Daintree Rainforest Holidays Guide
Queensland, Australia
The Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland is one of the world's oldest rainforest regions – older even than the Amazon – and is a lush, tropical wonderland for visitors to explore. Located one and a half hours north of Cairns, it can be seen on a day tour- or immerse yourself in its grandeur on an extended stay. Further north, you'll feel like you've stepped back through time in the frontier town of Cooktown. The adventure starts in Mossman Gorge, the most accessible part of the Daintree National Park. Swim in the crystal-clear Mossman River and walk the 2.7 km (1.6mile) track through the verdant rainforest, looking out for the iridescent blue Ulysses butterfly and the many birds unique to the area. There are interpretive signs along the path showing how the local Kuku Yalanji people use the rainforest plants in traditional 'bush-tucker' and medicine.
Map of Daintree Rainforest Australia
Daintree Rainforest Highlights
Daintree Rainforest Holidays Planner
Half an hour to the north, cross the Daintree River on the quaint car-ferry and you'll be in the heart of this rainforest wilderness. The road leads on to Cape Tribulation, the point where Captain Cook's expedition almost came undone – his boat hit a reef near shore. This is the point where two World-Heritage listed natural wonders meet: The Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Tours out to the reef run from here, and there are a variety of rainforest tours including the popular Jungle Surfing Canopy Tour, where visitors fly through the rainforest on flying fox wires, stopping at tree platforms to take in spectacular views over the Great Barrier Reef. Mountain biking, sea-kayaking, river cruises, bush-walking and 4WD tours are also available.
Continue on to Cooktown via either the sealed highway or the more adventurous 4WD 'Bloomfield Track' and experience its true 'frontier town' atmosphere. In June the town celebrates its status as Australia's first European settlement with the colourful Cooktown Endeavour Festival which includes a re-enactment of Cook's landing.
Daintree Rainforest Accommodation Search
The region offers some truly unique accommodation options, from luxury rainforest eco-resorts to campgrounds on the beach only a stone's throw from fringing coral reefs. The following Daintree Rainforest hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Queensland – please search below for availability and get the very best room rates sourced from over 100 local and online booking agents: