Daintree

Once a small and quiet red cedar logging town, Daintree is now the tourist hub for river cruises along the Daintree River where visitors can witness the diverse range of native and unique plant and wildlife who thrive here, including crocodiles, marsupials and various birds.

See our detailed Daintree map.

Things to See and Do

River cruises are the primary attraction here. After the annual wet season, the Daintree Village comes alive with tourists during the peak season which usually lasts between June and September.

Information centres, tour desks and various cruise operators at the village can help with bookings although it is usually advisable to book in advance to avoid missing out on a seat.

Cruises usually depart from the Daintree Village jetty just downhill from the General Store and typically involve a one and a half hour guided tour of the river and the wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, that inhabit the area.

Apart from cruises, the river is also a popular spot for fishing as well as birdwatching, particularly during the months of October and early November when migratory birds arrive in the region.

Just across the river near Cow Bay is the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre where visitors can explore and obtain great views of the tropical rainforests via the facility's impressive canopy tower, aerial walkways and elevated boardwalks.

The rainforests also provide opportunities for bushwalks and 4WD safaris while visitors can also go for day trips to the nearby Great Barrier Reef for some diving or snorkeling.

Daintree Hotels and Accommodation

Located in the heart of the rainforest, 3km south of Daintree Village, is the impressive Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa which features 15 spacious villas, some of which come with a private Jacuzzi. The lodge also boasts an award-winning spa where guests can indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments and massages.

The Daintree Village itself as well as the surrounding farmlands have plenty of affordable accommodation options including several bed and breakfasts, self-contained cabins and farmstays.

Alternatively, visitors who prefer being close to the sea may prefer a holiday beach house in Wonga Beach further out from the village.

Places to Eat

A trip to Daintree is almost incomplete without a visit to the Big Barramundi Barbecue Garden. Located in the village and set on a patio overlooking the rainforest, the garden features a giant fibreglass barramundi at its entrance and serves a range of exotic Australian dishes such as kangaroo and crocodile.

The Eco Lodge & Spa also comes with its own restaurant with elegant settings while more casual eateries can be found along Stewart St in the village.

Getting to Daintree

The closest airport is the Cairns International Airport. Several tour operators from Cairns and Port Douglas offer day trips to Daintree.

Otherwise, if you plan on driving yourself, head north up the Captain Cook Highway along the coast and continue up Daintree Road till you reach the village. The journey takes approximately an hour from Cairns and 45 minutes from Port Douglas.