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Plan your visit to Daintree National Park | Top places to see, location, & more

Overview

Daintree National Park is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, offering guided tours, river cruises, rainforest walks, and wildlife encounters. Organised day tours from Cairns or Port Douglas are the easiest way to explore highlights like Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation with expert commentary. Independent visitors can explore boardwalks and lookouts, but guided tours provide deeper insight into the rainforest’s ecology and history.

Travel logistics

Daintree National Park is located north of Cairns and Port Douglas, with access via the Daintree River Ferry to reach the Cape Tribulation section. Most tours depart from Cairns or Port Douglas and include round-trip hotel transfers, making them the easiest way to visit. Self-driving is possible, but distances are long, and facilities are limited in remote areas, so planning ahead is recommended.

Handy tips

  • Choose small-group tours for a premium experience: Smaller groups offer more personalised commentary, better wildlife spotting, and more time at each stop.
  • Look for tours with a Daintree River cruise included: This is one of the best ways to spot crocodiles and wildlife, and not all tours include it.
  • Check if lunch and park fees are included: Some tours bundle meals and entry fees, while others charge separately. Compare inclusions for better value.

Top places to see at & near Daintree National park

Visitors exploring Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park by a riverbank.
Group walking on Cape Tribulation beach with Daintree rainforest backdrop.
Visitors enjoying the view at Alexandra Lookout, Daintree National Park, with tour bus nearby.
Couple posing on a guided Daintree Rainforest tour with lush greenery and ocean view.
Aerial view of people walking on a beach surrounded by lush rainforest in Cape Tribulation, Daintree.
Wooden boardwalk through lush Daintree Rainforest, part of Billy Tea Safaris tour.
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Mossman Gorge

A stunning section of the Daintree River with clear waters, rainforest walking tracks, and cultural tours led by Indigenous guides. Great for swimming, photography, and short rainforest walks.

Cape Tribulation Beach

Where the rainforest meets the reef, this iconic beach offers walking trails, lookout points, and scenic coastline views. A key highlight on most Daintree day tours.

Alexandra Lookout

A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Daintree River, rainforest canopy, and Coral Sea. A popular stop for photos and scenic breaks on guided tours.

Port Douglas

A relaxed tropical town and gateway to the Daintree, with beaches, restaurants, and reef tours. Many Daintree tours start or stop here, making it a convenient base.

Thornton Beach

A quiet, scenic beach surrounded by rainforest, perfect for a peaceful walk and coastal views. Crocodiles can be present, so swimming is not recommended.

Kulki Lookout & Kulki Boardwalk

A short boardwalk and lookout near Cape Tribulation offering elevated rainforest and ocean views. Easy and accessible, making it a popular stop on guided tours.

Where is Daintree National Park located & how to get there

Boat tour through lush Daintree rainforest with Billy Tea Safaris.

Daintree National Park is located in Far North Queensland, Australia, and forms part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The park stretches from Mossman Gorge in the south to Cape Tribulation in the north, where rainforest meets the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. This region is known for its ancient rainforest, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife.

Address: Queensland, Australia. Find on Map.

Car crossing a bridge over a river in Daintree National Park, surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Distance: Cairns is around 95 km (about 1.5–2 hours’ drive) from the Daintree River Ferry, while Port Douglas is around 45 km (45–60 minutes’ drive) away. From the ferry, Cape Tribulation is approximately 35 km further north.
  • Transfers: Most guided tours include hotel pickup from Cairns, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas. Self-drive visitors must cross the Daintree River via cable ferry and drive north to Cape Tribulation. Public transport is limited, so guided transfers are the easiest option.

Top dining spots around Daintree National Park

While there are no major restaurants inside the rainforest itself, Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, and nearby Port Douglas offer excellent cafés and eateries, ideal for lunch stops or post-tour meals.

Turtle Rock Café & Bar

A relaxed café near Cape Tribulation known for casual meals and a tropical rainforest setting.

  • Where it is: 3903, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, QLD (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Australian / Café
  • Price point: AUD 15–30 per person
  • Must-try: Tropical fruit smoothie, burgers, fish and chips

WHET Restaurant

A farm-to-table restaurant surrounded by a tropical fruit plantation, offering seasonal menus and local produce.

  • Where it is: LOT 1, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, QLD (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Modern Australian
  • Price point: AUD 25–50 per person
  • Must-try: Local seafood dishes, tropical fruit desserts

Daintree Ice Cream Company

A unique stop famous for tropical fruit ice creams made from farm-grown ingredients, popular on guided tours.

  • Where it is: 1819 Cape Tribulation Road, Diwan, QLD (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Desserts / Ice cream
  • Price point: AUD 8–15 per person
  • Must-try: Soursop, mango, black sapote ice cream

On The Turps

A casual pub-style restaurant in Port Douglas, often visited before or after Daintree tours.

  • Where it is: 236 R96, Turpentine Rd, Diwan QLD 4873, Australia (Find on maps)
  • Cuisine: Australian / Pub
  • Price point: AUD 20–40 per person

Must-try: Kangaroo steak, seafood dishes, craft beers

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About Daintree National Park

Timings

Getting There

Frequently asked questions about plan your visit to Daintree National Park

Most visitors join guided day tours from Cairns or Port Douglas, which include hotel transfers. If self-driving, you’ll need to cross the Daintree River by ferry to reach Cape Tribulation.