How to get to the Daintree Rainforest

How to get to the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Village, a major hub in the rainforest region, is situated on the southern bank of the Daintree River about 20 kilometres north of Port Douglas and 60 kilometres north of Cairns. It is approximately 1,800 kilometres (1,120 miles) north of Brisbane and 2,520 kilometres (1565 miles) north of Sydney.

The Daintree region covers an area of about 1,200 square kilometres, it is best explored on land in self-drive vehicles or guided people-movers and coaches. There is a variety of boat tours that reach otherwise inaccessible areas along waterways and through mangroves.

The various locations in the area are a relatively short drive from each other, with the most flexible and cost-effective approach being to drive yourself.

If hiring a car, a normal sedan vehicle is enough to motor around the area and cover all points between Wonga Beach and as far as Cape Tribulation. All major roads and most minor roads in the Daintree Rainforest are sealed and driveable in all weather.

Exploring the Daintree Rainforest

The journey to get to Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas, via Mossman, takes you on roads through rich, green pastures and farmlands which are then dwarfed by rising rainforest ranges.

The Daintree Ferry turnoff looms just before the Daintree Village and will take you to one of the highlights of your visit. Following a five-minute ferry ride, you will cross the river into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. You are then immersed in a world of dense rainforest, lush, green pastures, tea plantations, pulsing creeks and awesome beaches. The Daintree River ferry runs continuously from 5am to midnight every day, including Christmas Day.

If you plan to go further north beyond Cape Tribulation, following the scenic Bloomfield Track, a high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. In addition, you will need to monitor conditions and track advice, with the track becoming impassable with little notice. A truly scenic and memorable drive through the densest of the Daintree Rainforest, filled with steep inclines and natural creek crossings.

If you are wondering whether to continue north towards Cooktown, our Bloomfield Track guide explains what the drive actually involves — the vehicle you need, the creek crossings and when the road closes. A guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest is an ideal way to experience the hidden gems of the region, having someone else do the work for you!

How to get to the Daintree Rainforest Car Drive Times

Getting to the Daintree from Port Douglas

Port Douglas is the closest town of any size to the Daintree, and it makes the trip considerably easier than starting from Cairns.

• Port Douglas to the Daintree River ferry — about 49 km, 45 minutes
• Port Douglas to Daintree Village — about 55 km, 50 minutes
• Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation — about 84 km, 1 hour 50 minutes, once you allow for the ferry crossing and the slower road north of the river

That puts Cape Tribulation comfortably within a day trip from Port Douglas — roughly an hour each way closer than the same trip from Cairns. Leave early, allow for a queue at the ferry during school holidays, and plan to be back across the river well before dark.

How to get to the Daintree Rainforest on Public Transport

Trans North runs a direct bus service from Cairns to Cape Tribulation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, returning to Cairns on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It picks up in Cairns around 7:30 am and in Port Douglas around 8:30 am.

The trip, which does not stop at Daintree Village, is dependent on conditions on the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown so travellers should check schedules in the wet season.

Daintree Discovery Tours visits Daintree Village every day and does pickups from Port Douglas. Jungle Tours makes daily visits to both Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation and a number of other services make less regular trips.

Should You Drive Yourself, Catch the Bus, or Book a Tour?

This is the decision most people are really making, so here it is plainly.

• Drive yourself if you want to stop where you like, walk the boardwalks in your own time and stay north of the river overnight. The road is sealed all the way to Cape Tribulation, so an ordinary car is fine. You will cross on the Daintree River ferry, which runs 5am to midnight daily — fares are set by Douglas Shire Council and change each 1 July, so check the current rate before you go.
• Catch the Trans North bus if you are not driving and have time. It is the only scheduled public service, it runs three days each way, and it will not get you to the boardwalks and lookouts between stops.
• Book a guided day tour if you have one day, would rather not drive, or want someone to find the cassowaries and explain what you are looking at. A tour also removes the ferry queue and the timing worry. See our Daintree tours.
• Going beyond Cape Tribulation is a different question. The Bloomfield Track to Cooktown needs a high-clearance 4WD, crosses creeks and closes after heavy rain. Most hire agreements do not permit it — check yours before you plan that leg.

Still deciding when to come? Our Daintree seasons guide covers what changes between the wet and dry.

Getting to Cairns before your trip to the Daintree Rainforest

By Air:

Domestic: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, Alliance Airlines, Air North and Skytrans all serve Cairns Airport.

International: Cairns has direct services from New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea, with schedules changing seasonally. Check current routes with Cairns Airport.

By Rail:

Travelling between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week, the Spirit of Queensland gives you access to spectacular holiday destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns and everywhere in between.

By Bus:

Greyhound Australia is Australia’s only national coach service providing comfortable, hassle-free, and affordable coach services to people of all ages, travelling across Australia every day.

By Campervan:

This option offers great flexibility to get you around and allow you to discover the Tropical North Queensland region at your own pace.

Discover the Daintree Rainforest

Daintree FerryDaintree VillageA hidden gem in the Daintree, with chances to spot rare and colourful birds.Cape TribulationWhere the rainforest meets the reef, about 35 kilometres north of the ferry.Billy Tea SafarisBookable tour