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

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

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