Daintree National Park One of the World's Natural wonders

Quick Answers

Where is Daintree National Park?

About 2 hours north of Cairns and 45 minutes from Port Douglas. To reach the heart of the park, cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry.

Do I need a 4WD?

No. A standard car handles Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the main boardwalks. You need a 4WD beyond Cape Tribulation towards Cooktown.

What wildlife lives in the park?

Southern cassowaries, tree kangaroos, Boyd’s forest dragons, green tree frogs and Ulysses butterflies.

Book the Daintree Rainforest Tour →

Daintree National Park—Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef

Daintree National Park

The World’s Oldest Rainforest. The Daintree Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests, with lineages that trace back to Gondwana.
Home to the Mighty Daintree River . This winding waterway is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, lush mangroves, and diverse birdlife. Making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
Incredible Wildlife Encounters. The Daintree is home to rare and unique species, including the Southern Cassowary, tree kangaroos, Boyd’s forest dragon, and Ulysses butterfly.
Cape Tribulation Where Rainforest Meets Reef. The only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, exist side by side.
Scenic Boardwalks and Lookouts. Explore the rainforest on Marrdja, Dubuji, and Jindalba boardwalks. Then take in breathtaking views from Alexandra Lookout.
Pristine Beaches and Remote Coastline. From Cow Bay to Thornton Beach, the Daintree Coast boasts secluded white sandy beaches fringed by lush rainforest.
A Place of Deep Cultural Significance. The Daintree is the traditional land of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. The Kuku Yalanji people have lived in harmony with this landscape for thousands of years. Visitors can experience their culture through guided bush tucker and Dreamtime tours.

Discover the World’s Oldest Living Rainforest

Nestled in Tropical North Queensland, Daintree National Park is a place of ancient beauty and natural wonder. Home to the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforest, this breathtaking wilderness stretches from the misty mountain ranges to the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. With its towering fig trees, winding rivers, hidden waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, the Daintree is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone looking to experience one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes.

Explore the Magic of the Daintree

Adventure Awaits in the Daintree

For those seeking adventure, Daintree National Park delivers unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s ziplining through the treetops, kayaking along rainforest-fringed beaches, or wandering to a hidden rainforest creek, there’s no shortage of ways to explore this natural wonderland.

A Place of Cultural Significance

The Daintree Rainforest is the traditional land of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived in harmony with this landscape for thousands of years. Visitors can join a guided cultural tour and learn about bush tucker, Dreamtime stories, and the deep connection between the land and its First Nations people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Daintree National Park

How do I get to Daintree National Park?

Daintree National Park is located in Tropical North Queensland, about 2 hours north of Cairns and 45 minutes from Port Douglas. To access the heart of the Daintree, you’ll need to cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry, which operates daily. From there, the journey takes you through winding rainforest roads, stunning lookouts, and hidden walking tracks.

Do I need a 4WD to visit the Daintree?

No! A regular 2WD vehicle can easily explore most of the Daintree, including Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, and the main boardwalks. However, if you’re planning to travel beyond Cape Tribulation towards Bloomfield Track and Cooktown, a 4WD is essential due to the rugged terrain.

What wildlife can I see in the Daintree?

The Daintree is home to some of the planet’s most unique and rare wildlife! Watch for the Southern Cassowary, tree kangaroos, Boyd’s forest dragon, green tree frogs, and Ulysses butterflies. If you take a Daintree River cruise, you might also spot saltwater crocodiles basking along the riverbanks.

Can I swim in the Daintree Rainforest?

While the beaches of Cape Tribulation are stunning, swimming in the ocean is not recommended due to stingers (marine jellyfish) and occasional crocodile sightings. Instead, visit Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear rainforest waters flow over smooth granite boulders, a scenic spot best enjoyed from the walking tracks (the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre recommends against swimming in the river).

What is the best time to visit Daintree National Park?

The Daintree is beautiful year-round, but the dry season (May to October) offers the most comfortable weather, warm days, cooler nights, and less humidity—perfect for hiking and exploring. The wet season (November to April) brings lush greenery, spectacular waterfalls, and dramatic tropical storms, making the rainforest even more magical.

Plan Your Daintree Escape

Whether planning a day trip from Port Douglas or spending a few nights immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the rainforest. Daintree National Park is a destination like no other. Its rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage will leave you in awe.

Ready to explore the Daintree? Start your adventure today!

Dubuji Boardwalk

Kulki Rainforest Walk

Thornton BeachWhere the ancient rainforest meets the Coral Sea, with beach walks and wildlife.

Cape TribulationWhere the rainforest meets the reef, about 35 kilometres north of the ferry.

Travel Kindly

At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit the Daintree, we gently ask you to:

Tread lightly in the rainforest — stay on the boardwalks and marked tracks to protect this ancient, fragile ecosystem.
Respect the wildlife — never feed cassowaries or any animals, keep your distance, and take your rubbish home with you.
Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.

Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.