Is Daintree worth visiting?

The Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest rainforest and is even older than the Amazon Rainforest!

Of course, the Daintree is absolutely worth visiting! The Daintree is over 180 million years old and has continued to evolve to become one of the world’s truly fascinating living ecosystems.
You could check out the Daintree River in search of the saltwater crocodile, lazing about Cape Tribulation, or taking in sweeping views from Rex Lookout. Or you could be partaking in an unforgettable Aboriginal heritage walk or trekking through the lush forest top spot ubiquitous wildlife!

So, when you ask if the Daintree is worth visiting, the answer is always a resounding yes! Here are a few reasons why the Daintree Rainforest is worth a visit.

Croc-spotting cruise

Perhaps the only living thing in the Daintree older than the forest itself is the saltwater crocodile. These crocs made their way into the area over 240 million years ago. This means they’ve been around since prehistoric times, also known as the time of the dinosaurs!

Saltwater crocs feel right at home in the Daintree, and this makes for an awesome opportunity to spot them at the Daintree River cruise. An experienced and knowledgeable local guide will take you down the river in search of some of these incredible animals. You will learn about them and the other forest inhabitants along the way – it’s a truly enriching experience.

On the cruise, you could also spot some other wildlife including butterflies, fish, birds, snakes, and more! The cruise goes for around an hour to an hour and a half, so you’ll have a chance to spot all kinds of creatures in the river.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation has a gorgeous beach, the kind that only a 180 million year old rainforest could have attached to its lush forest canopy. Crossing the Daintree River and stepping out onto the Cape Tribulation shorefront is a mesmerising experience. It is safe to say this beach is easily one of the world’s best beach experiences.

What makes Cape Tribulation unique is it’s the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet. Here you’ll see the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef connect.

Cape Tribulation is the place where you can kick back, relax, have a dip, and even a spot of horseback riding. The beach is sure to invigorate your senses and have you want to laze around for longer.

PK’s Jungle Village

Plan to stay in Cape Tribulation? PK’s is the ideal place to rest your head after a big day’s forest exploring! The accommodation has an outdoor pool, bar/bistro and super cosy dorm or private cabin rooms available.

Jindalba Boardwalk

The Jindalba Boardwalk is the quintessential Daintree walk, allowing you to experience some of the forest’s rich beauty. The walk could allow you to see fascinating wildlife as you stroll through the vibrant flora. You’ll explore the lowland parts of the Daintree through the foothills of Mount Alexandra.

The Jindalba boardwalk is an easy boardwalk to follow which can take just under an hour to complete.

Keep your eyes peeled for famous Daintree residents like the musky rat kangaroo, Bennett’s tree kangaroo or the beautiful paradise kingfisher! It is a truly remarkable walk and one that offers the very best that the rainforest has to offer.

Go for a swim at the swimming holes

The Daintree Rainforest has a great selection of swimming pools where it is the perfect place to cool off and escape the heat. Some popular swimming holes in the Daintree include Cassowary Falls, Emmagen Creek, and Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole.

The best time to go swimming in the Daintree is the dry season as crocodiles are less likely to be in the water.

As you can tell, the Daintree is well worth visiting while you’re in North Queensland. If you’re staying around Cairns or Port Douglas, check out this one-day Daintree Rainforest tour! Or if you have more time to explore, spend a night in the Daintree and also see the Atherton Tablelands.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.