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

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

an aerial view of Kulki Beach — 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

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 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

swimming in Emmagen Creek, Daintree — 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 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

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

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.