10 of the most extraordinary things to do in the Daintree Rainforest

From enthralling cultural tours to thrill-seeking adventures, the best things to do in the Daintree Rainforest instantly captivate.

Flowing with leafy canopies, hidden (croc-free) swimming holes and an array of wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest is a wonderland for nature lovers. Just add creative dining experiences and all-too-convenient offshore expeditions to your to-do list and you’re left with one heck of a shake-up from your daily grind. Here, we round up the most memorable things to do in the Daintree Rainforest, a spectacular attraction and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

1. Immerse yourself in a Daintree Rainforest walk

Join one of the many tours that showcase the beauty of the Daintree Rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Nothing quite compares to exploring the Daintree on foot. Walking its ancient terrain puts you in the belly of a multisensory beast where every plant’s smell, every animal’s call and feel every inch of its misty warmth is experienced.

DREAMTIME WALKS

a guided dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge Centre

Go on a spiritual walk through the lush rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re near Mossman Gorge, a guided Dreamtime Walk from the team at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a must. The 1.5-hour journey follows private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites including traditional Indigenous bark shelters. Stunning water streams are also abundant so charge your phone before heading out.

KULKI BOARDWALK

The rainforest meets Kulki Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Kulki Boardwalk takes you to Cape Tribulation Beach lookout for an iconic perspective of Cape Tribulation. Spy steep rainforest slopes cascading into sandy beaches and rocky headlands.

MADJA BOARDWALK

The Madja Boardwalk is an easy 45-minute Cape Tribulation stretch that takes in a concrete pathway to Oliver Creek where you can sit and try to spot a crocodile or few.

JINDALBA BOARDWALK

Walk along the Jindalba boardwalk to discover Daintree’s diverse flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Jindalba, which translates to ‘foot of the mountain’ in traditional Kuku Yalanji language, is a 650-metre Cape Tribulation circuit walk that takes about 45 minutes to complete. While it underwent improvements throughout 2025, information signs providing facts about the Daintree’s diverse flora and fauna make this trail popular when it is open.

DUBUJI BOARDWALK

The Dubuji Boardwalk is a 1.3-kilometre walk that takes you to Myall Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Dubuji Boardwalk is a 650-metre return trip that wanders through the foothills of Mount Alexandra in Cape Tribulation. It’ll take you 45 minutes all up but give yourself extra time to spy a tree kangaroo as they call this area home.

2. Dip into the Daintree’s waterfalls and swimming holes

Cool off at the stunning swimming hole at Emmagen Creek. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Swimming and the Daintree rarely go together (hello, croc country), but there are some places that offer safe conditions, allowing you to cool off beyond the fencing of private swimming pools.

CASSOWARY FALLS

Cassowary Falls is located on a private property which offers some of the best accommodation in the Daintree, but you can access the falls themselves via one of the property’s tours . Choose from a 2.5-hour visit or go the full-day experience which includes a river cruise. Best of all, a highlight of both picks is the lounging-under-a-waterfall bit so brace yourself for all the selfies.

WUJAL WUJAL FALLS

two people visiting the Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls

A 4WD gives you access to the stunning Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls is located on the Bloomfield Track, a wildly beautiful drive that can only be taken by 4WDs. The pristine spot is sacred to the Wujal Wujal community, and many of the waterfalls in the area are reserved for female members of the local community. The public can access this one though, as clearly stated on a nearby signpost. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for these signs out of respect for the local Kuku Yalanji people.

EMMAGEN CREEK

Emmagen Creek marks the “end of the road" for 2WDs before heading to the Bloomfield Track. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emmagen Creek features a swimming hole about five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation surrounded by deep rainforest. The crystal-clear waterhole is lined with water-eroded rocks, creating an ideal place to connect with nature. Crocs do appear downstream of the creek crossing, so only swim in the swimming hole itself for safety reasons.

MASON’S SWIMMING HOLE

With no crocs in sight, Mason’s swimming hole is one of the safest spots to swim in the Daintree. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Mason’s Swimming Hole is roughly 20 minutes’ walk from Cape Tribulation along Myall Creek and features swings and clear water. An honesty box can also be found, inviting $1 donations per swim. It’s important to always check for signs or local advice before entering.

3. Fix your sweet tooth at Floravilla

One of the Daintree’s most beloved ice cream haunts, Floravilla churns out organic creations made from seasonal fruits, including the region’s most exotic. Located on Cape Tribulation Road, you won’t miss the blue and white signs leading you towards its biodynamic treats. According to the team, their most alluring flavour is ‘Daintree Rainforest’ which blends lemon myrtle, coconut, ginger, kale, vanilla and spirulina to utterly intrigue.

4. Be enlightened at the Daintree Discovery Centre

the forest walkway at Daintree Discovery Centre

Explore the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Daintree Discovery Centre is the place to visit for a deeper understanding of your surroundings, offering visitors access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest from the forest floor to its upper canopies. You’ll find a 23-metre-high canopy tower, an 11-metre-high aerial walkway, accessible VR exploration from ground level and so much more.

5. Float along a stunning Daintree river

the River Drift Experience at Daintree river

Embark on an enchanting River Drift Experience along the pristine Daintree River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Undoubtedly one of the most unique tours to choose, Back Country Bliss’ River Drift Experience invites visitors to slink along the Mossman River’s clear streams while lying on a lilo (but the team call them ‘river sleds’). Children above the age of four and all fun-seeking grown-ups are welcome on the two-hour experience, which takes in both fast flowing and ultra-serene sections.

6. Sample Daintree Tea straight from the source

You’ve probably seen Daintree Tea before, but even if you haven’t, the brand’s Farmgate Stall on Cape Tribulation Road is a must-experience. The roadside stall offers visitors a chance to sample its pesticide-free, vegan and gluten-free creations as all tea is served within 24 hours of being harvested. The unmanned set-up (you’ll need to make your purchases online prior to arrival or place cash in the on-site honesty box) also sells homemade honey and don’t leave without peeking at the photos hung on the stall’s walls that share insight into the plantation’s operations.

7. Marvel in a spread of giant fan palms

They’re one of the Daintree’s most recognisable features, so embrace the giant fan palm (or Licuala ramsayi, if you’re a budding botanist) in all its glory. The Daintree Fan Palm Farm is home to the Gallery of the Giant Fan Palms which features a boardwalk dotted with the impressive plant. There’s also a 500-year-old spurwood tree to gawk at, plus a secret swimming hole that opens during the wet season.

8. Spot a crocodile along the Daintree River

crocodile spotting with Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises

Spot crocs from a boat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Daintree without seeing one of its native saltwater crocs in the wild. It’s such an essential thing to do in the Daintree that we’ve even rounded up the best of the best. Take a look at our list of the top Daintree River cruises for a sure-fire chance at spotting the enthralling creatures.

9. Wander the Daintree Village’s quaint stores

Get a feel for the community at Daintree Village , which is in fact the Daintree’s oldest settlement, adopted by timber cutters in the 1870s. It’s a bare-bones collective of stores including a pub, grocer and visitor information centre, but dropping in offers quiet respite from days filled with action-packed activity.

10. Laze on the sand at Cow Bay Beach

riding a swing at sunset on Cow Bay Beach

Swing at sunset. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located halfway between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay Beach is a peaceful spot filled with three secluded bays and shaded beach to frolic upon — just don’t enter the surf as crocodiles like it here, too. A hit among fishing folk and serenity seeking holiday makers, the stretch of sand is often visited by butterflies and cassowaries, making for a grounding pit-stop on your way to Cape Tribulation.

Originally written by Emily Murphy with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best accommodation in the Daintree

Shake off your tech and reconnect to earth with the most grounding Daintree walks.

Tapping into your inner vine-swinging Mowgli is unavoidable upon entering Tropical North Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. Crammed with flowing streams, cascading waterfalls, secret swimming spots and jaw-dropping mountain ranges, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest on the entire planet. While action-packed Daintree tours round up serious highlights, nothing compares to strapping on your boots and getting (strategically) lost amongst its immensity.

Before you go, it’s worth noting that safe trails are contained to Daintree National Park, which works to preserve a huge portion of the wider rainforest. Split into the rocky Mossman Gorge area and coastal Cape Tribulation section, the park is a nature lover’s playground. Here, we unveil the best Daintree walks to get you exploring with ease.

1. Rainforest Circuit Track in Mossman Gorge

a guided Dreamtime Walk experience, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

Join the 1.5-hour Dreamtime Walk in Mossman Gorge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance: 3.4 kilometres

Time: Roughly 2 hours

Difficulty: Grade 3, which means there’s some obstacles. Walking experience is required and Grade 3 also indicates steep hills and more than a few stairs.

Easily one of the most popular walks in the Daintree, the Rainforest Circuit Track in Mossman Gorge offers ridiculous views of Mount Demi, a spiritually significant rock formation of the local Kuku Yalanji people. Visitors will delight in the array of flora and fauna this Daintree walk covers, including strangler figs and various butterfly species, while the circular nature of the trip equals straightforward exploration — who doesn’t love that?

To get there, seek out the shuttle bus stop car park in Mossman Gorge and take the Baral Marrjanga track to the Rex Creek bridge track (more on both of those trails, below). The circuit starts on the far side of the bridge.

2. Dubuji Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation

Take the scenic Dubuji Boardwalk through the foothills of Mount Alexandra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Distance: 1.2 kilometres

Time: About 45 minutes

Difficulty: Grade 1, which means the track is flat, stair-free, clearly signposted and well-formed. Wheelchairs are also welcome, though some assistance is required.

If the Daintree walk of your dreams involves gazing into lush mangrove swamps to uncover what lies beneath, the Dubuji Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation has your name on it. Extremely simple to navigate due to its flat terrain, this pick is known to throw up the odd cassowary, too. Bird life thrives here, in fact, with kingfishers and orange-footed scrubfowls roaming the joint — and then there’s the payoff for all your hard work, Myall Beach, accessible from the boardwalk.

3. Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail

Distance: 10.6 kilometres, return

Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: Grade 4, which means the trail’s rough and steep with minimal signposts. You’ll need bushwalking experience and be extra careful if it’s been raining as the track will get slippery.

Full-day explorers who know how to navigate uneven and hilly terrain should consider the incredible Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail , which uncovers one of the most culturally significant sites in the region. A word of warning from Queensland National Parks: experienced walkers should only attempt this Daintree walk between May and November when rain is minimal and the track isn’t slippery. The team advises visitors to steer clear of it any other time.

If you do find an opportunity to strike it off your bucket list, however, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular plant life, spanning ancient bloodwoods and giant wattles, the upper reaches of the Daintree, breathtaking views out to Port Douglas and Thornton Peak, and the dramatic Split Rock boulder.

4. Lower River Track in Mossman Gorge

Spy the Mossman River gushing over granite boulders. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance: 640 metres, return

Time: About 40 minutes in total

Difficulty: Grade 2, which means the trail is formed but you’ll likely encounter hills and steps. Be careful if it’s been raining as things get slippery.

Flowing streams, birdsong harmonies and multicoloured butterflies? The Lower River Track in Mossman Gorge is a short but insanely sweet stretch of prime Daintree real estate. Keep your eyes peeled for several lookouts to help you spy the Mossman River gushing over granite boulders and into the ocean, and don’t be surprised to spot a turtle amid your awe. You’ll find this Daintree walk’s entry at the shuttle bus stop in the Mossman Gorge day-use area.

5. Rex Creek Bridge Track in Mossman Gorge

Distance: 1.4 kilometres, return

Time: Roughly 1 hour

Difficulty: Grade 2, which means the trail is formed but you’ll likely encounter hills and steps.

If you’re wary of unstable heights, look away. Adventure seekers will, however, love the Rex Creek Bridge Track in Mossman Gorge , which takes visitors onto a suspension bridge across the flowing Rex Creek. You’ll trawl lush rainforest to get to the star of the show, which also provides an epic vantage point to spot turtles and fish that call the creek home. To find the walk’s entry, leave from the Mossman Gorge car park along the Baral Marrjanga track, which leads to the bridge track.

6. Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail in Cape Tribulation

Distance: 7 kilometres, return

Time: About 6 hours

Difficulty: Grade 4, which means the trail’s rough and steep, with minimal signposts. You’ll need bushwalking experience for this one.

For a sweeping view of the Daintree’s spectacular coastline, the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail is the ultimate pick. Ascending the ridge of Mount Sorrow, this Daintree walk soars you 680 metres above ground level and once you do reach that summit, you’ll spy the Great Barrier Reef if conditions are clear. Queensland National Parks recommends you leave the peak’s lookout by 2pm, even on a sunny day, to allow enough time to return before dark.

7. Kulki Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation

This Daintree walk leads you to Cape Tribulation’s golden beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Distance: 600 metres, return

Time: Just 10 minutes

Difficulty: Grade 1, which means the track is flat, stair-free, clearly signposted and well-formed.

An all-too-convenient stretch of timber makes strolling the Kulki Boardwalk an easy choice, as do the legendary Cape Tribulation views you’ll score along the way. From dramatic headlands to golden beaches, delightful eyefuls run rife on this Daintree walk, which can be reached by driving along Cape Tribulation Road and turning into its well-signalled car park.

8. Madja Boardwalk in Cape Tribulation

Distance: 1.2 kilometre circuit

Time: About 45 minutes

Difficulty: Grade 1, which means the track is flat, stair-free, clearly signposted and well-formed.

It’s mangrove country again on the Madja Boardwalk , a loop that explores the Daintree’s lowland tranquillity. You’ll trail a sturdy path dotted with educational signage to offer insight into the Daintree’s incredible plant life as the odd eel and crabs plus other crustaceans shuffle down low.

9. Jindalba Circuit Track in Cape Tribulation

friends exploring Jindalba Circuit Track in Cape Tribulation

Wander through the 650-metre Jindalba Circuit Track surrounded by unique flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance: 3-kilometre circuit

Time: About 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Grade 4, which means the trail’s rough and steep with minimal signposts. You’ll need bushwalking experience.

Find your grippiest shoes as the Jindalba Circuit Track takes visitors across multiple trickling creeks, so the conditions are inevitably wet. Your effort will be worth it, however, as this Daintree walk scales the base of Mount Alexandria, taking in loads of native wildlife including an extensive collection of birds, like giant cassowaries, and multiple kangaroo types.

10. Baral Marrjanga Track in Mossman Gorge

Distance: 660 metres, return

Time: Roughly 30 minutes

Difficulty: Grade 1, which means the track is flat, stair-free, clearly signposted and well-formed. Wheelchairs and prams are welcome.

Navigate the Mossman Gorge from above with the elevated Baral Marrjanga Track . One of the simplest Daintree walks, the trek runs through the lower canopy and is littered with bright butterflies. There’s also a lookout to hang at where vistas across the Mossman River dazzle and turtles have been spotted below. Access the track from the Mossman Gorge day-use area car park.