Another day in Tropical North Queensland means another day of exploring! We’ve already been out to the Atherton Tablelands, so now it’s time to head north and discover the Daintree Rainforest!

So why visit the Daintree? Well, the Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest Rainforest, it’s world heritage, and it’s the perfect example of Australia’s wet tropics. So keep on reading to see my guide on a perfect day out to the Daintree Rainforest. It’s the best day trip from Cairns by far!

How to get there

You’ll find the Daintree Rainforest approximately 2 hours drive north of Cairns. Public transport up that way is limited, so my recommendation is to hire a car. So jump on in and let’s go!

Rex Lookout

You know what they say in Australia – stop, revive, survive! So our first stop isn’t too far into our journey. You’ve just driven the Captain Cook Highway – one of the best scenic drives in Australia. Rex Lookout is a gorgeous lookout where paragliders peacefully fly over head and the views back towards Cairns go for daaaaaays.

Mossman Gorge

Put on your bikini (or budgie smugglers) because it’s swimming time! Mossman Gorge is a gorgeous swimming hole at the very beginning of the Daintree. The water colour is incredible, crystal clear and crisper than a freshly picked apple. It’s also bloody cold, but that’s just me.

Also pack your walking shoes because there are some beautiful walks around the gorge taking you deep within the rainforest, over creeks and to secret swimming holes.

Once you’ve explored it all you can head back to the cafe at the visitor centre for a well deserved coffee.

Cost: $12 for the shuttle bus from the visitor centre

Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre

Buckle up, because it’s learning time! After crossing the Daintree River by Ferry, head on up to the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre. This self-funded eco-tourism facility will teach you about the past, present and future of the Daintree. Using their self-guided audio tour, meander through the treetops and undergrowth of the rainforest and wonder at the absolutely complex eco system. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for a cassowary!

Cost:
Daintree Ferry: $28 return for you and your car
Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre: $35 (includes self -guided audio tour)

Jungle Surfing the Daintree Rainforest

Still got time? Go Jungle Surfing! Zipline through the Daintree treetops for a completely different experience. Check out my blog post on that here.

Mount Alexandra Lookout

You can’t leave the Daintree Rainforest without checking out Mount Alexandra Lookout – it’s insta-famous! Get that ‘gram shot to get your followers green with envy. It’s totally where the rainforest meets the reef.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Got some time on the way home? Okay you probably don’t, but man I love this place. Check out my blog post on Hartley’s here.

So what do you think? Are you raring to go to the Daintree Rainforest now? Would you add anything else to this list?