8 Things to do in the Daintree Rainforest

Explore Nature’s Playground: 8 Things to Do in the Daintree Rainforest

There aren’t many better places to immerse yourself in nature than the Daintree Rainforest. A real-life Jurassic Park, the emerald canopy of the Daintree has been growing for over 180 million years, making it the oldest living rainforest on earth by far. Home to unique ancient plants and thousands of animal species, it’s no wonder that Sir David Attenborough called it ‘the most extraordinary place on Earth.

From breathtaking walks to unique cultural experiences and everything in between, here are eight incredible things to do in the Daintree Rainforest.

Get acquainted at Daintree Discovery Centre

Every Daintree adventure should begin at the Daintree Discovery Centre. This award-winning facility offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history, flora and fauna, and conservation of the Daintree Rainforest. Explore an array of interactive displays, watch educational films in the onsite theatre or venture into the actual rainforest via a series of elevated boardwalks, including an 11-metre aerial walkway. There’s also a 23-metre canopy tower with five different viewing platforms, allowing you to access every level of the Daintree, from the forest floor to the uppermost reaches of the canopy.

Walk with an Aboriginal custodian 

There is no better way to understand the significance of the Daintree than by joining a guided tour with the local Indigenous people of the Kuku Yalanji tribe. Walkabout Cultural Adventures is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated, sharing their cultural connection to the land through a range of half and full-day tours. During these tours, you will learn about native plants, medicines and foods, sample seasonal bush tucker, and gain a priceless insight into the history, culture and traditions of the Australian Aboriginal people. Better yet, Walkabout Cultural Adventures operates each tour with a maximum of 11 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.

Step from rainforest to reef at Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is one of the most magical places on Earth. After all, this remote headland is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet: the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Here, the rainforest spills right down to the coast, with just a thin strip of golden sand separating it from the sparkling turquoise water. Explore the best of Cape Tribulation via various walks, such as the easy, 650-metre return Jindalba boardwalk through tropical lowland rainforest or the 1.2-kilometre Marrdja boardwalk, home to plants from every stage of evolution from the last 400 million years.

Take a cooling dip at Mossman Gorge

The Daintree Rainforest is home to dozens of hidden waterfalls and swimming holes, but none are as famous as Mossman Gorge. Here, the Mossman River cascades over huge granite boulders, creating numerous cool, clear freshwater swimming holes. The best way to soak in the beauty of Mossman Gorge is by walking the 2.4-kilometre Rainforest Circuit Track, which takes you to several rainforest and river lookouts and across the scenic Rex Creek Suspension Bridge.

Taste the flavours of the forest at Daintree Ice Cream Company

No visit to the Daintree is complete without treating yourself to a scoop of deliciousness at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. First established in 1993, this humble ice creamery shop is a Tropical North Queensland icon, with products created onsite using organically grown fruit from their very own orchard. The ice cream is served in a four-scoop Signature Cup, which includes rare and exotic flavours that change daily, depending on what’s in season. We’re talking options like star fruit, sapodilla, jackfruit and soursop! You can even take a self-guided tour of the orchard to learn more about where these unique flavours come from.

Spot crocodiles on the Daintree River

Hop on a river cruise to get up close and personal with the unique wildlife that calls the Daintree Rainforest home. This includes a dazzling array of tropical creatures, such as birds, butterflies, frogs, lizards, snakes and insects. However, the most famous Daintree resident has to be the estuarine crocodile, a prehistoric predator that can grow up to five metres. Several tour operators offer crocodile spotting river cruises, during which local guides will share insights into the unique tropical ecosystem of the Daintree River.

Soar through the rainforest canopy with Treetops Adventure Cape Tribulation

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Daintree Rainforest during an exhilarating zipline tour with Treetops Adventure Cape Tribulation. The two-and-a-half-hour guided Zipline Canopy Tour is the perfect Daintree experience for adventure seekers. It includes three ziplines that span between 15 and 130 metres, leading to an eight-metre-high enclosed 360-degree viewing platform. You’ll then be guided through an easy treetop walk with bridges, cables and nets, offering one of the best views of the Daintree. A thrilling dual zipline completes the tour.

Check out the Daintree Tea plantation

Tea lovers can’t visit the Daintree without enjoying a cuppa from the Daintree Tea Company. Established by the Nicholas family in 1978, the Daintree Tea Company is located on the Cubbagudta Plantation, just south of Cape Tribulation. Here, high annual rainfall, warm temperatures and granite alluvial red soils combine to create the perfect growing environment for pure, unblended, pesticide-free black tea. Stop by the honesty box to swap some cash for your own private stock of this local favourite.

Explore Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest with My Queensland

The coastal paradise of Port Douglas is your ticket to the otherworldly Daintree Rainforest. Find your exclusive escape with My Queensland, perfectly packaged with bonus inclusions like resort credits, room upgrades, local experiences and so much more.

Find your Port Douglas and Daintree getaway today.

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