How To Get To The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a world away from civilisation but a snap to get to. And the drive north from Cairns is something worth marvelling at.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Daintree is barely touched and completely isolated. So, you might be wondering how to get to the Daintree Rainforest. Well getting there is actually really easy, so follow our guide for everything you need to know before you leave.

Where is the Daintree?

The Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — The Great Barrier Reef Drive takes you to where the rainforest meets the reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Daintree’s closest airport is roughly 110 kilometres south of the rainforest in Cairns. Located in Tropical North Queensland, the trip up is nothing short of amazing, with incredible coastal views and scenery that will blow your mind.

There are two ways you can get to the Daintree from Cairns; hiring a car and making your own way on a mini road trip or jumping on one of the tours that will take you to the Daintree from Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

Drive yourself

Did someone say road trip? Although not a huge drive, the Great Barrier Reef Drive has some beautiful stops along the way that you simply can’t go past. Whether you’re just passing through and stop for a coffee and lunch, or you stay the night, both Palm Cove and Port Douglas are must-stops.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is home to Nick Holloway’s iconic Nu Nu restaurant which brings award-winning Australian dishes and a great atmosphere to the table. With spectacular views of the Coral Sea, the beachfront location framed by stunning palm trees is dreamlike.

Port Douglas

Another 40 kilometres up the highway you’ll reach the laid-back coastal town of Port Douglas. A hot spot in Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas has plenty of incredible places to eat and accommodation for every budget, so even if you stay here for a couple of days, you won’t run out of things to do.

Daintree Ferry

When you’re ready to make the final leg to the Daintree, you’ll come across the Daintree Ferry about 50 kilometres up the road. Some Daintree accommodation options are located before the ferry near Daintree Village, so you may not need to cross the river until you’re ready to explore the wealth of things to do in the Daintree.

The 43-metre-long Daintree Ferry provides vehicle access across the Daintree River, connecting the northern Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with the rest of Far North Queensland.

The Daintree River running side by side with the Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — The Daintree River is a hot spot for crocs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The ferry operates between 5am and midnight 365 days a year, with a priority lane for locals between 9am and 4.30pm from July to September. The crossing is pretty quick and easy, taking approximately 15 minutes, including time for boarding and disembarking all vehicles. During peak season there might be a bit of a wait though, so factor that into your travel time.

Ferry tickets are $45 per car for a return ticket and an extra $16 if you’ve got a trailer. You can buy the ferry tickets on the southern side of the river before you cross.

You might even see a croc while you cross the river, but if you don’t, the Daintree has plenty of river cruises designed for spotting crocodiles in the wild.

Cape Tribulation

The incredible views from Mount Alexandra Lookout. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland) — The views from Mount Alexandra Lookout are amazing. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Once you’ve passed the Daintree River, you’ve reached the oldest living rainforest, which is estimated to be 180 million years old – tens of millions of years older than the Amazon. Make sure you stop by the Mount Alexandra Lookout located shortly after the ferry, which offers excellent views over the Coral Sea and the mouth of the Daintree.

You’ve then got about an hour until you get to Cape Tribulation, the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. You’ll have the best of both worlds exploring the rainforest, but also heading out onto the Great Barrier Reef for a bucket list reef experience.

There are lots of places to stay in Cape Tribulation and also plenty of camping spots, so whether you’re into luxury accommodation, budget stays or sleeping under the stars, there’s something for you.

4WD sits beneath trees near the beach in the Daintree. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Camping in Cape Trib is a common choice. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

With no mobile phone service and one of the highest concentrations of plants and animals anywhere on earth, the call to adventure beckons loudly here.

Do not forget the essentials – a torch and plenty of time up your sleeve – because exploring the beaches and the rainforest at night, especially around Cape Trib, increases your chances to see some of the most amazing wildlife on earth. For example, ghost crabs (they are translucent, so you see right through them) are best spotted scurrying around at night.

It takes less than three hours (with no stops) to get from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, an easy journey for anyone looking to get away.

Mother and child swinging on rope swing Cape Tribulation beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Cape Tribulation Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Take a tour

Tour bus driving along the Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland) — Sometimes a tour of the Daintree is the best option. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

If you’d rather just come up for a day or two, and you don’t want to hire a car, then a tour is your best bet. Getting to see all the best bits in a fast-tracked tour is a great way to see the Daintree and Cape Tribulation for the time-poor.

Most of the tours have a stop at Mossman Gorge where you’ll get to go on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with a local Kuku Yalanji guide. Some tours will also take you on one of the Daintree River cruises that get up close and personal with the native saltwater crocs.

Aerial shot of Mossman Gorge. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland) — Mossman Gorge is a stunning spot. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

If you’re staying in Port Douglas and your Daintree tour doesn’t take you on a crocodile cruise, we’ve also found the best spots in Port Douglas to spot a crocodile.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

How to get to the Daintree Rainforest