Daintree - An enchanted rainforest
This idyllic location is the world’s oldest surviving rainforest, older than the Amazon rainforest! It’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming under the lush green canopies of the Daintree Rainforest millions of years ago. It is such a special place, deserving of so much more of your time. I realised very quickly; we were never going to be able to explore everything in just one day. We had really underestimated just how expansive and incredible the Daintree Rainforest is up to Cape Tribulation.
Overlooking Cape Tribulation - awe inspiring views over the rainforest cascading into the Coral Sea
If one day is all you have, then I have the highlights of our day in the Daintree Rainforest. Immerse yourself in this tropical wonderland.
The Daintree Rainforest is an incredible, tropical wonderland
Let’s dispel some myths up front. You do not need a 4WD to access the Daintree Forest – to a point! Gav was convinced we needed a 4WD! The roads are sealed right up to the Cape Trib. Beach House Tides Bar and Restaurant. Shortly beyond that point, the sealed road changes to a dirt road. Beyond Emmagen Creek to Cooktown and Bloomfield (approx. 100kms away) it is accessible by 4WD only. However, before this point, you can get by with just a standard vehicle. Rental vehicles are allowed into the Daintree Forest on sealed roads.
Discover stunning flora in the Daintree Rainforest
Was one day enough? In a nutshell, no not really. Had I known its enormity and surreal beauty, I would have aimed to stay within the Daintree at the very least 2 – 3 nights.
The Lush Green Canopies cover the landscape
There is an incredible amount to explore. I will share some other ideas to extend your stay at the end of this blog.
Aim for getting up there as early as possible. Heading from Port Douglas to the Daintree ferry takes about 42 minutes by car. That coastal drive is an incredibly beautiful scenic drive.
Enjoy the coastal drive - is spectacular all the way from Cairns up to the Daintree
Crossing the Daintree River on the Ferry is an experience unto itself. The Daintree River is one of the longest rivers on Australia’s east coast and is full of life – literally! Giant prehistoric crocodiles and wee baby ones swim the waters of the Daintree River.
Be sure to make the time to experience the actual river journey, seeing the crocodiles up close and personal, the birds flying across the submerged tree branches and the beauty of the estuaries. We did this outside of our Daintree day trip though. We joined a croc tour with Bruce Belcher Adventures. Bruce has been sharing his passion for these giant creatures sine 1987. For a full itinerary of our Tropical North Qld adventure, head to the Ultimate 15-day Itinerary to Tropical North Queensland.
Aim to get the first ferry ride across to maximise your day. It does get busy during peak periods. If you want to avoid this, then travel across between 10am – 12.30pm – though will cut into precious time to explore. We carved out a day trip plan, just so we could squeeze in as much as possible.
First Stop - Daintree Discovery Centre.
A must stop for all ages. A lot to do here, scaling the 23-metre-high canopy tower to get a bird’s eye view over the treetops, kids just love the animated dinosaurs (as well as the adults!), wander the 125-metre skywalk to feel truly immersed in the rainforest and get up close and personal with all the scaly creatures!
Wander the skywalk amongst the treetops of the Daintree
The whole place has a Jurassic Park feel about it. It’s a popular spot, offering self-guided tours so you can wander and learn at your leisure.
You need at the very least a couple of hours here, so factor that into your planning.
Kulki (Cape Tribulation) lookout and walk
A 34 minute drive from the Daintree Discovery Centre. This was the beautiful, dramatic scenery you see in ads about Queensland. An easy 350 metre walk and an incredible lookout over the ancient forest, reef and Coral Sea. It is pretty spectacular.
I wanted to wander down on the beach front and had asked the team at the Discovery Centre just how safe it was to head to the beach. Cape Tribulation is known to be Croc-infested.
Two words that don’t sit well with me are ‘Crocs’ and ‘Infested’ – LOL! You also should be aware of the deadly marine stinger season – I am painting a picture of Australia’s lovely creatures! Be sure to read the signs!
Wandering Cape Tribulation Beach (do check the warnings - no swimming here)
The advice we got – stay at least 10 metres away from the edge of the ocean water, definitely no swimming here and keep the eyes peeled on the water. Needless to say – I kept at least 50 metres from the edge and still kept my eyes peeled! LOL! Save your swimming for the gorgeous local swimming holes.
The water was warm, the sand was soft and sunshine beating down. This remote stretch of beach is best known where the two world heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and The Wet Tropics Rainforest. It is an amazing landscape, where the mountains flow and literally cascade down into the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. Half day reef trips are co-ordinated through Ocean Safari to the Mackay and Undine Reefs just out from here.
Even though we had started our day early, it was approaching midday, so Cape Tribulation was as far as we ventured. We were looking for lunch options and local swimming holes. Do head to Mason’s Café if you are looking for some real different food options – wild boar, camel, buffalo, kangaroo, emu and crocodile is on the menu! Our kids are not that adventurous with food, so we regrettably gave this a miss. Just behind the café is the infamous Mason Swimming Hole – a tranquil, safe place for cooling off from the tropical heat. This is a popular swimming spot (free from those crocs and stingers!) on privately owned land by the cafeowners. If you have time squeeze in a swim here for a mere coin donation to enter the water and stay as long as you wish.
Next stop – Marrdja Boardwalk
A coastal mangrove boardwalk located near Noah Beach.
The Marrdja Boardwalk takes you deep into the Coastal Mangroves
Although only a 1.2km walk, it is a step back into over 150 million years of history with some flora and fungi dating back to the Jurassic period.
This was such an intriguing, beautiful walk.
The photos here were taken by our 13-year-old son, so was interesting to see what he wanted to capture through the lens.
Thornton Beach
There are enormous options for food along the whole Daintree area, lots of cafes, restaurants, and places to grab groceries. We chose CJ’s at Thornton Beach. It was literally beachfront. We wanted to dine right next to the beach to hear the waves crashing in the distance and bask in the sunshine on the outdoor picnic tables.
Was a fabulous spot and were then able to head for a wander along Thornton beach after lunch.
Palm Tree swaying in the breeze on Thornton Beach
For the ultimate dessert, you simply must visit the Daintree Ice-cream Company, just a short drive south from CJ’s Cafe.
Daintree Ice-cream Co
You can also meet the fruits that is made in their gelato or sorbets by taking a wander through their tropical fruit orchard. This is ice-cream delicacy at its best!!
Such a range of flavours, then being able to see the homegrown fruits in the orchard. Loved this experience, a very peaceful and lazy way to enjoy the afternoon.
Next stop, back towards the Discovery Centre to wander the Jindalba boardwalk.
Jindalba Boardwalk
This area is known for spotting Cassowaries. As we passed the Discovery Centre, we could see cars slowing down and some were stopped, as there was a Cassowary by the side of the road in all its glory. We couldn’t believe our good luck to spot a Cassowary in the wild and stopped to take some pics!
Spotted a Cassowary just outside of the Daintree Discovery Centre - beautiful birds!
All the boardwalks are easy to walk. I found this kind of surprising – they are very well maintained, signed and super easy to access. Although we had been to 3 separate boardwalks during the day, they were all completely different and showcased the best of the Daintree National Park.
Marrdja Boardwalk
Whilst the other 2 boardwalks are fully wheelchair accessible, the Jindalba track does transition at times to gravel. It is about 2.7kms long, however there was a shorter option too. A beautiful walk through the lush lowland tropical rainforest. There are a number of walks and hikes in the Daintree, catering to all levels of fitness. Is a hiker’s paradise!
The day was nearing the end and time for us to head back to the ferry, which was still a good 35-minute drive. One more stop to see.
Alexandra Lookout (Waluwurrigga)
It offers views over the valley and ocean with outlook to Snapper Island right down to Port Douglas. Quite an awe-inspiring view.
Alexandra Lookout - Incredible views out to Snapper Island and down to Port Douglas
This was a fun-filled day and we made it back to the ferry as the sun was setting. (the ferry does open until midnight though).
Tip: If I had been able to stay on for a few nights, definitely would have:
* went on a half day snorkelling tour with Ocean Safari tour
* Swum at Mason’s swimming hole and dined at Mason’s Cafe
* Headed to Cape Trib Farm for Exotic Fruit Tasting
* Went on a Guided Night Tour with Crocodylus Village
* Taken an E-Bike tour with Freeride Adventure Tours
There are so many other things to do and see than what I have listed here. Horseback riding, jungle adventures, ATV rides - it’s an absolute jungle playground!
For options in accommodation, you are spoiled for choice from camping, glamping, B&B’s, Farmstays, Bungalows, Hotels, Motels, Lodges to unique accommodation.
Head to my fav booking service - Booking.com or check out some options directly below.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog - you will 100% experience an enchanting day in the Daintree Rainforest. If you can stretch it, stay on for at lease a day or two more (get a Multi-Visit pass as cheaper).
Please share this blog for others to enjoy!
Cheers
DeeLuxe
Cheers to your adventures!
Dee
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