The Daintree Rainforest is Australia’s most gorgeous tropical wonderland and is the world’s oldest rainforest.

Daintree Rainforest Holiday

The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. The Daintree Rainforest is over 180 million years old, making it 10 million years older than the Amazon Rainforest.

With so much incredible flora and fauna to see in one trip, it makes sense that people from across the world want to see this stunning tropical gem. Travellers will ask if they can see the Daintree alone, meandering around its giant trees and bizarre creatures on a serene, solo trek.

The simple answer is yes, you can visit the Daintree solo! That being said, if you want to truly absorb everything this fascinating part of the world has to offer, a tour may be more suitable. There are a range of tours that teach you about the different aspects of the Daintree and what makes it such an unbelievable part of the world.

What tours should I do?

To truly experience the Daintree Rainforest for all its natural wonder, why not tag along with one of these awe-inspiring tours?

Port Douglas

• One day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour with Port Douglas

If you’re short on time, this is a perfect one-day tour for you that includes the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas! On this tour, you will see amazing breathtaking views from Rex Lookout and Alexandra Lookout.

You will get to walk along the pristine beaches at Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. While in Cape Tribulation, you will be able to cool off in one of the few freshwater swimming holes.

While on the Daintree River cruise, you might spot a saltwater crocodile and other wildlife as you weave your way through the rainforest. On the tour, you will also have the chance to pick up some food along the way.

• One-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour

This tour is a great way to spend your day out of Cairns to see the ancient rainforest and Cape Tribulation. You will also go through Mossman Gorge to see the surrounding area and go for a refreshing swim.

You’ll have the chance to also grab some food to keep up your energy for when you do some boardwalks through the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. The tour stops by Alexandra Lookout and Rex Lookout for some breathtaking views. There is also a cruise along the Daintree River to spot some wildlife, including crocodiles.

• Two-day Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Atherton Tablelands

The best way to see the Daintree Rainforest is by spending more time in the area. The two-day tour will be within the Daintree, with stops at Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation.

Highlights from this tour include seeing amazing waterfalls and a chance to cool off in some swimming holes. You’ll walk through the ancient rainforest to spot some wildlife, including tropical birds and possibly a platypus.

There are plenty of lookout points you’ll stop at to take in the coastal and rainforest views. But have you ever seen a crocodile before? There is a high chance you will during this trip as you go on the Daintree River cruise!

Atherton Tablelands

I still want to travel the Daintree solo, what should I see?

We get it, you want to embark on your own adventure and see the Daintree Rainforest solo. Here are a couple of things you should definitely check out during your trip.

• Go on the Daintree River cruise to spot some crocs

The Daintree River weaves through the ancient rainforest and is your best chance at spotting the saltwater crocodile. Sounds scary? Not at all! There will be a local guide who will teach you about these prehistoric beasts as well as other reptiles, birds and insects that inhabit the forest.

• Chill and unwind at Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world where two UNESCO sites meet, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Here you’ll have one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal blue waters leading onto a sandy shore that then backs onto the lush rainforest.
Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to chill, kick back and take a rest after a morning’s forest trekking. You can go exploring through the rainforest or go for a swim in one of the nearby swimming holes.

Cape Tribulation

• Learn about the local Aboriginal history in the Mossman Gorge

The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are incredibly important to the local Kuku Yalanji people. The Kuku Yalanji people have lived in the area for over 50,000 years.
We highly recommend taking a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks where you can learn about the stunning area and its connection to the people.

So yes, you can do the Daintree alone and see the incredible rainforest. But with so much to learn in one place, it’s best to tag along with the people who know it better than anyone else and book a tour.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest Tours

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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