The Daintree Rainforest is a spectacular tropical rainforest region in Queensland, estimated to be over 180 million years old, making it the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the dense green canopy directly meets the coral waters of the Coral Sea at Cape Tribulation.
💡Why Visit?
Visit to walk through prehistoric jungle canopy, cruise the Daintree River to spot wild saltwater crocodiles, and stand at Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef.
Guided boat cruise to spot wild saltwater crocodiles and birds
Time
1 hour
Cost
A$30.00*–A$45.00*
Effort
Easy
Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge
Guided indigenous walk with an Aboriginal guide
Time
1.5 hours
Cost
A$85.00*–A$95.00*
Effort
Easy
Jindalba Boardwalk Self-Guided Walk
Lush rainforest loop walk under ancient giant ferns
Time
45 minutes
Cost
Free
Effort
Easy
🌡️ Weather & Best Time
Jun · Rain
This destination has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 27°C annually. Avoid travel in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec due to heavy rainfall.
Temperature range (°C)
Jun
🌧️Rain
🌡️
Temperature20° – 24°C
💧
Rainfall239mm
💡Okay
💡Moderate — expect frequent rain
Quality:Best timeGoodOkayColdAvoid
⚠️ Avoid travelling in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec due to extreme conditions.
Climate averages based on 10-year historical data · Open-Meteo
When to Visit
💸Best Value
AprMayOctNov
Crowds Medium Prices Medium
Pleasant weather, lighter crowds — the sweet spot.
🔥Peak Season
JunJulAugSep
Crowds High Prices High
Busiest months — book stays & transport early.
🌙Off Season
DecJanFebMar
Crowds Low Prices Low
Quietest window with the lowest prices.
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How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Cairns Airport (CNS)
120 km · 2 hours by road to Daintree Ferry
Nearest Railway Station
Cairns Railway Station
120 km · 2 hours 15 minutes by road
Nearest Bus Stand
Mossman bus stop
40 km · 35 minutes by road
Drive north from Cairns along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, past Port Douglas, to the Daintree River. Cross via the cable ferry to access the northern rainforest.
Local Transport
Cab / Taxi
A$90.00* – A$180*/day
Walking
Where to Stay
🎒 Deluxe
A$45.00*/night
Cape Tribulation backpacker eco-hostel
Safari tent campsite
🏨 Premium
A$200*/night
Daintree Wilderness Lodge eco-cabin
Cape Tribulation beach house
✨ Luxury
A$650*/night
Silky Oaks Lodge luxury treehouse
Daintree Ecolodge luxury villa
⛺ Camping available · A$15.00*/night
Local Cuisine
⭐ Barramundi with tropical fruit salsarestaurant
⭐ Exotic Tropical Fruit Ice Cream (e.g. Black Sapote, Jackfruit)street
Bush tucker infused disheslocal
Travel Tips
Swimming is not permitted in the Daintree River or Cape Tribulation beaches due to saltwater crocodiles and seasonal marine stingers.
Download maps offline; mobile coverage is extremely poor or nonexistent north of the Daintree River.
Fuel stations are limited north of the river; fill up your car tank in Mossman or Port Douglas.
