Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree National Park is the site of the oldest living rainforest on earth, the Daintree Rainforest. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners of Daintree National Park. They welcome you to their country and ask that you respect their special place.

The Daintree National Park is comprised of two sections, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. The crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River cascade over granite boulders in Mossman Gorge while Cape Tribulation features rainforest-clad mountains that sweep down to long sandy beaches. View Daintree National Park Map.

Consisting of nearly 900 000 hectares, vegetation is primarily tropical rainforest, but also includes open eucalypt forest, wetlands and mangrove forests. This area meets all natural criteria for World Heritage listing including the area's exceptional natural beauty and the importance of its biological diversity and evolutionary history, including habitats for numerous threatened species.

Learn more about the Daintree National Park.

Where to visit?

Mossman Gorge: Located 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, the Mossman Gorge is a popular section of the Daintree National Park around a steep-sided valley on the Mossman River. Estimated at 60 000 years old, this lush tropical rainforest surroundings and creek scenery is an ideal spot for a day swimming, exploring walking tracks, watching bird and wildlife and enjoying the dedicated picnic areas. It is a site of Aboriginal heritage significance, with guided walks from the native Kuku Yalanji Mossman Gorge Community.

Daintree Village: A short 30 minute drive north of the Mossman Gorge is the Daintree Village, on the southern banks of the Daintree River. Daintree Village is known for its unique bird life and crocodile spotting tours, which are a must do for any visitor. But if that is too adventurous for you, why don't you get pampered in a rainforest spa, check out the local shops and art galleries or just sit back and relax amongst your rainforest surroundings. There is a range of Daintree Village accommodation to suit all types of traveller from a resort, private and secluded B&B's, holiday houses and camping sites. And don't forget to try a famous Croc Burger! Learn more about the Daintree Village.

Cape Tribulation: The ancient Daintree Rainforest is contained within the area between Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation. At an estimated 140 million years old, it is the oldest living tropical rainforest on earth. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage listed sites meet, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. There is a fully sealed road to Cape Tribulation where you can experience the many walking tracks, take guided tours by day and night and go swinging through the treetops. If you wish to venture further north, you can explore the rugged rainforest territory in a 4WD, visit pristine freshwater swimming spots and experience places of special significance to the native Aboriginal people. Learn more about Cape Tribulation.

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most spectacular pieces of natural beauty you will encounter in your lifetime, it's up to you how you would like to enjoy it. For more information, visit the sites of our passionate local tourism organisations dedicated to this special place:

Tourism Daintree Coast

Tourism Daintree Region

Daintree Marketing Co-operative