Daintree National Park Australia: Exotic Natural Beauty & Wildlife

The lush rainforests and pristine rivers of Daintree National Park Australia.

Daintree National Park Australia, located in Australia, is a natural asset of the region. This rainforest is praised for its thick forests, age-old geology, and natural habitat. Daintree National Park Australia is listed under UNESCO World Heritage site. The national park is located in Queensland and is an interesting spot for hikers, wildlife lovers and any people interested in the tropical spirit of Australia. There are many breathtaking spots to witness inside this forest including Cape Tribulation and multiple rivers.

Location

Blue waters of a peaceful river in Daintree National Park Australia.

Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons

Daintree National Park Australia Australia is in Far North Queensland. It is a coastal area extending from the Mossman River to Cape Tribulation. It is located only about 100 kilometers north of Cairns. This national park can be visited on a day trip. Most visitors driving through the park start in Cairns, travel north to Port Douglas, and then turn east toward Mossman or Cape Tribulation to take short sight-seeing tours or admire the jungle.

How To Reach

Captain Cook Highway amidst the jungle to reach the spot.

Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: A road trip from Cairns takes roughly about 1.5 – 2 hours. Tourists travel by car heading the Captain Cook Highway to Mossman and then to the Cape Tribulation. Several bus companies exist serving the two destinations with daily tour services. Travelers who do not possess cars, particularly young tourists, use bus transportation to reach Daintree National Park Australia.

By Ferry: Any visitors to Cape Tribulation will be able to cross the Daintree River by the Daintree River Ferry which directly takes travelers to the park.

By Air: Those visiting by air shall land at the nearest Cairns Airport and then take a road trip to the destination.

Places To Visit In And Around Daintree National Park Australia

Daintree offers diverse landscapes, from scenic beaches to rainforest trails. Here are five must-see attractions:

1. Mossman Gorge

 Lush surroundings of Mossman Gorge near the park.

Photo: Runningboffin / Wikimedia Commons

Mossman Gorge is a calm spot in the south of Daintree National Park Australia with streams of clear water and rainforest above. There are walking paths and beautiful pools at this place. This gorge features large granite rocks that make natural, appealing watering points for swimming. One can also get more information from the display made at the Mossman Gorge Centre. This place is also a rural locality with a population of people. More than five hundred species of Australian native plants grow at this place.

Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fees: Entry is free; guided tours may incur fees
Highlights: Swimming, guided Indigenous tours, and rainforest walks

2. Cape Tribulation

A place where the rainforest meets the reef with scenic views.

Photo: Paul Holloway / Wikimedia Commons

Cape Tribulation is the place where the most ancient rainforest of Daintree meets the most youthful white sandy coastline and the coral reef of the Great Barrier. The things that people get to see are private beaches, adventurous jungles, and vantage viewpoints. Cape Tribulation is also a locality with a population of 123 people. This area has some bed and breakfast eco lodges, tourism resorts and backpacker’s hostels. There are three attractive lookouts at this spot including Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail Lookout, Kulki Boardwalk Lookout and Marrja Boardwalk Lookout.

Timings: Accessible year-round
Entry Fees: Free entry; guided activities vary in price
Highlights: Beach walks, rainforest tours, snorkelling, and kayaking

3. Daintree Rainforest

The ancient rainforest surrounding this exotic wildlife.

Photo: Killerscene / Wikimedia Commons

Daintree Rainforest is one of the largest tropical rainforests in the world. This rainforest occupies a greater part of the national park. Detailed guided tours include information about ever-shifting environments, the chance to view the rainforest canopy, examine plant life, and more about the conservation of the fauna. The possibilities of walking offer an insight into views of the interior of the rainforest, the thickness of its green color, and the density of life. The jungle is dense and offers a unique experience.

Timings: Open daily
Entry Fees: Free entry; guided tours available for a fee
Highlights: Wildlife sightings, ancient trees, and guided eco-tours

4. Daintree River

A sunny day at this river near the main destination.

Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons

Daintree River has a rich fauna and flora which is unique to the area. This river is perhaps the only river in the world where saltwater crocodiles can be seen on strictly controlled cruises. These cruises present an opportunity to view other wildlife such as birds, tree frogs, and river fish. The river is located near mangroves, and rainforests making it one of the best places. It can offer good shots for nature photographers and wildlife lovers. Daintree River is majorly considered a tourist attraction. It is suggested to tourists to never swim in the river.

Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fees: River cruises vary in price
Highlights: Crocodile-spotting cruises, mangrove forests, and wildlife photography

5. Emmagen Creek

Calm pools of Emmagen Creek nestled within this main destination.

Photo: ogwen / Wikimedia Commons

Emmagen Creek, situated a little closer to Cape Tribulation, is a beautiful place to swim and have a picnic. The place has become a tourist attraction and offers a peaceful time. The creek is very small and the water is very clear. A small track leads to the creek itself through rainforest terrain. People usually swim in a pool that has been naturally formed. There is a small cafe along the way which offers food and beers.

Timings: Accessible year-round
Entry Fees: Free entry
Highlights: Swimming, peaceful surroundings and picnic spots

Where To Stay

Lodges and accommodations are available near Daintree National Park Australia.

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

There are a range of lodges, camps, and luxury resorts for accommodation near the park in the town of Mossman and nearby Cape Tribulation. For a natural kind of accommodation, you have the Daintree EcoLodge with rainforest and sustainable facilities. Cape Tribulation Camping is for tent accommodations right by the beach. A bit more upscale, Silky Oaks Lodge suites provide not only a comfortable stay. It places the rooms right into the middle of the rainforest near Mossman River.

Where To Eat

Dining areas nearby Daintree National Park Australia.

Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Food includes cafes that sell bush foods and pies, to restaurants that overlook the rainforest in the Daintree area. What Restaurant, located at Cape Tribulation is an up-market restaurant, offering delicious meals produced and sourced locally. Mojo’s Bar and Grill in Mossman is a casual facility that offers regional menu types. Daintree Ice Cream Company should be visited because it has traditional ice cream made from tropical fruits growing in the region.

Other Factors To Consider

 Blue skies and a beach at Daintree National Park Australia.

Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons

It is recommended to visit Daintree National Park Australia during the dry season of Australia, which is usually between May and September. This is the best time of the year too for various outdoor activities.

Average Cost Of The Trip

The price is AUD $150 / ₹12,000 / $400 / ₹35,000 and includes entry fees, meals and guided tours.

Tips For Travellers

  • Remember to carry insect repellent as you walk on the trails of the rainforests which may have insects.
  • If you plan to go out in the water, make sure you have waterproof clothes.
  • Also carry good footwear.
  • If one wants to have an enriched experience, then one should necessarily arrange guided tours at this place.

Daintree National Park Australia is indeed an interesting place to visit in Australia. This place is a recommended spot for nature lovers, surrounded by tropical rainforests, clean rivers, and unmanned beaches. Whether you enjoy long hiking, watching wildlife or just a quiet time within Australia’s natural treasures, Daintree has something magnificent in store for you. Book a trip with TripXL to visit this amazing national park in Australia which promises an immersive experience.

Cover Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Daintree is known for its rainforest and wildlife including the endangered flightless bird Southern Cassowary.
General admission is free to the public but for some activities including self-guided tours and use of the Local River ferry, there may be charges.
Yes, there are campsites around Cape Tribulation, nothing out of the line in terms of facilities at least the camping sites are in the rainforest.
The pursuits include nature treks and trails, river and wildlife viewing, heritage walks and indigenous experiences.
Yes, Daintree National Park Australia is possible to visit all year long but there are a few places that could be hard to reach during the wet season because of rain.

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