Far North Queensland is where the rainforest meets the Reef two UNESCO World Heritage sites. In this Blog I am Including Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Mossman and Port Douglas. The Daintree rainforest starts just north of Port Douglas, which is an hour north of Cairns. You can do a tour from Port Douglas or Cairns, but renting a car and driving yourself gives you much more flexibility. Cape Tribulation is a headland a couple of hours north where the sealed road ends and the Bloomfield Track Begins.
Mossman Gorge
which is the southeast corner of the Daintree National Park. The Mossman Gorge Visitor’s Centre is now run by the indigenous community and it provides a shuttle service from the Centre to the Gorge. It is only a couple of kms and you can walk, but the aboriginal community requests you not walk through their village and instead use the shuttles. Adult tickets are from $14 (Nov 2023). Click Here for more information.
There are 4 walks at Mossman Gorge and you can swim in the river.
Baral Marrjanga: is a 270m 5–10 min walk across two elevated boardwalks which pass through the lower rainforest canopy.
Lower River Track: is a 300m 5-10min walk which winds along the Mossman River.
Rex Creek Bridge: is a 400m 10 min walk across a Suspension Bridge.
Rainforest Circuit: is a 2.4km return easy walk starting from rex bridge. Which you can combine all the walking trails into a 3.4km circuit.
All walks begin from where the shuttle drops you off.
Daintree Ferry
There has never been a bridge built across the Daintree River. The only way to get across is the Cape Tribulation is by a cable ferry that efficiently transports cars back and forth across the crocodile infested river. You may have to wait up to 15 minutes for the ferry. You just show up; no booking or reservations. The Daintree ferry costs $47/return or there is a 5 return trip multi pass for $120 if you are going to do multi trips over to the Daintree this ticket is well worth it. Click Here for more ticket pricing.
Solar Whisper Boat Cruise
Solar Whisper is the only zero-emission boat on the Daintree River. Quietly glide up to crocodiles & other wildlife without scaring them or hurting their habitat. There is 1 hour and 2 hour tours prices start from $33per adult (Nov 2023).
Mount Alexander Lookout
Head To A beach
Although swimming is not advised it is still worth checking out one of the many beaches in the Daintree. Beaches to explore Cow Bay, Myall Beach, Thornton beach and Noah’s Beach.
Walk The Madja, Kulki And Dubuji Boardwalks
If you’re looking for free things to do in the Daintree and want something easy and accessible. Then immerse yourself in the wet tropics world heritage area of the Daintree Rainforest by taking a stroll on one of the several boardwalks.
Mason’s Swimming Hole
A great place for a refreshing dip, there is also a rope swing here. It is a small $1 donation at the entrance.
Alexandra Falls
A beautiful off the beaten path adventure. It is about 3.2km return hike to the top of the waterfall and back. For more information on this hike, I have a detailed Blog. Click Here. (add blog).
Bloomfield Waterfall
A short 10 minute walk from the carpark. You will almost pass it when taking the Bloomfield track to cooktown.
Cooktown
Mount Cook Summit
Mount Cook Summit is a 6km return Hike and about 3 hours return. The Mount Cook walk is a strenuous climb. From the Hannan Drive carpark the trail enters a sheltered bushland gully and winds amongst granite boulders, following the mountain. After about 10 minutes a short path on the right leads to a lookout with views over Cooktown. From the junction the summit trail zigzags up to a saddle where another short path leads to a lookout with coastal views. The trail then continues for about 1km to the summit of mount cook. The views were best from the second lookout. You can get views from the summit if you pass the Heli pad and head down the trail down the mountain there is a rock where you can get coastal views.
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