The Daintree Rainforest

Things to Do in Daintree Rainforest

Born from the ancient rainforest covered supercontinent of Gondwana, the Daintree Rainforest is the perfect escape from the city.

There’s no need to choose between beach or rainforest when you’re here! The perfect mix of ancient rainforest and beach views, the Daintree Rainforest is the perfect holiday destination.

At the ripe age of 180 million years, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Forming Australia’s biggest continuous rainforest, you can find the Daintree just north of Cairns in Queensland. The UNESCO area is peppered with ancient species of trees and plants, promising something new around every twist and turn. Move through a swamp to a picturesque mangrove gallery, to a peaceful eucalyptus woodland featuring plenty of vibrant birds.

The Daintree Rainforest is famous throughout the world and brings over 400,000 visitors of travellers to Australia annually. Here you will see species unlike any other in the world, and be immersed in the World’s incredible natural history.

The Daintree isn’t just one of the oldest rainforests in the world, it’s absolutely huge! Covering roughly 1,200 square kilometres it is the largest tropical rainforest within Australia. Here, the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest. This beautiful border of reef and rainforest is the only place in the world where two UNESCO listed areas meet.

Visiting the Rainforest

Being so big, it is swarming with incredible attractions for every taste and budget.

One of the great beauties of the rainforest is Mossman Gorge. Here you’ll find an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna as well as learn about local Indigenous history. Visit the Mossman Gorge Centre to learn more about the land’s Aboriginal history. Support their community by purchasing art and goods made by local Aboriginal people and enjoy a cultural tour to learn about bush foods, medicines and see traditional shelters. Venture along one of the Gorge’s many walking paths and submerge yourself in the ancient greenery. And of course, no trip to Mossman Gorge would be complete without a plunge into the clear flowing waters. Listed as one of the best swimming holes in the region you cannot miss the opportunity to cool down in the crisp water. Be warned though, the water here is colder than it looks- even in the middle of summer!

One of the main attractions when visiting Daintree is the Cape Tribulation. The rainforest is the gateway to this unspoiled coastal area. Move through the lush greenery before you arrive at the pristine waters and stunning sand of Cape Tribulation’s beaches. Cape Tribulation Beach is by far the biggest, and most popular. Stroll barefoot through the soft sand, kayak along the sapphire shore, or relax at the restaurant to tuck into some delicious food with a beer or two.

Wildlife in the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree has an incredible array of unique and spectacular native wildlife.

Australia’s scaly beasts roam the waters of this region, the famous Saltwater Crocodiles. These crocs are the largest living reptiles in the world, growing up to 6 metres, and weighing around 1000 kilograms. Make sure to keep your eyes open as these are sneaky creatures. Blending into the green-brown water by their thick scales camouflaging them. They can remain quite still, disguising themselves into a fallen log or vegetation. Cruise along the rivers to learn more and to see the crocs leap from the air, famously known as the Jumping Crocodile Tours.

In this rainforest also lives the famous cassowary. This large bird is one of Australia’s most feared and should not be messed with! Their large talons and brightly coloured heads make them easy to identify when in the open. Be careful not to spook them though.

After trekking though the ancient rainforest, cool off in the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef, overflowing with colourful coral and unique marine life. Snorkel or scuba dive your way down to the bottom to see the underwater wonderland up close. Ride a boat to the outer, untouched regions of the reef on a full day of sea and sun.

The Daintree Rainforest has so much on offer that it simply cannot be missed!