Daintree tours: 10 best to uncover the world’s oldest rainforest

To see all the best bits of the Daintree Rainforest without hassle, look no further than one of these incredible Daintree tours.

The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland is a bucket list destination that must be seen to be believed. Its sheer size, extending to about 1,200 square kilometres, and its flora and fauna are seldom seen anywhere else in the world. To fully appreciate the Daintree Rainforest and soak up its endless anomalies, join one of the best Daintree tours. Unrivalled knowledge, profound storytelling and one-of-a-kind fun is just a booking away.

1. Walkabout Cultural Adventures

Ngana Julaymba Dungay: We Are All Going Daintree guided tour, Walkabout Cultural Adventures — Discover the wonders of the Daintree with a local Aboriginal guide. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There’s no better way to see the Daintree than with a local Aboriginal guide who serves as a traditional custodian of Kuku Yalanji country. Walkabout Cultural Adventures hosts several Indigenous tours, ranging from half-day to full-day tours, where you’ll learn about natural foods and medicines utilised by the Kuku Yalanji people, sample bush tucker, collect shellfish and try your hand at traditional Aboriginal hunting practices like throwing a boomerang or spear.

If you opt for the company’s Southern Daintree Rainforest Guided Tour, you’ll also wander along the Mossman Gorge, and, if you’re lucky, catch a mud crab. Pick up is arranged from Daintree Village, Mossman or Port Douglas. Bring along your cozzies as swimmable sections are bound to entice you.

2. Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre’s Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks

a couple on a Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre’s Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk — Go on a spiritual trail through the rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in Kuku Yalanji language, and that’s precisely what you’re treated to on the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre’s Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk . Local Indigenous guides start with a smoking ceremony before leading guests on a spiritual trail through the rainforest, taking in culturally significant sites and sharing enchanting Dreamtime stories.

The Daintree tour lasts roughly 1.5 hours and includes bush tea and damper, and an ochre and soap painting demonstration. You can expect no more than 15 guests, typically, on each tour.

3. Cassowary Falls’ Daintree Rainforest tour

the Cassowary Falls, Daintree — Cassowary Falls is one of very few places you can swim safely in the Daintree.

Cassowary Falls is an incredible waterfall located on private property, so one of the only ways to see it is by signing up to Cassowary Falls’ Daintree Rainforest tour . One of the Daintree’s only safe swimming spots, due to those snappy river residents, the hot spot is the star of two daily tours that run from two to 2.5 hours a piece. Gawk in its splendour, relax on its mossy rocks, and swim to your heart’s content.

As a bonus, keep your eye out for turtles who call Cassowary Falls home, an unparalleled Daintree swimming highlight (if they’re feeling social).

4. Daintree Ice Cream Co’s Orchard Tour

ice cream from Daintree Ice Cream Company — All the ice cream is handmade on site from the exotic fruits grown in the orchard. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Daintree Ice Cream Company churns up ice cream unlike anything else you’ve sampled, taking the rainforest’s unique fruits and ingredients to nail creamy sweetness that’s organically grown and irrigated naturally by tropical rainfall. The free, self-guided Daintree Ice Cream Co’s Orchard Tour typically takes about 30 minutes and its final pit-stop includes devourable treats. The orchard is home to more than 15 species of rare and exotic fruit trees, spanning Davidson plum, lychee and dragon fruit, plus native beehives will undoubtedly delight.

5. Bike Shop & Hire’s E-Bike tour

Sit back and relax on a self-guided e-bike tour facilitated by Bike Shop & Hire . Offering guests an itinerary that covers Daintree National Park’s Mossman Gorge, it also ducks into the Mossman Markets, The Australian Chocolate Farm in Shannonvale Valley and Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery. The trip takes about six hours in total, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the spoils, and you don’t need to be super experienced to hop on — navigating uphill climbs is a breeze thanks to your electric wheels. Each tour includes a helmet, GPS guidance, a morning shuttle to the tour’s starting point at Cooya Beach, and a complimentary chocolate plate.

6. Daintree Rainforest Discovery

two people standing on a hanging bridge in Daintree National Park — The native flora and fauna in the Daintree are seldom seen anywhere else in the world. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While there are many amazing Daintree accommodation options and places to stay in Cape Tribulation, basing yourself in Port Douglas offers a stack of tour options including those from the acclaimed Daintree Discovery Tours . Our pick of the bunch is the Total Daintree Experience, which kicks off at 7.25am and wraps at 5.30pm,  covering the Mossman Gorge National Park’s boardwalk trail, morning tea at the Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre, a Daintree River cruise, a stroll along the 600-metre return Daintree Boardwalk, lunch at On The Turps Restaurant at Heritage Lodge, a croc-free creek swim and time at Cape Tribulation Beach.

On the way home, you’ll stop at Alexandra Range lookout to take in the views of the coastline, all the way up to Cairns, before return transfers will drop you at your accommodation.

7. Billy Tea Safaris’ Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour

a Daintree River Cruise with Billy Tea Safaris — Get whisked off on a Billy Tea Safaris’ full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Desperate to explore the upper reaches of the Daintree as well as Cape Tribulation? Billy Tea Safaris’ full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour can pick you up from Cairns, Palm Cove, the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas, whisking you off on an unforgettable journey.

The daily Daintree tour travels in a 4WD and includes a Daintree River cruise, dropping into Alexandra Range lookout, a visit to Cape Tribulation Beach and more. Be sure to wear sturdy closed shoes as holiday flip flops will prove a nightmare while navigating the rainforest floor.

8. Back Country Bliss’ Mossman Gorge Adventure Day

the River Drift Experience peacefully floating down the Mossman River, Back Country Bliss’ Mossman Gorge Adventure Day — Float down the Mossman River with Back Country Bliss. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

A full-day expedition departing from Port Douglas and Mossman, Back Country Bliss’ Mossman Gorge Adventure Day promises to plunge you into the beauty of the Daintree rather than gazing at it from afar. Not only will you drift along the Daintree River on a river sled (picture yourself lying on a lilo — that’s what it’s like), you’ll also take in a traditional smoking ceremony, have Indigenous body paint materials like ochre applied, visit significant cultural rainforest sites and be fed lunch, water and snacks. When these guys say adventure, they mean it.

9. Far North Escapes’ Daintree Forest tours

Ranging from morning and half-day expeditions to guided night walks, Far North Escapes’ Daintree Forest tours offer expert guidance around the region. At the smaller end of the spectrum, the Morning Walk Tour is led by a naturalist who takes guests along a boardwalk while offering their unique perspective. At the all-encompassing end, the Afternoon and Guided Night Walk Tour cruises the Daintree River, dishing up ice cream before a night trail sheds light on unique nocturnal nightlife and dinner is served.

10. Daintree Sensations

Foodies, this one’s for you. Daintree Sensations ’ full-day culinary-inspired take on the Daintree is filled with delicious awakenings, with visits to The Australian Chocolate Farm and a tropical fruit farm as well as guided fishing and a serene picnic by Cassowary Falls’ famed cascade. Besides filling up on all the good stuff, guests will also get to chat to local growers and farmers to gain genuine insight into the Daintree’s sensational bounty.

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

Discover the best accommodation in the Daintree

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

10 of the best Daintree tours to uncover the world’s oldest rainforest