JoelThe Daintree Rainforest – all Australians, and perhaps many around the world are aware of the sheer awesomeness of this natural wonder – but how many have said that they’ve truly experienced what it has to offer?
Until my wife and I actually visited, we really had no idea what it was all about and why it was so special. There’s trees all over the world and Australia is home to many magnificent rainforests – what’s so special about this one?
Well as always, lets get some epic and jaw-dropping facts out of the way before we get to the juicy gossip of the best to see and do.
We’ve heard the figure 180,000,00 millions year old, right? Well, that’s correct! By carbon-dating and other scientific measures, geologists have found that this rainforest is the oldest on the planet by 10,000,000 years! And you want to know something else special – I can tell you where to go to see where it all started. But it’s a secret – so don’t tell anyone 😉
Did you know the Daintree was actually named after Richard Daintree? Don’t know him? Don’t worry – me either, until recently! He was a famous photographer and geologist who worked in this area.
On 29 September 2021, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people won formal ownership of 160,213 hectares of country stretching from Mossman to Cooktown – including the Daintree National Park after a historic deal was made between the traditional owners and the Queensland Government.
The Daintree Rainforest contains 30% of the frog, reptile and marsupial species in Australia, and 90% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species. 7% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. There are also over 12,000 species of insects in the rainforest. All of this diversity is contained within an area that takes up 0.12% of the landmass of Australia.
Where and How to Get There
The Daintree covers a massive area. But if you head north from Cairns and continue along the epic Captain Cook Highway, you’ll start to see the Daintree’s beauty from Mossman all the way up North to Bloomfield. What surprised me is the amount of private property that breaks up the rainforest – but rest assured, many have done well to preserve and protect the rainforest. As you head over to the Daintree River – there will be a ferry to cross. Prices can be found here.
What to Expect
Rainforest, dense jungle, clear waters, crocodiles, ferry, tours, reef, beaches, 4WD tracks, camping, eco lodges, cafes, swimming holes.
Where to Stay
The Daintree region offers an endless supply of accommodation options – so we will only suggest the ones that we stayed in and enjoyed.
Creek Edge Park – this campsite is just north of Mossman and offers only FOUR campsites – each with power and water and also a small amenities block. Expect to pay $40 per night here. Lovely owners and a magical experience having a safe creek just meters away. There is also an unpowered section further along the property for $30 per night. Click here for more details.
Daintree Rainforest Village – we went back here a few times because we loved it so much. Great amenities and options of powered or unpowered. Here you’ll be surrounded by rainforest beauty, and a lovely grass hill on which you can watch the sunset or swing under a giant tree. There’s a welcoming camp kitchen with a BBQ and a communal camp fire to meet other guests. You’ll leave here relaxed and in awe.
Noah Beach National Park Campground – this gives you the best of both worlds. It’s only National Park fees ($6.85 at the time of writing) and it’s a stone throw from the beach. What a place to see wild animals and wake up for epic sunrises! Toilets are available, no showers and most sites are too small for caravans. Campervans and tent camping is perfect here.
Noah Beach Eco Retreat – after an amazing experience on the property of a geologist – who incidentally is the largest private landowner in the Daintree? Make this your place to go. The accommodation is beautiful and very open – expect an outdoor bath tub and views into the Daintree. On this property you’ll find beautiful swimming holes, hikes and even waterfalls – which are purely for guests.
Though to the North, and not in the Daintree, you can stay at the campgrounds behind the Lions Den Hotel, or one of our personal favourites – Home Rule Campgrounds. (There’s a magnificent waterfall accessed through the property).
What to Do
For the sake of keeping this shorter than an encyclopedia, I’ll do my best to be succinct – but there is honestly enough here to keep you busy for months.
4WD Enthusiasts
Tackle the CREB Track. This challenging track involves river crossings, old log bridges and an adventure of a lifetime. To get to the start of the track, instead of heading to the ferry, continue along Mossman-Daintree Road to Daintree Village. Here you’ll continue along Upper Daintree Road (unsealed), until you reach the map and sign explaining the route – a river crossing marks the beginning. You can check the track status here.
Roaring Meg Falls (Kija) is a major point of interest on the CREB track. The land is of important cultural significance to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji (Buru) people. Out of respect for the Elders and Traditional Owners of Buru (Chinacamp), visitors to the area are asked to contact a representative of the Burungu Aboriginal Corporation prior to accessing the Falls
The Bloomfield Track. This track begins at Emmagen Creek with a fun creek crossing. Instead of driving around the Daintree to the West, this track links Cape Tribulation and Wujal Wujal. Although it is not crazy in terms of ruts and mud etc, you’ll find some long sections with gradients up to 31%. Thankfully they have sealed most of the steeper sections. Although people have towed it, just weigh up the risks and your ability. You’ll be rewarded when you reach the end by the chance to see crocodiles, and an awesome waterfall!
Hiking
There’s a plethora of great walks and hiking tracks in the Daintree. Some are only accessible by private property – so if you’re lucky enough to stay at the right place, you’ll have access to these.
Before the ferry over the Daintree, you can hike the famous Devils Thumb (15km return) at Whyanbeel and see Karnak Falls on the way. This is a full day activity and it is not easy! You can read our experience here.
Tackle Mount Sorrow (7km return) at the northern part of Cape Tribulation. Ensure you leave early in the day to beat the heat. This will give you magnificent views over the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef. When you reach the lookout platform, keep walking another 15 minutes along the ridge to get an even more spectacular view!
For the extra adventurous, give Mount Thornton a crack! Don’t expect anything easy though – plan to do this over at least 2-3 days. It is Queensland’s fourth highest peak after Mount Bartle Frere at 1,622 metres, Mount Bellenden Ker at 1,593 metres, and Mount Superbus at 1,375 metres.
If you stay at Noah Creek Eco Lodge, there are some tracks on the property that will blow your socks off – with beautiful creeks and waterfalls.
Other hikes and walks that are more suited for the general population are:
Mossman Gorge – 3km. There is swimming and guided tours. At the time, the bus fare to get to the start was about $13 per adult.
Kulki Lookout, Myall Beach, and Dubuji Boardwalk – 5.5km. At the northern section of Cape Tribulation there is a large car park near the beach where you can access these trails.
Jindalba Boardwalk – 3km.
Marrja Botanical Walk – 1.3km
Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole – 1.2km
*These three are a fairly flat and easy walk.
Activities
Hop aboard the Ocean Safari Tour which departs out of Cape Tribulation. They’ll take you to Mackay or Undine Cays which are only a short 25-30 minute boat ride. Read about it here.
Eat the delicious ice creams and sorbets on offer from the Daintree Ice Cream Company. You can check out the different fruit trees on the property and see the cute resident paddmelon.
Want to see a croc in the wild? Try Solar Whisper Daintree River and Wildlife Cruise. Or if you want to walk through the canopy of the Daintree and learn all about it’s amazing features and history, then be sure to head over to the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Daintree Discovery Tours and Adventure North Australia Tours can offer unique experiences – especially to those who don’t have their own 4WD. Daintree Discovery Tours will also give you access to Cassowary Falls! It is the only way to see it.
If you feel like zip lining through the trees, you can check out Jungle Surfing. Visit Mason’s Cafe on the main road and have a crocodile or emu burger, then with a small donation you can head to the swimming hole nearby. You’ll have access to a little general store and bottle shop here.
Wanting a view from above? Helicopter Tours will take you from Port Douglas to the Daintree where you’ll see just how massive and expansive the Daintree really is. Or something different, how about seeing it in a hot air balloon with Hot Air Balloon Port Douglas.
Cape Trib Fruit Farm offers tasting tours where you’ll have the opportunity to try some pretty unique fruits.
The Daintree Ecolodge isn’t just for a place to stay, the restaurant is amazing the you can treat yourself to the Wellness Spa for a full pampering!
If you don’t mind horses and the sand, try Cape Tribulation Horse Rides and imagine yourself in a Chariots of Fire music video with a horse.
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
There’s no real easy way to see some of the most amazing waterfalls in this area. The Daintree Rainforest and surrounding areas have some truly incredible falls. The positive is that there are a lot of very accessible swimming holes.
- Mossman Gorge (North of Port Douglas. A bus fare needs to be purchased to access).
- Mason’s Swimming Hole (donation given at the cafe).
- Hutchinson Creek (accessible for anyone, very short walk. This is on Cape Tribulation Road. It is a nice place to cool off or enjoy the rope swing).
- Blue Lagoon (Sacred Aboriginal site and should not be visited).
- Spring Creek Falls (South of Port Douglas. Expect a 1.5km hike to the falls from where you can leave your car).
- Alexandra Falls (the start of the trail can be accessed by private property, so obtain permission first).
- Cassowary Falls (permission needs to be obtained or join the 4WD Tour).
- Tranquility Falls (private property, permission generally not given).
- Fossil Falls (private property. if you stay at the right place, you’ll get to see it).
- Wujal Wujal Falls (public access via uneven track).
- Karnak Falls (accessed via the Devils Thumb hike).
- Roaring Meg Falls (along the CREB Track).
- Noah’s Creek (private property. Do not swim where the river is tidal – crocodiles are present).
- Emmagen Creek (at the start of the Bloomfield track. Short return walk).
- Shannonvale Swimming Hole (just past the Shannonvale Winery, you’ll see it on either side as you cross the road with the creek flowing over it).
