like casque on their head, which protects them and helps them maneuver through dense underbrush. A cassowary can run up to 50 km/h (31 mph), but they cannot fly due to their weight. They are generally quiet, so keep your ears open for rustling sounds in the jungle. We encountered two cassowaries, one of which was accompanied by its chick! The best time to spot them is early in the morning. You can see them along the road, but the chances are higher when you walk early along the trails.

Note: Always adhere to speed limits when driving through Daintree National Park. Cassowaries may unexpectedly cross the road.

Watch the Sunrise at Cape Tribulation Beach

If there’s one thing you can’t miss during your visit to Daintree National Park, it’s watching the sunrise at Cape Tribulation Beach. This beach is perfectly oriented to the rising sun, and it’s amazing to see the first rays of sunshine shine over the beach, jungle, and mountains. This place feels wild and untouched by humans. Cape Tribulation Beach is a long, wide beach with clear blue water. However, don’t be tempted to enter the sea, as dangerous saltwater crocodiles swim here. For this reason, Cape Tribulation Beach is known as one of the most dangerous beaches in the world.

Tip: Don’t plan your visit during high tide, as there may not be any beach at that time.

Take a Refreshing Dip at Mason’s Swimming Hole

This crystal-clear swimming hole is surrounded by tropical plants, and you can take a refreshing dip in the water here. Fish and turtles swim in the water, so it’s a great idea to bring your snorkel if you have one with you. Swing yourself into the water using the rope swing and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. You can grab a snack or a drink at the nearby Mason’s Café. It costs 1 AUD to swim here.

Explore the Boardwalks in Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park has several boardwalks to explore. These are man-made trails, each unique in its own way. Often, there are informational signs along the trails about the plants and animals. Below are the different boardwalks in the park.

• Jindalba Boardwalk – This is a favorite boardwalk for many. There are two different walking routes: one is 700 meters (0.4 miles) and the other is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). Naturally, you’ll want to take the 3-kilometer route to go deeper into the jungle. Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be slippery.
• Madja Boardwalk – This 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) boardwalk consists mostly of a walkway over the mangroves. There can be a lot of mosquitoes here, so be sure to bring some insect repellent. The beginning and end of the boardwalk are beautiful winding paths through the jungle. We spotted a cassowary here just a few meters from us!
• Dubudji Boardwalk – This is a 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) trail through the rainforest, featuring many strangler fig trees and Chinese fan palms. Be sure to also walk on the wide sandy beach, Myall Beach.
• Kulki Boardwalk – This 600-meter (0.4-mile) boardwalk is the least interesting, but it takes you to Kulki Lookout. If you’re nearby, it’s nice to walk there, but it’s not worth driving out of your way for.

Have Ice Cream at Daintree Ice Cream Company

In the heart of the rainforest, you’ll find Daintree Ice Cream Company, where they make delicious ice cream from the fruits and nuts grown in their own orchard. You can choose to have a scoop of one flavor, but to try multiple flavors, you can order their signature cup, which includes four different scoops of ice cream. Every day, new flavors are featured on the menu. Sit in the beautiful garden and enjoy your treat!

Must-Know Tips for Visiting Daintree National Park

• There are few restaurants and supermarkets in Daintree National Park. It’s recommended to shop for groceries in advance and cook your own meals during your stay. If your accommodation doesn’t have its own restaurant, it’s useful if it has a kitchen.
• There’s no reception in the park. You can’t make phone calls or use the internet. Download the map of Daintree National Park in Google Maps beforehand so you can always navigate. Also, download the map in Maps.me, which shows all the walking trails.
• There is a gas station in the park, but the prices are higher than at other stations. It’s recommended to fill up your car before heading to the park.
• Make sure to bring plenty of insect repellent.

What is the Best Time to Visit Daintree National Park?

Daintree National Park is accessible year-round. The dry season, from May to September, is considered the best period. Temperatures are slightly lower, and there is less rainfall. However, this period is busier, and prices are a bit higher. During the wet season, from September to May, it’s quieter and warmer. More rain falls, but often it comes at night. We visited Daintree National Park in mid-October and had perfect weather.

Where to Stay in Daintree National Park?

A stay in the rainforest calls for a special accommodation in nature. It doesn’t matter too much where you stay, as you’ll often have to drive a bit to reach a restaurant or attraction. Accommodation prices in Daintree are a bit higher than average for Australia, but you get something truly unique in return. We’ve searched for the best accommodations that won’t break the bank. It’s a good idea to book early, as these spots often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (July to September).

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Daintree National Park

Near the beautiful Cow Bay, you’ll find Epiphyte B&B, hidden in the rainforest. This charming B&B is run by the friendly Matt, who is dedicated to preserving and protecting the rainforest. He’s always happy to share tips for visiting Daintree National Park. The B&B has lovely sitting areas with great views of nature. There’s also a large shared kitchen, but you don’t have to worry about breakfast, as a delicious breakfast is included. Further north, you’ll find the beautiful Noah Creek Eco Huts. Spread across the tropical garden, you’ll find various bungalows with a lot of privacy. Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean in the background and the jungle sounds. Some bungalows have their own kitchen, but there’s also a large shared kitchen. If these two accommodations are just above your budget, Thornton Beach Bungalows Daintree is a great alternative. The location is fantastic, as it’s only 100 meters (328 feet) from a beautiful beach. You’ll stay in a cozy bungalow with an ensuite bathroom. It’s small but fully equipped. There’s also a large shared outdoor kitchen.

Epiphyte B&B More Info

Noah Creek Eco Huts More Info

Thornton Beach Bungalows Daintree More Info