The Daintree River is an ancient long river with a variety of species to spot.

The Daintree River is one of the top attractions to visit in northern Queensland when exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest. The river is a mix of fresh and salt water that flows out into the coral sea of the Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree River cruise

The Daintree River cruise is the best way to explore the river to see the wildlife and the flora. There will be a local guide onboard that will tell you about the local history of the river and the rainforest.

Wildlife

The Daintree River has some of the most impressive creatures that you can spot. You can come across some harmless wildlife to some of the deadliest in the world.

  • Crocodiles

    The saltwater crocodile is perhaps the most impressive animal to spot in the Daintree River. If you go on the Daintree River cruise you will likely see one swimming by or sunbaking on the riverbank. It’s estimated that there are about 70 adult crocodiles in the river that are between 3.5 metres to 5 metres long.

  • Birds

    Birds are all around the Daintree River whether they are flying above, in the trees or on the rainforest floor. Many colourful birds are easy to spot from being blue, yellow or even green. But perhaps the most sought after that visitors want to spot is the southern cassowary which is dinosaur looking large bid.

  • Fish

    All kinds of fish can be found in the Daintree River! The most looked for is the barramundi, but there are also butterfish, catfish, blue eye, and many more.

  • Snakes

    Snakes are very common throughout the Daintree and can be spotted in the trees, sunbaking on the riverbanks, or even swimming in the river! Snakes that are around the area can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid them even if some are non venomous.

  • Lizards

    Around in the rainforest and the river can be all kinds of lizards. Some major lizards include the Eastern water dragon or the frilled neck lizard. But you may even spot a goanna, kinks and other lizards that hurry along the riverbank or take a dip in the river.

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree River weaves through the ancient Daintree Rainforest! The rainforest is over 180 million years old, making it the world’s oldest rainforest. There are a lot of walking trail opportunities you can do to explore the rainforest and spot all kinds of wildlife.

Mount Alexandra Lookout

A short drive from Daintree River is a magnificent lookout of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Mount Alexandra Lookout is worth checking out to see the lush rainforest from above. The rainforest stretches out to the beautiful beach and coral sea in Cape Tribulation.

Daintree Discovery Centre

The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great gateway introduction to the Daintree Rainforest. Walk along the boardwalks or the walkways through Daintree and learn more about the unspoiled parts of the rainforest.

Daintree River Map