Our most recommended things to do in Daintree, Australia

Cairns: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with Cruise Option

1. Cairns: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with Cruise Option

Embark on a day trip where the rainforest meets the reef. See natural sights including the Great Barrier Reef, experience a wildlife cruise, and participate in a smoke ceremony as you go. Start your adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, the far north’s very own great ocean road with panoramic views of the sparkling Coral Sea. The first stop is Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world-famous Daintree National Park. The gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll be welcomed by the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits during a smoke ceremony. Also, enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters. After crossing the mighty Daintree River and a lunch break, it’s time to explore the ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress. Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, you will discover everything from low-lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems - all in one short easy walk. You can choose to taste locally made ice cream, at your own cost, and prepare for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout, which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta, and out to the Coral Sea. In the afternoon, experience a wildlife cruise on the river (if option selected). During the cruise, you may see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system. On the return journey to Cairns, drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid-back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.

Port Douglas: River Drift Snorkelling Tour in the Daintree

2. Port Douglas: River Drift Snorkelling Tour in the Daintree

Embark on an amazing eco-immersion adventure that’s different every time! Explore the rainforest and swim, snorkel, float, and walk in the natural atmosphere. Step into the cool, crystal-clear water and drift with the current as you explore life under the water’s surface. Watch fish dart in and around the river stones and keep your eyes out for the occasional turtle. You’re in control… Navigate down a flowing rainforest river with your sturdy river sled. The perfect way to stay cool in the hot tropics and a great introduction to snorkelling before heading out to the reef. Our experience can be both fast paced and slow, depending on how much water is in the river. Confidence in water, and good mobility and fitness is required to enjoy this tour

Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

3. Cairns: Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

Explore Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Ride a 4WD vehicle as you spot wildlife, catch incredible views, and try regional food along the way. After being picked up in a 4WD, make your way north along the Captain Cook Highway. Stop first at the Daintree Cruise Centre for a quick tea, coffee, and biscuits before setting out to explore the Daintree River on a 1-hour guided cruise. During your cruise, you may spot estuarine crocodiles, from youngsters to massive 4-meter adults. Learn about the birds and wildlife that make this area their home. Then, make your way to the Alexandra Range Lookout, located in the heart of the rainforest, to enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, the ocean, its surrounding reefs, and the majestic Daintree River. At the Jindalba boardwalk, you'll go on an informative 45-minute guided tour to experience the Park's beauty up close. See ancient 900-year-old palms, and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Boyd’s Forest Dragon. After exploring all morning, you'll be ready for lunch. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers. Your journey continues, heading further north along the Bloomfield Track to Emmagen Creek. Enjoy ample time for a refreshing swim in this amazing freshwater swimming spot. Head to Cape Tribulation Beach itself for a leisurely stroll along the beach to admire the views. Those feeling a little more energetic can take the short botanical boardwalk to the Cape Tribulation beach lookout. After Cape Tribulation beach, if there's time, stop at Daintree’s hidden secret, the Daintree ice creamery. Your taste buds will be tantalized with exotic tropical fruit homemade ice cream. As the day comes to an end after taking the ferry back across, head back toward Port Douglas and Cairns, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

4. Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Your day on the reef: Cruise from Cairns on board the fastest, luxury superyacht for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. The 35-meter luxury superyacht departs Cairns daily, with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations known for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Enjoy snorkelling at both reef sites with all snorkelling equipment and tuition provided. A gourmet buffet lunch with fresh prawns, fish, steak, and a variety of salads together and a free glass of wine with nibbles for your return journey provide a level of service and comfort that is unmatched. Your day in the Rainforest: Then, embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, cool down with a refreshing swim at Emmagen Creek and enjoy lunch at Cape Tribulation. Savour a homemade Daintree ice cream on your journey home.

Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

5. Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Check-in at the Sailaway office at the marina at 4:30 PM for a 5:00 PM departure. Climb aboard a luxury catamaran for a 1.5-hour evening cruise. Depart from the marina and feel the wind in your hair as the spectacular vessel moves smoothly and comfortably across the ocean. Receive a complimentary glass of beer, wine, or champagne. Savor a delicious selection of freshly prepared hot and cold canapes. Relax and unwind whilst enjoying the fantastic views of the coral sea and Daintree coastline. Enjoy pure sailing, great music, ambiance, and first-class service. After the sunset cruise, return to the marina at 6:30 PM.

Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

6. Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

The itinerary for this tour is as follows:• 6:40 AM: Pickups commence from Cairns.• 7:30 AM: Pickups commence from the Northern Beaches.• 8:20 AM: Pickups commence from Port Douglas.• 9:20 AM: Mossman Gorge Centre. Visit the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre and board your shuttle for the transfer into Mossman Gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment. Learn about the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Return to the Centre for morning tea.• 11:15 AM: Daintree River Cruise. Reach an understanding of this wildlife environment for one hour. See bird habitats, tree snakes, unique plants and of course the saltwater crocodile.• 12:45 PM: Tropical Lunch. With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Enjoy a choice of quality steak, fish, or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.• 2:00 PM: Cape Tribulation. Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach and admire the coastline and fringing coral reef from the Kulki Lookout.• 3:15 PM: Daintree Ice Cream Company. Included is an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Enjoy a delicious tropical fruit ice cream made from fruit grown on their own organic orchard.• 4:00 PM: Alexandra Lookout. After winding through the rainforest of the Alexandra Range, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island, and beyond to the Coral Sea.

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

7. Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

An exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. This half-day eco-tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. The tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where guests board the vessel bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The Ocean Safari vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. After a fast 25-minute ride, guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay Reef. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines. The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree, two world heritage areas side by side. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.

From Port Douglas: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

8. From Port Douglas: Daintree and Mossman Gorge Day Tour

Embark on a day trip where the rainforest meets the reef. See natural sights including the Great Barrier Reef, take an optional wildlife cruise, and participate in a smoke ceremony along the way. Discover Daintree River and Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge. Start your adventure with a scenic drive with the first stop at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world-famous Daintree National Park. The gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders and is bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll be welcomed by the traditional inhabitants, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will cleanse you of evil spirits during a smoke ceremony. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters. After crossing the mighty Daintree River and a break for lunch, it’s time to explore the ancient rainforest environment on an informative guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation sure to inform and impress. Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter — everything from low-lying ferns and shrubs to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems — all in one short easy walk. Opt to taste locally made ice cream at your own cost. Prepare for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout, which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta, and out to the Coral Sea. In the afternoon, opt to experience a wildlife cruise on the river. During the cruise, you may see a crocodile while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system. Return to Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid-back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.

Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

9. Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Embark on an afternoon departure on a luxury catamaran. Upon arrival, delight in freshly-brewed Tropical North Queensland tea or Jaques coffee with a light lunch. Take off for a leisurely 15-kilometer journey to the Low Isles. After some slow and smooth cruising, moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 3 hours. The crew will set you up with complimentary snorkeling equipment and optical masks (and seasonal lycra snorkeling suits or wetsuits and flotation devices if required). Relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass-bottom boat and join the guided heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. Cure your curiosity - there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and coffee with fresh homemade scones and a fruit platter. Then, enjoy a delicious selection of canapés with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink in hand as you admire the sunset over the Coral Sea. The spectacular sunset sail back to port will showcase beautiful views of the Daintree mountains. End the tour back at the Marina at 6:30 PM and continue your evening in beautiful Port Douglas.

From Port Douglas: Barramundi Pond Fishing with Lunch

10. From Port Douglas: Barramundi Pond Fishing with Lunch

Lure and Land one of Australia's favourite fish. Hook-A-Barra fishing is dedicated to all things Barramundi! We’re for fishing and fun, guiding and teaching, tasting and tempting. Our Barramundi facility is first class and includes viewing tanks, home to some rare Albino, Speckled (or Panda) and Gold Barramundi, fishing ponds, covered tables and seating. We love Barramundi. Growing them, catching them, selling them and eating them. Our Daintree Barramundi fishing tours include 1-hour of catch and release, land-based fishing, around our earthen ponds. Although it’s called the Barra Pond, there’s a few other species in there too, including some monster Mangrove Jacks. Our fish – they’re big – including quite a few which are up to and over 1 metre and while they’re farm raised, they’re still wild creatures with plenty of fight. When there’s ‘Fish On’ get ready for jumping, popping, kick flips and dorsal smashing. Our Daintree Barramundi fishing tours are fun and informative. Whether you’re 5 or 95, we’ll get you hooked with our friendly crew here to lend a helping hand if needed.

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What people are saying about Daintree, Australia

We had a full day of activities and saw so much in the time we had. Our guide Damien was brilliant, friendly, passionate about the whole area and very informative. A great insight into the indiginous people of the area and great welcome at Mossman Gorge. Very pretty rainforest, beautiful waterfalls and so much wildlife and flora and fauna. A fascinating cruise crocodile spotting along the river, the guy who took us on this, again was so knowledgeable. The one disappointment which nobody could do anything about was the dreadful downpour as we went on the rainforest walk to Cape Tribulation. We still walked onto the beach to take in the view.Brilliant day

Excellent tour even if we didn't get to see Mossman Gorge. Tour guide made it an informative and enjoyable trip. Recommend this full day adventure we anyone looking to see some out of the way places in North Queensland.

Great Guide at the tour who told us a lot about the places we went to. Well organised tour. Daintree and Mossman are beautiful places you should definetely visit

Best tour of our holiday! Bucket list item. The boys were very knowledgeable and we loved every minute!

Damian is an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.