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

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.

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