Top 10 Things to Do in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest
Ever ventured through a rainforest before? Or even slept in one for a few nights? Well, this is your place to do it!
Daintree Rainforest is located in Cairns in Eastern Australia. A big plus: the Great Barrier Reef is right off the coast!
I had no idea what to expect going into a rainforest.. I knew I’d maybe run into some exotic animals (that’s a story for later😅) and go on some pretty awesome adventures.
And I can’t wait to share the top things to do with you! I want you to have the best experience and know exactly what to expect when you land in Daintree.
Let’s get into the Top 10 Things to Do in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest!
1. Daintree Crocodile Cruise
Ready to see some crazy crocs?! This cruise takes you up close and personal to some of the biggest crocs you’ll ever seen! The one above is 5 meters long. I wouldn’t want to jump in that water😳.
The cruise is an hour long and it takes you through Daintree’s River loaded with crocodiles. Some are just chillin’ on the banks and some are swimming along with the boat!
We actually got to see a fight between two alpha males – one was making his rounds (which only happens 2-3 times a day) and he saw another male on his side of the river so he attacked. It was so cool to see!
I highly recommend Bruce Belher’s Daintree River Cruises – friendly staff, informative commentary, and an awesome adventure!
2. Daintree Discovery Center
This place is an awesome place to visit. It’s extremely informative and is basically the visitor center of the rainforest.
But it’s not just rainforest guides and information! You can also go on a canopy tour, self-guided tours, an aerial skywalk, and travel along the boardwalks. There’s a reason it’s the number 1 attraction in the rainforest!
There’s also a delicious cafe that’s open daily from 9am-5pm, a souvenir store, and tons of useful information and advice that you’ll want before you start your journey through the rainforest.
I recommend getting here your first day or second day as it has all the information you could ever know. You’ll feel much more prepared after spending some time here!
Check out their website at https://www.discoverthedaintree.com/
3. Floravilla Ice Cream Factory
Calling all of you ice cream lovers out there… this is the place! It may be random… an ice cream factory in the middle of a rainforest… but I can’t think of anything better.
Made with organic fruit from the Daintree rainforest, Floravilla Ice Cream Factory is helping the environment and actively caring about their customers health. They have exotic flavors that keep making me want to come back for more.
Some of the most exotic flavors:
- Banana Passionfruit Coconut & Ginger
- Mango Passionfruit
- Black Sapote & Coconut
- Goji Berry Honey & Yogurt
- Dragonfruit
- Pistachio Nut
And of course your regular vanilla, chocolate, coffee, banana, chocolate mint, and much much more!
Located just 15 minutes after you cross the Daintree Ferry.
You have to add this place to the list!
4. Rainforest Zipline and Wildlife Habitat Day Trip
Who doesn’t want to go ziplining?! Such an effortless, fun way to see the rainforest as well as all the animals that encompass it.
A day trip that you will not regret. You get to see unreal views of the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Sea!
Here’s the itinerary for the day:
- Meet Australia’s native animals: kangaroos, koalas, wombats, etc.
- Cruise along the Daintree River (you’ll probably see some crocs)!
- Have a picnic lunch
- Zipline over the rainforest and see incredible views
Honestly you can’t go wrong with this one. Adventure, animals, boat cruise, picnics, views, it has it all.
Check out Viator for more info!
5. Tandem Sky Dive
The ultimate adrenaline pumping experience – sky diving! If you’ve always wanted to go sky diving, why not do it in Australia?! Now is the perfect opportunity to jump out of a plane and see the beautiful landscapes of Australia.
Jump with a professional, see ultimate views of the Great Barrier Reef, and fall from 15,000 feet in the air!
You won’t even know what hit you when you reach the ground, you’ll be so excited. Definitely give this a go is you’re in Daintree!
6. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef
This is a no brainer – you have to go to the Great Barrier Reef!
Hear at Ocean Safari they give you a wonderful half-day experience at the reef. Located just off Daintree and Cape Tribulations coast, they take you on a quick 25 minute boat ride out to the natural wonder.
From here, you’ll jump in the water and experience swimming with fish, turtles, coral, starfish, clams, rays, and so much more.
You can also check out the Turtle Rock Café before or after your visit to the reef to get some grub in your tummy!
A once in a lifetime opportunity right here. Make sure you get out to the Great Barrier Reef as soon as possible!
7. Cape Tribulation
Cape tribulation is such a fun place to experience! Plus it’s how you access the Great Barrier Reef from Daintree, so if you’re looking to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef you’ll have to come through here!
You get the best of both worlds – rainforests and beaches. If you choose to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef for a half day like I mentioned in #6, when you get back, lay on the beach in Cape Trib!
It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the Pacific Ocean waters. There’s also fantastic accommodation over here. Here’s some highly rated places to stay:
- Cape Tribulation Beach House
- Safari Lodge
- Ferntree Rainforest Hotel
8. Mossman Gorge
Exploring the Mossman Gorge is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural environment of Australia and the culture of Australia’s Kuku Yalanji People – Austrlalia’s indigenous people who have lived in the Rainforest for more than 50,000 years!
There’s a shuttle bus that takes you to the Gorge’s entrance where you can then walk around. Either go at your own pace or you can join a tour. The tours are much more informational and educate more on the Kuku Yalanji culture, but it’s totally okay if you just want to take in the beautiful landscapes and water.
Feel free to jump in the crystal clear water too!
If you don’t go for a swim expect spending about an hour here, and if you do go for a swim, maybe a couple hours.
Pro tip: I recommend going in the morning to avoid heavy crowds after lunch.
9. Have a spa day at the EcoLodge
The Daintree Ecolodge is one of the best places you can stay.at around here. I mean they have a spa and their own private waterfall in the backyard, what more could you ask for?
Located in the depths of the rainforest, it feels like you’re staying in an actual treehouse (cue my 7 year old self who would’ve done anything for an actual treehouse). This one is a bit more upgraded!😆
If you’ve been go-go-go your entire trip, or if you just had an exhilarating day bungy jumping, time to relax at the luxurious spa! Who wouldn’t want to come back to that?!
Such a fantastic place to stay while you’re in Daintree, find out more or book your stay here!
10. Go on some beautiful hikes!
Get your hiking boots on, you’re in for some movement and beautiful views! The Daintree Rainforest has tons of top notch hikes that you will absolutely love. From the Mossman Gorge I mentioned earlier, to stunning boardwalks by the ocean.
Here are some of the most highly rated hikes in Daintree!
- Dubuji Boardwalk
- Mount Sorrow Ridge Track
- Devils Thumb
- Kulki Lookout
You are bound to have a good time in the Daintree Rainforest. Whether you’re hiking, sky diving, ziplining, or just relaxing having a spa day. I hope this post got you even more excited to visit and spend some time in one of Australia’s greatest rainforests!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at kirsten@thedietitianroams.com or dm me on Instagram! @thedietitianroams
Talk to you soon travel fam👋🏻