Best Day Trips from Cairns

Discover the ultimate natural playground in Cairns, where the rainforest meets the reef. As a gateway city to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Cairns offers abundant opportunities for exploration.

It’s a destination that offers a blend of adventure, culture, food and relaxation. From the Great Barrier Reef to Kuranda and Mossman Gorge, the surrounding area is teeming with natural beauty and experiences you can enjoy as day trips from Cairns. Whether you’re looking to pack in a lot of activities during a short stay or want to take a deep dive into the region for a week or more, Cairns will leave you with lasting memories.

In this article we’ve put together a comprehensive overview of the experiences that the area has to offer. The activities around Cairns have been separated into three sections: (1) the Great Barrier Reef; (2) the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast (south and west of Cairns); and (3) the Daintree (north of Cairns).

Use this article as a reference. Choose from the wide variety of activities and attractions that align with what you like and the time you have available to create the perfect Cairns region itinerary. Take some day trips from Cairns and immerse yourself in the beauty of this special corner of the world. It’s time to get out of Cairns and discover all the region offers.

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Experience the Majesty of the Great Barrier Reef

When it comes to day trips from Cairns, tours to the Great Barrier Reef are a must-do. There are a variety of options to explore the reef’s beauty, from visiting picturesque Green Island and Fitzroy Island to heading out to the outer reef.

A visit to either Green Island or Fitzroy Island, located near Cairns, is a great way to explore the inner Great Barrier Reef. These islands offer a variety of activities and are particularly well-suited for less experienced swimmers and snorkelers or people with a limited amount of time. The inner reefs have more soft corals and a wider range of smaller fish and seagrass. However, the water visibility may not be as clear as on the outer reef, and the diversity of marine life and coral condition may not be as good.

A tour of the outer reef from Cairns offers a different experience than a day spent on Green Island or Fitzroy Island. The outer reefs are farther from the shore, less impacted by human activity, offer better water visibility, a wider variety of coral and marine life, including larger fish. However, they may have fewer activities and may not be as suitable for less confident swimmers as an island tour.

Map of Great Barrier Reef Locations (from Cairns)

Below is our map showing the various Great Barrier Reef tour destinations mentioned in this article.

Green Island Day Trip

Exploring Green Island is one of the most popular Cairns day trips. Green Island is located in the inner section of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s 28 km (17.4 miles) from Cairns, which takes about 45 minutes on the Green Island Ferry. The island is 660 metres ( 2 165 feet) long and has a circumference of 1.6 kilometres (1 mile). It takes about 20 minutes to walk around the island.

When planning a tour of Green Island, the most basic package is a transfer-only ticket. However, most visitors also add extras such as snorkelling gear or a glass-bottomed boat tour. There are also options to include a buffet lunch and a semi-submarine tour. Keep in mind that the perspective of the glass-bottomed boat tour is similar to that of a snorkeler looking down, while the semi-submarine tour offers a view similar to that of a scuba diver.

Green Island offers a variety of experiences beyond just snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat tours. Take a stroll on the beach, go canoeing, explore the island on a self-guided walk, or shop at the island’s resort shops. Additional activities include parasailing, scuba diving, underwater sea walking, and participating in a Wunyami Cultural Walking tour. If you have extra time, don’t miss Marineland Melanesia, which features 50 crocodiles, marine aquariums, tribal art and marine artifacts.

Green Island is a great option for a wide range of groups, including families, as there are plenty of activities and attractions in a small area that will suit all ages. I have fond memories of a trip with my family and grandmother to Green Island when I was 11 years old, where we went snorkelling and took a glass-bottomed boat tour. Below is a diary entry by my Grandma about our day at Green Island.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is another very popular Cairns day trip as it is easily accessible from Cairns. It’s also located on the inner Great Barrier Reef, only 29 kilometres (18 miles) from Cairns, which is accessible via a 45-minute boat ride from the city.

Fitzroy Island offers a similar range of experiences as Green Island. At Fitzroy Island, you can snorkel, dive, hike, laze on a beach, use a sea kayak or go on a glass-bottom boat. A unique highlight is the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. There’s also a bar and restaurant on the island. Although it’s possible to visit Fitzroy Island for half a day, we strongly recommend spending a full day to fully experience the island.

Choosing between Green Island and Fitzroy Island ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both islands offer similar activities, but have distinct differences.

Green Island is much smaller, at 12 hectares, while Fitzroy Island is 28 times bigger, at 339 hectares. This means that Green Island can be explored more quickly, but Fitzroy Island offers more hiking options, such as the Summit Track, Secret Garden Track, Lighthouse Road, and Nudey Beach Track.

Another key difference is the beaches. Green Island’s beaches are sandy, while most of Fitzroy Island’s beaches are coral (except for Nudey Beach). All beaches on Green Island are easily accessible, while Fitzroy Island has three beaches, including the highly-rated Nudey Beach, considered one of the best in Australia. Additionally, Green Island has lifeguards on its public beach, while Fitzroy Island does not.

Fitzroy Island’s waters have a steeper drop-off than Green Island, which has shallower waters due to it being a coral cay. This means that the waters at Green Island gradually deepen when swimming or snorkelling from the beaches, making it more suitable for younger children or less confident swimmers. On the other hand, the deeper waters at Fitzroy Island may be more suitable for more experienced swimmers and snorkelers.

Outer Reef Tours

When it comes to day tours to the outer Great Barrier Reef, there are many options. These include large boats with fixed pontoons, to smaller boat-only tours. The tours vary in the activities they offer, some include a wide range, others focus on snorkelling and diving, while some boats have snorkelling-only tours. This article provides a sample of the tours available to help you plan your trip.

Sunlover Reef Cruises operates our first highly-rated tour. This tour focuses on snorkelling and various other activities rather than diving.

The Sunlover Catamaran takes you to Moore Reef and its multi-level pontoon. What makes this tour stand out is the variety of activities available for swimmers and non-swimmers. Along with snorkelling, they have a glass-bottomed boat, a semi-submersible, an underwater observatory, and a marine touch tank presentation. Guests can relax on the sun deck or have fun on the only waterslide on the reef. The tour includes a buffet lunch and guided snorkelling as an optional activity.

The second tour we are highlighting is a very popular and positively reviewed tour operated by Passions of Paradise. This tour takes you to two different locations on the outer reef. The crew will choose the best reef location based on the day’s conditions, which can be either Flynn and Milln reefs or Norman and Hastings reefs further north. Guests can choose between a snorkelling-only experience or pay an additional fee for one scuba dive for both introductory and certified divers. The tour includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch with hot and cold dishes, salads, and tropical fruits. Guests can relax on the upper sun deck or play on the netted deck trampoline.

Explore the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast

The region west and south of Cairns is brimming with activities and attractions. The Atherton Tablelands, the mountainous hinterland west of Cairns, is a prominent destination, but the area known as the Cassowary Coast, south of Cairns, between the coast and hinterland, also offers plenty of experiences to enjoy.

The Atherton Tablelands is known as the “food bowl” of the region, offering a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. Visitors can treat themselves to the diverse range of delicious local delicacies on offer along the Atherton Tablelands Food Trail. Satisfy your appetite by sampling local foods or indulge in a culinary adventure by trying everything on the food trail. Here’s a handy map to guide you to all the offerings on the food trail.

In addition to its culinary offerings, the Atherton Tablelands is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Check out this webpage for an introduction to Atherton Tableland Waterfalls. This page showcases even more waterfalls on or near the Atherton Tablelands.

You could easily spend three or four days in the Atherton Tablelands. We’ve provided several day trip suggestions from Cairns:

• Kuranda – If you include the Scenic Railway and Skyrail, you could easily spend a whole day exploring Kuranda.
• Mareeba – As a large town, it offers many experiences for foodies, nature lovers, and people interested in heritage, making it worth a day trip.
• South-Western Atherton Tablelands – The area around Atherton, Herberton, Yungaburra, and Malanda is an easy drive from Cairns. It has many things to do nearby, making it an excellent day trip.
• Cassowary Coast – In the area south of Cairns and east of the Tablelands, you can easily spend a few hours at Paronella Park. Other nearby places are Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, and Babinda Boulders – a great swimming hole that is located 40 minutes back up the road to Cairns.

Following is a more detailed description of what the Atherton Tablelands has to offer.

Map of Atherton and Cassoway Coast Attractions (from Cairns)

Below is our map showing the various Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast places and attractions mentioned in this article.

Kuranda

One of the most popular day trips from Cairns is to visit Kuranda. Kuranda is a 30 km (18.6 miles) drive from Cairns which takes about 40 minutes. Many people combine the Cairns Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway to get to and from Kuranda. Taking the Railway and Skyrail is a little slower but is the most scenic way of getting to Kuranda.

Kuranda is a destination in itself, but by taking the Skyrail and Scenic Railway, the journey becomes just as memorable. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you through the world heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest, with several stops along the way. The trip takes about an hour and a half. The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a scenic journey through tropical rainforest, featuring ravines, gorges, and majestic waterfalls. The total journey time is around two hours.

Once you arrive at Kuranda, make sure to check out the markets. The Kuranda Original Rainforest Market is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and is located at 7/13 Therwin Street. The Kuranda Heritage Markets operates from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 3:30 pm and can be found across the road from the Original Rainforest Market at 2/4 Rob Veivers Drive. Both markets offer a variety of souvenirs, local arts, and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to live entertainment from local performers.

In addition to the heritage markets, three other attractions offer an opportunity to learn more about the local wildlife:

• Kuranda Koala Gardens, where you can get up close with Aussie animals such as crocodiles, wallabies, possums, wombats and, of course, koalas.
• Birdworld Kuranda has 60 species of native and exotic birds, with more than 350 birds housed in a rainforest habitat with waterfalls, ponds and native plants.
• Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the biggest butterfly aviary in Australia, with over 1 500 colourful tropical butterflies.

Find out more and book tickets to Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary through Get Your Guide.

We also recommend checking out some of the self-guided walking tracks around Kuranda. They range in time from just 10 minutes up to about 60 minutes.

Rainforestation

Rainforestation is a short six-minute drive from Kuranda, but with the variety of experiences available, it’s worth spending a half-day or more there. Activities at Rainforestation include:

• The Army Duck Rainforest Tour is a unique 45-minute experience that takes you on both land and water. You’ll learn about the plants and wildlife of the area and take a plunge into the lake before wandering through the Tropical Fruit Orchard.
• The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, led by local indigenous Pamagirri guides, includes a dance performance and a dreamtime walk where you can try boomerang throwing and observe spear throwing. This experience takes about one hour.
• The Koala and Wildlife Park offers the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and see Tasmanian devils, dingoes, koalas, and wombats. The park also features a reptile house with pythons and lizards and the chance to meet Jack the Ripper, a 5-meter crocodile kept in his enclosure. There are various presentations and feeding sessions throughout the day.

At Rainforestation, you can get your photo taken with koalas, snakes and small crocodiles. At the Treehouse Café, you can grab a coffee or lunch. They offer regular lunch options on Monday and Tuesday, and from Wednesday through Sunday, you can enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch.

We recommend that you visit Rainforestation and Kuranda on different days, as there is a wide range of activities at Rainforestation. It would be quite rushed to try and fit in both Kuranda and all the activities offered by Rainforestation in one day, especially if you are also planning to take the Skyrail and Scenic Railway. Get Your Guide offers a tour that includes the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Skyrail, the Army Duck Rainforest Tour at Rainforestation, and time in Kuranda Village.

If you want to enjoy all that Rainforestation has to offer, there is an alternative tour available which includes all the various experiences at Rainforestation as well as lunch. Return transfers are included but not via the Scenic Railway and Skyrail.

Barron River White-Water Rafting

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, white-water rafting on the Barron River is a perfect option. This half-day adventure includes two hours of white-water rafting and navigating three rapids on the Barron River. You can drive yourself and park at the Lake Placid parking lot, or choose to be picked up from either Cairns or Port Douglas when booking.

Mareeba

Mareeba is the largest town in the Atherton Tablelands, and you could easily spend a full day just in and near Mareeba.

If you’re a food enthusiast, Mareeba is the place to be. For coffee lovers, Coffee Works in the heart of Mareeba is a must-visit. A short drive out of town is Skybury Café and Roastery, which is Australia’s oldest coffee plantation and also Jacques Coffee which has a plantation and café.

Also, a short drive from Mareeba is Golden Drop Winery, which offers various mango-based products, including wine, sparkling wine, port and mango ‘cello. They also have various citrus ‘cellos. If you enjoy premium ice creams and sorbets as well as fudges, biltong and more, you’ll have to visit Emerald Creek Ice Creamery. Just over 20 minutes from the Ice Creamery are the Emerald Creek Falls which has a walking track, cascading waterfalls and several swimming holes.

If you want to learn more about the area’s history, spend some time at the Mareeba Heritage Centre. If you’re into birding, you’ll love Mareeba, with over 300 out of Australia’s 828 recorded species sighted within a 15 km radius.

For an unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands at dawn. Choose to either drive yourself to the pick-up point in Mareeba or opt for the convenient pick-up service from Cairns. The pick-up point is located at the Mareeba Heritage Centre. The drive from Cairns takes about 60 minutes. Meeting times vary depending on the season, and will be confirmed upon booking.

To avoid the stress of driving on country roads in the dark, we recommend choosing the return transfer option from Cairns for a small additional cost. It is worth it for the peace of mind.

Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham are clear blue crater lakes in stunning rainforest settings. To get to Lake Barrine, you will travel up the Gillies Range. Lake Barrine is about one hour or 60 km (37 miles) up Gillies Range Road from Cairns. Lake Eacham is about a nine-minute drive from Lake Barrine.

At Lake Barrine, there is a 600-metre (2 000 feet) walk into the rainforest or a 5 km (3.1 miles) walk around the lake. If you want to cool off, you can also swim in Lake Barrine, or you can take and use non-motorised boats such as kayaks and paddleboards. There is also a 90-year-old teahouse with great views over the lake. Lake Barrine also has a bookable cruise boat.

At Lake Eacham, you can also swim or stroll around the 3 km (1.9 miles) walking track, and there are viewing platforms to check out the lake and its surrounds. There are picnic areas and BBQ facilities available.

Yungaburra and Curtain Fig Tree

The first reason to visit Yungaburra is that it’s like a slice of living history. Within Yungaburra are 19 heritage-listed buildings listed on the Queensland Register of the National Trust of Australia. This makes it Queensland’s largest National Heritage village. Follow the Old Town Loop to get a taste of what life looked like over 100 years ago.

Yungaburra is also popular for the natural attractions that surround it. Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham are close by. Bushwalking options are also nearby such as the Peterson Creek Walking Track. One of the most notable natural attractions near Yungaburra is Curtain Fig Tree National Park. There is one particular curtain fig tree in the national park that is thought to be over 500 years old. It is almost 50 metres (164 feet) tall, has a trunk circumference of almost 40 metres (131 feet) and has a ‘curtain’ of aerial roots that descend 15 metres (50 feet). This special tree can be appreciated from various perspectives along a boardwalk that encircles the tree while protecting its base from damage.

If you’re planning to stay longer in the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra is an excellent option with a variety of accommodation options, delicious dining choices, and an array of unique shops to explore, such as art galleries, antique shops, craft shops, and bookstores.

Malanda

The dairy industry has an over 100-year history on the Atherton Tablelands, and Malanda is at the heart of the industry. If you love cheese or chocolate, be sure to check out Gallo Dairyland. They also have a café, animal nursery and a working dairy. Nerada Tea is close by which is Australia’s largest tea plantation. They offer farm tours, tea blending experiences and tastings. You can also enjoy a Devonshire tea or a light lunch. Make sure you ring in advance to reserve a spot.

If you want to experience the natural beauty of the area, there are two walks that start near the visitor information centre and which each take about 30 minutes. One takes you through the forest, and the other along the North Johnstone river. Malanda Falls area is easily accessed from near the visitor information centre. Bromfield Swamp (about 17 minutes from Atherton) is in the shallow crater of an extinct volcano and is also home to many birds, with about 150 species sighted, including the Sarus Crane, which is the tallest flying bird. Make sure you bring your binoculars.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Millaa Millaa Falls is a must for waterfall enthusiasts visiting the Atherton Tablelands. Known for its picturesque beauty, the waterfall is part of a circuit that includes two other falls, Zillie and Ellinjaa. Visitors can take a dip in the pool below Millaa Millaa and picnic in the designated area.

The nearby Zillie Falls can be viewed from a platform, while the Ellinjaa Falls offers a chance to spot freshwater turtles and platypuses. The circuit is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area and capture some stunning photos.

Atherton

If you’re interested in seeing and learning more about the area’s natural beauty and history, Atherton is a great place to visit. One attraction is the Crystal Caves, which is located in the main street of Atherton. The self-guided tour takes you through 300 square meters (3200 sq feet)of man-made tunnels and grottoes, filled with a collection of 600 crystals and prehistoric fossils, which you can touch and photograph.

The Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum offers insight into the lives of early Chinese immigrants in Far North Queensland. For animal lovers, the Bat Hospital Visitor Centre offers tours during feeding time (3 pm to 6 pm) and bookings are required. For bird enthusiasts, Hasties Swamp National Park (a 7-minute drive from Atherton) is a large seasonal wetland that is home to over 220 bird species and a large 2-storey bird hide.

Herberton

Herberton is a town rich in history and offers many opportunities to explore its past. The Herberton Heritage Walk, an audio tour that guides you through the main town precinct, which is listed on the National Heritage Register, is a great way to learn more about the town’s history. In addition, there are a variety of shorter walks that offer different perspectives on the town’s past.

For those interested in history and heritage, a visit to Historic Village Herberton is a must. The village is laid out like an old tin mining town and features more than 60 restored buildings, including the beautiful Elderslie House. Visitors can explore the over 300 000 items in its wide range of collections, including mining, local history, transportation, industrial machinery, colonial furniture, art, aboriginal artifacts, books, toys, weaponry, cameras and more. The Railway Museum and the Herberton Mining Museum are also worth a visit while you are in Herberton.

Mount Hypipamee Crater is a fascinating natural feature about 20 km (12.4 miles) from Herberton heading towards Millaa Millaa Falls. The crater is thought to have been formed by a huge gas explosion. It is about 70 metres (229 feet) across with almost vertical granite walls to a lake over 58 metres (190 metres) below the edge of the crater. The lake itself is more than 70 metres (190 feet) deep.

Paronella Park

Paronella Park is the vision of José Paronella who arrived in Australia in 1913. He purchased the land on which Paronella Park is built in 1929 and started building gardens and a reception centre for the public to enjoy. It was opened to the public in 1935. He initially built a house for his family then a castle. Over the years he planted over 7 000 trees prior to his passing in 1948. Paronella Park is 108 km (67 miles) south of Cairns and most people spend about 2-3 hours there.

Visitors can take a 30-minute guided walk tour and then explore the 5 hectares of tropical gardens, Mena Creek Falls, the avenue of Kauri Pines, and the park’s architecture and museum. A café is available on site, and the Mena Creek Hotel is nearby for additional dining options. An evening experience is also available, featuring light and sound displays throughout the park.

After visiting Paronella Park, many visitors also go on to explore nearby attractions such as Lake Barrine, Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, and Babinda Boulders.

Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about 75km (46 miles) from Cairns. The bottom pool is a popular spot for swimming and has a natural slide that is suitable for children. The top pool is not safe for swimming, due to safety risks such as slippery rocks and rapids under the pool, but it can be viewed from a platform.

The falls have picnic facilities in the car park, and there are a variety of hiking trails nearby. These trails range from 30 minutes to 8 hours for a round trip to Broken Nose, or a 2-day return hike to the summit of Mt Bartle Frere, the tallest mountain in Queensland.

Babinda Boulders

Babinda Boulders is a very popular swimming hole in a beautiful rainforest setting 65 km (40 miles) south of Cairns. It’s called Babinda Boulders for the large granite boulders found along Babinda Creek.

At Babinda Boulders, there is a main swimming area as well as picnic and BBQ facilities, a children’s play area, toilets and changing rooms. There is also a walking track along Babinda Creek called the Devil’s Pool Walk, which is a 30-minute return walk and takes you down to two viewing platforms where you can see the falls, granite boulders and pools. You are not allowed to swim in Devil’s Pool itself.

Discover the Daintree along the Great Barrier Reef Drive

Most of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is made up of tropical rainforest, and the Daintree is the perfect place to appreciate its beauty. The Daintree offers endless opportunities for adventure, photography, bush walking, relaxation, and wildlife spotting.

Driving north from Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef Drive takes you through the picturesque northern beaches of Cairns, including Palm Cove. You will then pass through the charming town of Port Douglas and head towards Mossman Gorge, before reaching the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. While it’s possible to get a glimpse of the Daintree in a day, the area offers so much to explore that you could easily spend two or three days delving deeper into its beauty.

If you’re a foodie, you will also be spoiled for choice. The Daintree is located near the Atherton Tablelands food bowl, so it also has a food trail with 20 stops between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, which are explained in more detail on this food trail map.

Map of Daintree along the Great Barrier Reef Drive (from Cairns)

Below is our map showing the various Daintree places and attractions mentioned in this article.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a great place to spend half a day or more, and lots of people base themselves in Palm Cove when on holiday. The beach is a perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery. There are also many spas in the area where you can enjoy some pampering. Additionally, Palm Cove offers plenty of shopping and dining options. The Palm Cove Markets, held on the first Sunday of each month, are a great way to explore local arts and crafts. They are held from April to December (excluding September).

If you’re looking for something more active and adventurous, Palm Cove offers plenty of opportunities for bike riding, kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skiing. Fishing off the Palm Cove Jetty is also a popular activity.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas offers a variety of activities for tourists, including visiting the popular Four Mile Beach for swimming, sunbathing and picnics. The beach is a great spot to relax and unwind.

For a shopping experience, visit Macrossan Street in Port Douglas, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can find souvenirs, high-end fashion and jewellery, and take advantage of the excellent dining scene with a variety of cuisines available. Don’t miss the Sunday Market at Rex Smeal Park for local vendors selling crafts, produce, souvenirs, live music and local food.

The Wildlife Habitat showscases a variety of Australian animals such as mammals such as kangaroos and wallabies, reptiles such as crocodiles, as well as many types of birds. This is a great activity for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The historic St Mary’s by the Sea Chapel is a noteworthy attraction in Port Douglas, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s past through its well-preserved architecture. The chapel and its surrounds are also a picturesque subject for photography enthusiasts. For panoramic views, visit Flagstaff Hill Lookout, which offers a fantastic view of the town, the sea and the surrounding rainforest.

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

Located just a short 20-minute drive from Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a top attraction for those visiting the Daintree area. People visit Mossman Gorge for the unique beauty and tranquillity of the area, as well as to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the region.

The gorge is known for its crystal clear waters, tropical rainforest, and wide array of plant and animal life. The gorge offers a range of independent recreational activities such as swimming, self-guided walks, and bird watching. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the traditional uses of the rainforest by the local Kuku Yalanji people and the unique ecosystem of the area.

Start your trip by visiting the Mossman Gorge Centre, which offers a variety of amenities including an indigenous art gallery, a café/restaurant and a gift shop. To access the Mossman Gorge, visitors will need to take a shuttle bus, as self-driving is not permitted. This change is to minimise the environmental impact of tourism (as the number of visitors to the area exceeds 300,000 per year).

The shuttle buses run regularly, every 15 minutes, from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with the last bus leaving the park at 5:30pm. The cost for the shuttle bus is A$ 13.05 (US$ 9) for adults and A$ 6.60 (US$ 4.50) for children aged 5 to 15 years. A family pass for two adults and two children is available for A$ 31.85 (US$ 22). While it is possible to walk or bike to the gorge from the Mossman Gorge Centre, it is not recommended as it is a 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) journey and there are no dedicated footpaths or pedestrian access, requiring visitors to share the road with the shuttle buses.

After arriving at the day-use area, enjoy a picnic then go for a walk or swim or get straight into a range of self-guided walks:

• The Lower River Track (5 to 10 minute walk) also starts at the shuttle bus stop area. The track follows Mossman River and there are several lookouts over the river along the track. The track can get slippery so use the handrails when needed. The tracks connects up to Baral Marrjanga.
• Baral Marrjanga starts at the shuttle bus stop and takes you up to a lookout over Mossman River. It’s an easy walk and takes 5 to 10 minutes. While on the walk take time to appreciate the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges and keep an eye out for the local wildlife including colourful butterflies, as well as jungle perch and turtle in the river.
• You can reach the Rex Creek Bridge from the Baral Marrjanga track. It’s a short 10 minute hike down to the bridge. Once you arrive, walk out onto the swaying suspension bridge and look out for the animals in the river below.
• The Rainforest Circuit Track begins on the other side of Rex Creek Bridge. This circuit is 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) long and takes about 45 minutes. A few minutes after you cross the bridge, there is a lookout over Mount Demi (Manjal Dimbi). The track is an easy-to-moderate hike through the rainforest. Check out the strangler figs, epiphytic plants (with no attachments to the ground) and lots of wildlife.

In addition to the self-guided walks you can sign up for guided Dreamtime walks. The walk starts with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony to ward off bad spirits, then you hike through the rainforest with an experienced indigenous guide who will discuss traditional plant uses, bush food, and their deep relationship with their environment. At the end of the tour you will get to enjoy damper and bush tea. The cost of the tour is A$ 86.50 (US$ 60) for adults and A$ 43.25 (US$ 30) for children. A family pass (2 adults and 2 children) costs A$216.30 (US$ 149) and infants are free.

Swimming at Mossman Gorge

It’s very tempting to swim at Mossman Gorge on a hot day. It’s considered safe from crocodiles but swimming in Mossman River is not recommended particularly for inexperienced swimmers, the elderly or small children. The river isn’t supervised and conditions aren’t regularly monitored. While the river may look calm on the surface, there could be strong currents or submerged objects and sudden changes in water depth. Also, conditions can change very quickly particularly when there has been lots of rain. People have been injured and deaths do occur. As an example, here is a reported death that occurred while we wrote this article. Before taking a dip, make sure you exercise caution and observe local swimming conditions.

Daintree Village and Daintree River

About a 30 minute drive from Mossman Gorge to Daintree Village. Southern bank of Daintree River. Community dates back to the 1870s. There are various wildlife cruises to choose from between Daintree Village and the Daintree Ferry:

• Crocodile Express – Upper Daintree Cruise starts from Daintree Village and the Lower Daintree Cruise starts from near the Daintree Ferry.
• Daintree Boatman Wildlife Tours – Departs from the public boat ramp at Daintree Village.
• Daintree Crocodile Tours – Also departs from Daintree Village.
• Daintree River Cruise Centre – Starting point is about 7 minutes from Daintree Village (heading to Daintree Ferry on Mossman – Daintree Road)
• Bruce Belcher’s Daintree River Cruises – 8 minutes from Daintree Village on Mossman – Daintree Road.
• Solar Whisper Daintree River Wildlife and Crocodile Cruise – 400 metres (quarter of a mile) from Daintree Ferry.

The Daintree Ecolodge is a luxury eco-resort located just 4 minutes from Daintree Village along the Mossman-Daintree Road. The lodge offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Daintree rainforest.

Nestled in a secluded area surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, the lodge has high standards of service and comfort while being an award-winning eco-resort recognized for its efforts in preserving and protecting the natural environment. To minimize its impact on the rainforest, the ecolodge employs a wide range of sustainable practices in its facilities.

Accommodation at the ecolodge includes fifteen treehouse suites, known as bayans, with a choice of lagoon, canopy, or rainforest settings. Each treehouse is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment and minimize its impact on the forest. The ecolodge also provides a variety of activities such as guided rainforest walks, wellness spa, and picnic hampers. Guests can also enjoy delicious, locally sourced and sustainable produce at their Julaymba Restaurant and Bar.

Daintree Ferry

The Daintree Ferry takes you across to the northern bank of the Daintree River connecting the rest of Far North Queensland with the northern Daintree forest and places such as Diwan, Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation. It’s about 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Port Douglas. If you visit Daintree Village, it’s a short 10-15 minute drive from Daintree Village to Daintree Ferry.

The ferry continually goes back and forth between the southern and northern banks of the Daintree River from 5am to midnight. The crossing takes about 15 minutes allowing time to board and disembark vehicles. You can either pre-book tickets, buy a ticket and the tollbooth or buy a ticket onboard. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle used but as an indication a return ticket for a car cost $A 45 (about $US 31).

Daintree Discovery Centre and Jindalba Boardwalk

The Daintree Discovery Centre is a 15-minute drive from the Daintree Ferry. To get there, turn into Tulip Oak Road (off Cape Tribulation Road). It’s open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week. The entry fee is $A 37 ($USD 25) for adults and $A18 ($US 12) for children (5 – 17 years old). Discounted student, senior and concession tickets are also available.

On entry, you will receive an audio guide (available in eight different languages) as well as an interpretative guidebook. From the entrance/visitor centre, you can then do a series of self-guided tours through the centre.

• You start on the Aerial Walkway, which is 11 metres above the forest floor and allows you to experience the mid-level of the rainforest and protects the root systems of the rainforest trees below.
• At the end of the walkway, there is a 23-metre Canopy Tower. As you go up the tower, there are five different viewing platforms with seats at each level which helps you check out the different layers of the rainforest canopy. When you go back down, there is an interpretative centre to explore.
• The third tour is the Cassowary Circuit. The tour explores the cassowary corridor that runs through the Centre. Cassowaries are large, flightless birds. They are the third tallest (behind emus and ostriches) and the second heaviest bird. The cassowary circuit loops back to the interpretative centre.
• The fourth tour is the Bush Tucker Trail, where you can learn about local rainforest fruits, bush tucker animals, bush medicines as well as prehistoric megafauna.
• The final tour is the Jurassic Forest which explores dinosaurs from 100 million years ago (including life-size replicas), recently extinct megafauna and the Gondwanan heritage of the rainforest.

The Jindalba Boardwalk is also well worth a visit. It’s a short two minute drive from Daintree Discovery Centre. It’s a 650 metre (0.4 mile) loop and is an easy way to enjoy lush rainforest set in the foothills of Mount Alexrandra. You will get to enjoy a wide range of flora such as fig trees and king ferns. Keep an eye out for a wide range of fauna including tree kangaroos, various reptiles and birds such as cassowaries and kingfishers.

There is also the longer and more challenging Jindalba Circuit Track (Grade 4 walking track compared to the Grade 2 Jindalba Boardwalk). It’s a three kilometre (about two mile) circuit and you should allow for about one and a half hours of walking time.

Diwan/Cow Bay

Diwan and Cow Bay are just north of the Daintree Ferry. Diwan is slightly inland and Cow Bay is on the coast.

Cow Bay has a beautiful secluded beach. To get to it, take the Buchanan Creek Road turn-off from Cape Tribulation Road (right near the Floraville Ice-Cream Factory). The drive takes about seven minutes. Cow Bay Beach consists of three bays. As with other beaches in North Queensland be aware of the risk of crocodiles and take particular care during the marine stinger season.

If exploring different regional types of food and beverages is an important part of why you travel, the small township of Diwan (population about 150) punches well above its wait. For lovers of ice-cream there are two great choices within 5 minutes of each other offering all sorts of exotic and yummy flavours:

• Floravilla Ice Cream Factory is located at 335 Cape Tribulation Road and is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week. They offer more than 26 flavours to choose from (depending on the season). Here are some of the flavours they offer (to whet your appetite): mango coconut, passionfruit and ginger, black sapote and choc liqueur, sweet potato and ginger, pawpaw and lime, and cherry ripe.
• Daintree Ice Cream Company is a must-visit destination for any ice cream lover. Located on a 22-acre tropical fruit orchard near Flora Ville Ice Cream Factory (at 1819R Cape Tribulation Road, Diwan), it offers a wide range of unique and delicious flavours made from fruits grown on the orchard. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, visitors can enjoy a taste of flavours like chocolate, coffee, dragonfruit, mulberry, lychee, mango, durian, macadamia, passionfruit, starfruit, and yellow sapote. Not only can you indulge in their delicious ice cream, but you can also take a self-guided walking tour of the orchard.

The Daintree Tea Company is a three minute drive north of Daintree Ice Cream Company at Lot 12, Cape Tribulation Road, Diwan. It can be easily missed when driving through to Cape Tribulation from Diwan. Look out for tea plantations either side of the road with a shaded roadside self-service centre. While buying some tea using the honesty box system, take the time look at their photos, information brochures and old machinery displays.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is the place where two world heritage sites (the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef) meet. It was given it’s name in 1770 by the naval explorer Captain James Cook after his ship ran into a coral reef near the headland.

A great way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Daintree Rainforest is to explore the various boardwalks that have been set up in the area. In addition to the Jindalba boardwalk, some other options to consider include:

• Madja Boardwalk is a 10-minute drive south of Cape Tribulation. It’s a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) circuit that takes you through lowland rainforest into a mangrove habitat at Noah Creek. Allow about 45 minutes for the circuit.
• Dubuji Boardwalk starts in the township of Cape Tribulation. It’s a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) that takes you through various habitats, including creeks and mangrove swamps, which opens up to views of the Coral Sea at Myall Beach. There’s a wide range of flora and fauna to experience on this boardwalk, and you should allow yourself 45-60 minutes to complete the walk.
• Kulki Boardwalk is on the northern side of Cape Tribulation. It’s a 600-metre (0.38 mile) circuit that takes you up to a scenic lookout with views over the rainforest and the Coral Sea. Keep an eye out for a range of fauna, including tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and butterflies, as well as opportunities to spot dugong, dolphins and whales (depending on the season).
• A longer and more challenging walk is the Mount Sorrow Ridge trail which is a Grade 4, seven-kilometre (4.3 miles) return trail that takes about six hours. This trail is for fit and experienced bushwalkers and takes you from the coastal lowlands of Cape Tribulation to the ridge of Mount Sorrow with fantastic rainforest, coastline and Coral Sea views.

The Cape Tribulation area has beautiful beaches like Emmagen, Cape Tribulation, Myall, Noah, and Thornton beaches. They’re great for picnics and walks, but not so much for swimming due to the lack of patrols and risk of stingers and crocodiles. Heed crocodile warning signs and be cautious in higher risk areas such as at river and creek mouths. The risk of harm is low, but safer options for cooling off are available.

Better options for swimming are freshwater swimming spots. One great place to swim is Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole which is about five minutes north of Cape Tribulation. Another excellent place to cool down is Mason’s Swimming Hole which is beside Mason’s Cafe in Cape Tribulation and entry is $1. While there take time to sample some of the interesting and unique foods, smoothies and other drinks at Mason’s Cafe. The cafe also offers 4WD and guided tours.

Experience the Daintree Rainforest on horseback with Cape Trib Horse Rides. They offer 90-minute tours twice a day for beginner riders, taking you through the rainforest and along Myall Beach. While in the area, make sure you check out Cape Trib Farm for exotic fruit tastings and to buy fresh produce. They also have cottages available for overnight stays on their 80-acre property.

Join the Great Barrier Reef Travel Planning Facebook Group

Check out our Great Barrier Reef Travel Planning Facebook Group – you are welcome to join and it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your Great Barrier Reef trip, including gateway towns and what to do on land!

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