Your Guide to Australia’s Northern Daintree Rainforest

By Carly Williams Updated Apr 23, 2019

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Introduction
Visit the Discovery Centre
Take a dip in Mossman Gorge
Head to the coast at Cape Tribulation
Zip-line through the forest
Get to know the locals at Daintree Village

Your Guide to Australia’s Northern Daintree Rainforest main image

Find out what else you should explore on your East Coast road trip

Just a two hour drive north of Cairns, Australia lies the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest. This World Heritage-listed spot is known for its ancient ferns, lush surroundings, and popping colors. It’s so beautiful that it actually inspired the setting for the movie Avatar…enough said.

There’s so much to discover as you trek through the jungle, zipline through the trees, sit and relax on the coastline, and cruise down the Daintree River. Here are some spots you won’t want to miss…

Visit the Discovery Centre

Before you head out to explore all that this region has to offer, stop by the Daintree Discovery Centre to learn all about the history of the forest and a guide to the number of walking trails in order to make the most of your experience here.

Take a dip in Mossman Gorge

The Mossman Gorge is a magical place with clear waters that allow for freshwater swimming pools (without worrying about crocs lurking underneath). Go for a dip followed by a stroll along the boardwalk to take in the stunning views of the gorge.

Head to the coast at Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is probably one of the more popular spots in the Daintree Rainforest, and its easy to see why. It’s the only spot where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, where you will be met with gorgeous scenery and stunning beaches. You will feel like you’re stepping right into the movie Madagascar.

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Zip-line through the forest

One of the best ways to experience the Daintree Rainforest is through zip-tour, where you’ll glide through the variety of flora and fauna via different levels of canopies. You’ll feel like an eagle flying through the air with a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, all the way to the coast of the Great Barrier Reef.

Get to know the locals at Daintree Village

Daintree Village is a great place to pick up some local art including handmade pottery, textiles, and tropical clothing (who doesn’t love a good tropical shirt). You can even take an art lesson and take your work home as a souvenir!

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