Location

The Daintree Rainforest:

The Daintree Rainforest is over one hundred and thirty-five million years old – the oldest in the world. Approximately 430 species of birds live among the trees, including 13 species that are found nowhere else in the world.

For tourists, this unique corner of the world offers an outdoor holiday that few other places on the globe can match. There are hiking trails, scenic lookouts, camping sites, picnic tables and swimming holes to be explored in the Daintree.

Visiting the Daintree Rainforest exposes tourists to a wonderful outdoor experience:

• Untouched tropical rainforest
• Golden beaches with calm water
• Hiking tracks
• Thousands of species of birds, insects and other wildlife
• Remote wilderness
• Ecological information about the most diverse ecosystem in the world

The Daintree has everything a wilderness lover can ask for. But the most important drawcard to the area is a product Australia is famous for: life-threatening flora and fauna. Make no mistake; if you want to be chewed on by a croc, chomped on by a snake or nibbled by a spider, the Daintree Rainforest could be just what you are looking for.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Self Drive:

• Public transport is limited throughout the Daintree region, so we highly recommend hiring a vehicle and self driving. The majority of attractions and activities are well spread out between the Daintree River and Cape Trib Beach, which is an hour’s drive. There are many dining opportunities also in the Daintree, so hiring a vehicle will provide a greater flexibility so you can get the most from your stay.
• The Daintree Ferry provides access into the Cape Tribulation area. This is accessible by conventional vehicles except during periods of heavy rain. The road is sealed as far as Cape Tribulation. Crossing the Daintree River via a vehicular ferry is an experience not to be missed. This ferry operates from 6am to midnight each day.
• Vehicle users can be assured that a 4WD is not required to drive through the Daintree Rainforest, however the Bloomfield Track which begins at the northern side of the rainforest, is suitable only for 4WDs.
• Limited fuel access is available, so it is best to fuel up beforehand.
• It is a 2 ½ - 3 hour drive (approx.140 km) north of Cairns to the heart of the Daintree World Heritage area. Drive north out of Cairns along the Bruce Highway (Hwy 1). Continue on past the Port Douglas turnoff to Mossman (1 hr 30 mins). From Mossman continue north on the main highway past Wonga Beach (15 minutes from Mossman) and 10 km later turn right to reach the Daintree River ferry. From here it is a 1 hour journey to Cape Tribulation Coconut Beach.

Drive Guidelines

• Please drive safely and carefully while in the area. If you wish to stop, pull over and park safely, not on the road. Sometimes it is safer to walk back to the attraction.
• It is safe to drive at night, providing you obey the speed limits and keep a sharp lookout for wildlife. Wildlife is usually only killed by speeding drivers.
• Please respect private property while in the area.
• During heavy rain, water does run over the road. Please be careful and check the depth before crossing. The water usually recedes quite quickly once the rain has stopped.

Coach Transfers:

• Coach transfers are available between Cairns and Cape Tribulation daily. We recommend Sunpalm Transport who operate scheduled coach and bus transfer services between Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown as well as an airport shuttle service from Cairns Airport to most resorts.

Transfer time is approximately two and half to three hours from Cairns. Transfers from Cairns depart daily at 7:00am and 10:30am only.