Daintree Rainforest: Day Trips and Tours from Cairns

The great city of Cairns may be popularly known as a gateway region to some better-known destinations in good old Australia, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of other getaway spots to make yourself aware of.

Daintree Forest resides at the very core of Queensland with a backstory as rich as the land is green over in Diwan. Stretching across 1,200 square kilometers it’s a particular hidden gem that needs to be further explored, and one of the best ways to try and accomplish such a goal is by getting a little bit of help.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways to enjoy Daintree Rainforest tours from Cairns.

How long does it take to reach Daintree Rainforest from Cairns?

Hopping on the bus and taking the 125km trip up to the Rainforest has the potential to save on expenses, but there’s also a very good chance more stops along the way could lead to a longer and less comfortable ride.

On the flip side, going down the route of a road trip could be precisely what’s needed to arrive in good time and get a great view of the coast, too. The journey shouldn’t take much longer than 2 hours 15 minutes unless you decide to throw in a few pitstops, and the roads tend to be pretty smooth.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Daintree Rainforest?

Getting a chance to escape the city life and embrace the wilderness can be a rare commodity for many, but that’s what could be on the table with Daintree Rainforest tours from Cairns. The day will likely commence with travelers being picked up from a pre-chosen location in the heart of Cairns, and from there, the adventure begins.

Morning tea and lunch are often provided depending on the package chosen with tourists being handed the opportunity to see the coast and enjoy the open air before venturing into the unknown.

Upon arriving you’ll get to witness all the wonders Daintree has to offer including Flying Paradise Kingfishers, butterflies, tree frogs and all other kinds of wildlife under the safety and supervision of those leading the tour.

One of the shining lights of the Daintree Rainforest is Cape Tribulation, a remote headland and beach that forms part of the overall experience.

After taking in the luxury sights and sounds, you’ll be transported either to your chosen accommodation or back to the city of Cairns.

What are the most popular tours at Daintree Rainforest?

River Cruise Tour

The tropical ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest is vast and mighty, and there are few better ways to understand it than this. From seeing crocodiles, birds and snakes to changing the scenery a little, the River Cruise is an old favourite for many.

Hiking Tour

Don’t think - just walk. That should be the motto for the haven of joy and information that can be accumulated on the hiking tour. The jungle atmosphere is an authentic way of being that needs to be felt to be believed, and leaving the Rainforest without becoming immersed in that would be a sin.

Aboriginal Cultural Tour

The rich Aboriginal culture of Australia deserves to be respected and through this tour, we can do just that. Those visiting will enjoy a Welcome to the Country smoking ceremony by an owner of the land, and they’ll also learn more about traditional hunting and fishing techniques from the Kubirri Warra brothers of the island.

Are there any combo tours including other places to visit?

Limiting the holiday to just the Daintree Rainforest is one way to go, but it may be of interest to know that there are other spots hiding right around the next corner.

Cape Tribulation

It’s been mentioned before but Cape Tribulation really is the focal piece of the Rainforest area, and yet it’s been found that many folks still manage to pass it by as they want to indulge in Daintree itself. That’s understandable, but Cape Tribulation is the definition of a breath of fresh air - both literally and because there are so many different scenic perspectives to be had.

Mossman Gorge

The Mossman Gorge is more of a possible stopping point on the way than anything else as it’s pretty centrally located between Cairns and Daintree Rainforest. The streams and valleys are crystal clear on a bright sunny day and while the Rainforest can get quite loud at times, there’s a real serenity lying deep beneath the surface at Mossman.

Port Douglas

Just a little bit further east of Mossman Gorge, travellers can enjoy the magic of Port Douglas. As an actual town with a population of more than 3,500 people, PD is an actual holiday resort that could be seen as a perfect place to stay overnight as part of your tour. Plus, the Four Mile Beach has a whole host of watersport entertainment for the daredevils out there.

Travel tips

• The nature and conditions of the Rainforest ensure that visiting tourists are going to get wet if they don’t bring the proper attire. Therefore, make sure to pack the ponchos and don’t forget to wear the appropriate footwear. It was an important life lesson when our parents taught us, and it still is to this day!
• Capturing memories of the journey to your final destination isn’t always seen as a priority and the logic behind that is understandable, but even if you just want to sit back and relax, taking a few shots of the Captain Cook Highway is a must whether it be on the way there or on the way back.
• The rural village of Daintree itself is believed to be home to just over 100+ people. The village may not be seen as much to write home about, but getting up there and asking locals a couple of questions could provide an interesting insight into what life is like to have the Rainforest on the doorstep.