What state is the Daintree rainforest in?

The Daintree Rainforest boasts an incredibly biodiverse landscape, being one of the most impressive natural wonders of Australia.

Home to ancient plants and unique animals, this Rainforest has become one of the top tourist spots around-but where exactly is it?

About the State of Queensland

The Daintree Rainforest is in the tropical region of Queensland, nestled in the North East of Australia. It is famously known for being a tropical paradise, with endless greenery, stunning sands, and turquoise seas. Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, is renowned for its endless sunshine and laid-back atmosphere. With the regions of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast loved for their golden sand beaches and party filled fun! Head north to Cairns where it gets even hotter, being the perfect base point to see natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, and of course, the Daintree National Park.

How to get to the Daintree Rainforest

Getting to the Daintree Rainforest can be a tricky journey, with the lack of development in the region narrowing down your choices severely. The starting point is typically Cairns, being the closest city to the rainforest in Queensland. Many tourists leave their large luggage at a hotel here, before trekking out to the thick rainforest for a day or a weekend trip!

  • Public Transport

    If you don’t have a car and prefer travelling the region alone, public transport may be your only option. Simply start at Cairns and hop on a train, which weaves up to the region every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. However, you must plan your journey ahead of time, as the return trains only operate on alternative days, excluding Sunday. The train journey can be a great way to see the sights of the region, taking about three hours all up! However, due to inner public transport being unavailable, finding your way around the rainforest after arriving at the final train station must be pre-planned.

  • Bus Tours

    This is typically the most common option when choosing a journey option. As it is stress-free, with all the organising done for you! All you need to do is book a ticket and hop on the bus in the morning. Heading off into the lush rainforest for a truly unforgettable day! Multiple companies offer tours every day, promising a variety of packages including one day adventure or weekend-long activities. Having a guide will give you a greater insight into the region, with the professionals stopping off at unknown attractions and giving a detailed history of the land.

  • Driving yourself

    Prefer to head out into the unknown? If you have a car you can travel throughout without the crowds and make your journey around however you like. Simply hire a car or bring your own on the adventure, starting from Cairns to the couple hours drive into the greenery. As you have a car, its easier to stay longer in the region, where you can stay a couple of nights in the local accommodation or nearby camping spots.

Related article: Is the Daintree Rainforest the Oldest in the World?

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.

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