If the Great Barrier Reef is unforgettable, then the rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Tropical North Queensland offer an equally inspiring natural experience. Here in the oxygen factory of the world, millions of plants, many dating back to the dawn of time, form a matrix supporting a living, breathing mosaic of insects, reptiles and mammals. In this setting is the quiet unspoilt Daintree village which nestles in a bend of the green waters of the mighty Daintree River.
The Daintree Rainforest is home to a number of resorts and lodges including beach houses, day spas, wilderness and eco lodges. Some Daintree accommodation is deep inside the Rainforest but some are very close to the beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose rainforest holidays with just the basics or go all out in total luxury.
Visitors to the Daintree Rainforest and Daintree River have a range of tour options to see this entire scenic region. There are Daintree River cruises and kayak tours, then trek and 4WD the rainforest in search of wildlife and postcard perfect photos.
The Daintree also sits beside Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef. Daytrips or overnight stays are available as tourists snorkel, dive and swim on the reef.
Just north of Cairns, the Daintree is roughly 1200 square kilometres and is partly protected National Park. The Daintree River runs right through the rainforest and the area was given World Heritage Listing in 1988. The rainforest is thought to be one of the oldest on earth and contains massive numbers of frog, reptile, marsupial, bat, butterfly and bird species - including species of bird that exist no where else on earth.
Crossing the Daintree river by vehicular ferry, visitors follow the road which winds it way north through pristine rainforest, and over tidal crocodile inhabited rivers and creeks. The Cape Tribulation area offers a diverse range of excellent tourist accommodation, from self contained rainforest backpacker hostels and lodges to 4 star resorts and cabins. Cape Tribulation is one of the few areas in the world where the rainforest meets the reef.
We recommend Port Douglas accommodation, Cairns and Palm Cove as holiday destinations to experience that are close to the Daintree.
