Is the Daintree River cruise worth it?

Experience a cruise that takes you along the Daintree River as it weaves itself through the ancient rainforest.

The Daintree River is found in the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest which is at least 130 million years old!

During any trip in North Queensland and through the Daintree Rainforest, it’s worth your time to try to include doing the Daintree River cruise.

The river starts from the Great Dividing Range and weaves through the Daintree Rainforest and connects with two tributaries. Finally, the river continues through Cairns Marine National Park and opens up into the Coral Sea.

How long is the cruise?

The Daintree River cruise tends to go for an hour to an hour and a half. Your local guide will take you down the river and tell you about the history of the rainforest. Each cruise will be unique as you never know what wildlife you’ll see!

What wildlife could I see?

It’s not always guaranteed you’ll spot wildlife during the Daintree River cruise, but you’ll hopefully come across a couple that lives in the river or the rainforest!

The most popular reptile that people want to spot in the Daintree River is the saltwater crocodile! The local guide might point out one in the water with its head sitting just above or there might be one on the riverbank sunbaking. Other reptiles to spot include all kinds of snakes and lizards which both can be spotted on the riverbanks, trees, and even in the water.

Birds are commonly found flying around the Daintree River, in the trees, or on the rainforest floor. These birds are typically beautiful with bright colours, making them easy to spot. The southern cassowary is a large bird, almost like an emu, and is very deadly. But these birds aren’t often found in the rainforest, but you could be lucky to see one!

Should I see anything else in the Daintree Rainforest?

After experiencing the Daintree River cruise, there is plenty of more to do in the rainforest! Some people spend up to five days exploring the rainforest. So, whether you have five days or just a day, here are a few things you can do in the oldest rainforest in the world.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet, which are two World Heritage Sites! Experience and relax at Cape Tribulation and see for yourself this beautiful area. You’ll have the ancient rainforest behind you as you look out to the Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree Discovery Centre

The Daintree Discovery Centre is a great way to explore parts of the rainforest with self-guided walks. The boardwalks take you by various plants in the rainforest, including some that come from the Jurassic Period.

Make sure to also check out and walk up the canopy tower and see the rainforest from all different levels!

Planning a trip to the Daintree Rainforest? Check out this one-day tour which includes the Daintree River cruise, parts of the rainforest, Cape Tribulation, lookout points, and even Mossman Gorge.

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.