Bucket list experience:
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
At 180 million years old, this remarkable biodiversity hotspot is home to many ancient and primitive plant forms found nowhere else.
Its wildlife is extraordinarily diverse. Among the critters that call the Daintree home are 430 species of bird, 90% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species, and over 12,000 different insects. The scenery is equally impressive – a landscape of rugged peaks and gorges, spectacular waterfalls, white sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and extensive vistas of pristine tropical forest.
To visit the Daintree to experience millions of years of natural history; the forest is a treasure trove of rare fauna and flora, much of it found nowhere else. David Attenborough called it ‘the most extraordinary place on earth.’
Nearby is Cape Tribulation – where the Daintree meets the Great Barrier Reef. Aside from pristine sand beaches, it’s famed for being the spot where Captain Cook first ‘discovered’ Australian in 1770, and where European settlers first arrived.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >The Daintree is connected to Port Douglas by sealed road – allow 30 minutes for the drive to Mossman. There are numerous ways to experience the rainforest – including guided walks in the Mossman Gorge, solar-powered cruises on the Daintree River, or even drift snorkelling down the Mossman River.
There’s plenty of parking if you are self-driving, but it’s better to book onto organised tours that will pick you up and drop off from your hotel, provide all of the equipment and refreshments, take you to the best viewing spots, and teach about the history and environment.
Cape Tribulation, 65kms north of Mossman, is usually included on any Daintree tour itinerary.
The rainforest and is accessible all year round, and tours will run most of the year weather permitting.
The cooler, drier months (May to October) are best to visit, with warm pleasant days, though it gets busy in the Australian school holidays (late June and early July).
The wet season (December to February) is hot and humid, with the highest rainfall plus the occasional thunderstorm and cyclone warning, but it’s quieter, with fewer tourists.
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia
Cruise through a 180 million-year-old rainforest of ancient flora, to spot hundreds of bird species, turtles, colourful tree frogs, exotic snakes and gigantuan ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles).
Best for ages: 4+ | £11 | 1-2 hours
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
Discover aboriginal customs and culture along with the secrets of one of the worlds’ oldest rainforests on a guided Dreamtime walk through the Daintree.
Best for ages: 13+ | £44 | 1 hour
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
Discover a different perspective on the Daintree Rainforest by drifting along the Mossman river on an inflatable raft, with turtles and waterdragons under the water and soaring mountains above.
Best for ages: 4+ | £65 | 3.5+ hours
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Port Douglas
A32 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [882 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Port Douglas
A33 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [721 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Port Douglas
A35 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [163 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cape Tribulation
A49 | Rating 4.8 / 5 [45 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
A compact, beachside hotel equipped with kitchenettes that’s an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget. Adults only.
Official star rating:
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
A tropical hideaway with five-star glamour – an idyllic beachside location, lush rooms, great restaurants and a destination spa just outside of Port Douglas’ town.
Official star rating:
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Decidedly upmarket beachside resort hotel with a fantastic in-house spa and award-winning restaurant. A good all-rounder with something for everyone.
Official star rating:
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
A modern apartment hotel in the centre of Port Douglas. A perfect, convenient base, close to all of the evening action, for those who want to spend their days out exploring (rather than lounging in a resort). Adults only.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Queensland, Australia
Swish, cosmopolitan and delightfully laid-back, Port Douglas is an ideal stepping off point for trips to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, and to connect with authentic indigenous culture.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.
