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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 23 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

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.

Boat tours of the Daintree River

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia

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Bucket List Experience
Small boat cruising down the Daintree River

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).

Adult price: £11

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1-2 hours

Dreamtime walks at Mossman Gorge

Mossman, Queensland, Australia

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Bucket List Experience
Aboriginal guide talking to two tourists

Discover aboriginal customs and culture along with the secrets of one of the worlds’ oldest rainforests on a guided Dreamtime walk through the Daintree.

Adult price: £44

Min age 5

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 hour

Drift snorkelling on the Mossman River

Mossman, Queensland, Australia

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Bucket List Experience
Person on a yellow float drifting on the river

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.

Adult price: £65

Min age 4

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 3.5+ hours

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

Port Douglas

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise
1 hour Daintree River wildlife and crocodile cruise on the only solar electric boat on the Daintree river. The boat it is nice and quiet and there are no petrol fumes or exhaust , it is also good for getting close to the wildlife without disturbing it. We aim to treat this fragile ecosystem with respect and have minimal impact, our boat does not create a wake so we do not erode the mangroves. We are the only boat with "Croc Cam"; a digital video with a very good zoom for showing hard to see animals on a big screen. Wildlife includes Salt Water Crocodiles, snakes, frogs, and birds and also interpretation of the mangrove environment. The business is locally family owned and operated and has been going since 2002. We offer a unique eco experience with minimal impact; see, hear and smell nature at its best. We also offer longer two or three hour cruises by bookings only, maximum 10 people great for photography or those that want a longer more personalised tour.

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [1124 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise

Port Douglas

1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise
WHY OUR CRUISE IS THE BEST IN THE DAINTREE: • A local Aussie family business that live a great lifestyle in the Daintree and want to share our Daintree river tours with you! • Experienced Local Guides. • Located at a private boutique location • Nature walk to private jetty in a Conservation Park. We operate Daintree tours from our home on the banks of the Daintree River in a secluded wildlife boutique facility. Come and relax in our garden room, listen to the surrounding wildlife and enjoy a complimentary Daintree Tea or coffee before or after your Daintree river tours experience. Peruse our tropical souvenir collection. Meander through our lush tropical garden to our private jetty  

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [793 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise

Port Douglas

Ultimate Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Experience Cruise
Immerse yourself deep into the rainforest by taking a trip on our world-renowned wildlife experience cruise. During your 60 – 90 minute journey, you will slowly glide along the Daintree River while one of our local guides shares their knowledge about the unique tropical ecosystem. Along the way, you will also have the chance to see native wildlife such as Estuarine Crocodiles in their natural habitat. We want every guest that visits with us to leave loving the river as much as we do. While we can’t guarantee what wildlife you’ll see, each cruise provides a unique experience. We encourage you to make the most of your trip by asking any and all questions you may have.

Price: A35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [228 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree Rainforest Night Walk in Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation

Daintree Rainforest Night Walk in Cape Tribulation
Take your tour down under, into the remote outback, our home in paradise, Cape Tribulation, found in the heart of the Daintree. Walk into the night amongst Far North Queensland's finest and most unique natural habitat with our local guide. On the Daintree Great Barrier Reef Night Tour, you will go on a trail through and under the tree canopy of one of the world's oldest rainforests. This is a great way to see the local flora and fauna as well as an array of extraordinary wildlife, unique to Far North Queensland!

Price: A49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [69 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree River 'Sunset' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman

Port Douglas

Daintree River 'Sunset' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman
A late afternoon cruise finishing at sunset is the perfect way to finish your Daintree Rainforest experience. Floating on the water, enjoying the late afternoon light, watching wildlife foraging before sunset, often with a multitude of egrets flying home to roost for the night, there are few better places to be than out on the Daintree River. Highly sought-after birds (kingfishers, herons, frogmouth among others) as well as saltwater crocodiles and snakes are seen on most cruises. Cruises cater for a maximum of just 10 passengers and are customised to the interests of the passengers. The boat used is a unique ‘hybrid’ vessel utilising both a regular outboard and an incredible electric motor which creates less disturbance enabling outstanding views of wildlife. Cruises start and finish at the public boat ramp in Daintree Village. Daintree Village is 45 mins from Port Douglas and located on the south-side of the Daintree River.

Price: A70

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [150 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman

Port Douglas

Daintree River 'Dawn' Cruise with the Daintree Boatman
Start your day with a cruise on the mighty Daintree river.  This 2 hour cruise takes you on journey of discovery exploring the main river and its tributaries in search of iconic wildlife including highly sought-after birds (kingfishers, herons, egrets, frogmouth amongst others) as well as crocodiles & snakes.  The dawn cruise showcases the river at is most picturesque and serene as the boat travels along the smooth waters of the Daintree river. Cruises cater for a maximum of just 10 passengers and are customised to the interests of the passengers. The boat used is a unique ‘hybrid’ vessel utilising both a regular outboard and an incredible electric motor which creates less disturbance enabling outstanding views of wildlife. Cruises start and finish at the public boat ramp in Daintree Village. Daintree Village is 45 mins from Port Douglas and located on the south-side of the Daintree River.

Price: A70

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [156 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree Discovery Tours - Morning Half Day Daintree River & Mossman Gorge

Port Douglas

Daintree Discovery Tours - Morning Half Day Daintree River & Mossman Gorge
This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

Price: A134

Min age: 3

Rating 4.80 / 5 [331 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree Discovery Tours - Afternoon Half Day Mossman Gorge & Daintree River

Port Douglas

Daintree Discovery Tours - Afternoon Half Day Mossman Gorge & Daintree River
This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out, are short on time, or want to enjoy a nice sleep-in while on holiday! We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. Enjoy a beer, wine or soft drink with a snack while cruising. After the Wildlife Cruise, we head over to Mossman Gorge. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend an afternoon!

Price: A134

Min age: 3

Rating 4.82 / 5 [149 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree and Cape Tribulation Full Day Guided Tour

Port Douglas

Daintree and Cape Tribulation Full Day Guided Tour
The highlight of your vacation! Our itinerary has been carefully crafted to provide you with the very best of the Daintree while staying one step ahead of the crowds. Our slightly earlier departure time means that we are the first (and sometimes only) ones at key locations - giving you time to fully immerse yourself in the experience. We visit all the must-see sites as well as a few local secrets and prioritise time spent in nature. Our highly-trained guides are renown for their dedication and passion and go above and beyond to provide each person with an unforgettable day. In order to ensure comfort, safety and quality guiding we cap our guest numbers at 11. Daintree Wonder Tours is a multi-award-winning, locally owned and operated family business that allows you to explore the area through the eyes of those that love and know it best.

Price: A190

Min age: 4

Rating 5 / 5 [10 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

Port Douglas

Full Day Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour
Experience the magnificent and untouched UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world, on a day trip from Port Douglas. Spot crocodiles in the wild on a river cruise, sample locally made tropical fruit ice creams, marvel at the beauty of this World Heritage-listed site from Alexandra Lookout and take in the rainforest from the forest floor with informative guided walks. If you are lucky you may just spot a cassowary. The maximum participants for this tour is 11.

Price: A238

Min age: 7

Rating 4.88 / 5 [255 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Cape Tribulation & Daintree Wilderness (TCT)

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation & Daintree Wilderness (TCT)
This Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest and wildlife tour takes you on a full day adventure to the only place in the world where the rainforest meets the reef. Enjoy guided walks, time on Cape Tribulation Beach and guaranteed wildlife spotting as well as a delicious tropical lunch.

Price: A240

Min age: 4

Rating 4.72 / 5 [79 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas
A small group Advanced Eco Accredited tour specifically designed to showcase the very BEST of the Daintree Rainforest focusing on spending less time in the vehicle and more time visiting 'must do' Daintree locations as The Mossman Gorge, The Daintree River, Cape Tribulation, Kulki Track, Alexandra Lookout, as well as being the only Port Douglas Rainforest company offering a private World Heritage Listed location in the heart of The Daintree Rainforest. As a multiple award winner of 'Best Rainforest Tour' and 'Best Rainforest Guide", we pride on excellent and personal service. Tony's Tropical Tours is a certified Green Travel Leader by EcoAccreditation Australia and a "Safe Travels" Quality Tourism Accredited Business in alignment with the global World Tourism Council for the COVID Clean protocol. Please note this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Price: A252

Min age: 7

Rating 4.92 / 5 [1584 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Port Douglas

Queensland, Australia

an aerial view of Port Douglas

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