Daintree rainforest at a glance
The Daintree is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, listed in 1988. That is a different listing from the Great Barrier Reef, which was listed in 1981. The two sit side by side in far north Queensland, so many visitors combine a reef day with a rainforest day.
You can visit on a guided day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas, or drive yourself. The route north crosses the Daintree River by ferry, and the road beyond leads to Cape Tribulation. Below you will find the fares, hours and safety points that matter most.
Our picks: Daintree rainforest tours
Our take: the Cairns tour includes all national park fees and the Mossman Gorge ceremony. The Port Douglas tour goes on to Cape Tribulation and adds an hour of crocodile and wildlife spotting. The half-day tour from Port Douglas is the shorter choice, with a river cruise.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Daintree and Cape Tribulation day tour
- Mossman Gorge and Alexandra Lookout
- Crocodile and wildlife spotting
- Lunch and morning tea
A guided day through Daintree National Park with Mossman Gorge, Alexandra Lookout, a river ferry and a beach stop. It includes an hour of crocodile and wildlife spotting.
Check availability →
Daintree rainforest and Mossman Gorge day tour
- Daintree wildlife river cruise
- Guided rainforest walk
- Park fees and lunch
A guided rainforest walk and a wildlife river cruise, with all national park fees included. In Mossman Gorge the day opens with a Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony.
Check availability →Half-day Daintree tour with a river cruise
- All entry and park fees
- Morning tea
- Port Douglas hotel pickup
A morning in the Daintree that includes a river cruise, for anyone who prefers half a day to a full one. Pickup is from your Port Douglas accommodation.
Check availability →Daintree rainforest tours from Cairns
Guided Daintree and Mossman Gorge day trips, wildlife cruises and Cape Tribulation tours, with live prices and availability.
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is the most visited part of the Daintree. The Mossman River runs over granite boulders through the forest. There is no walking link from the car park, so the shuttle is strongly recommended. That is advice, not a legal requirement.
The shuttle runs about every 15 minutes from 08:00 to 17:00, every day except Christmas. The last departure from the park is at 16:30. Tickets are valid for the whole day and cover several rides.
Do not swim here. The park authority asks visitors not to go into the water, because levels, currents and rocks are unpredictable. Never swim anywhere that crocodiles may live, even if there is no sign.
Mossman Gorge shuttle fares
Valid 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Fares include the Queensland fee of A$2.70 per person.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | A$18.20 |
| Child 5 to 15 | A$10.45 |
| Child 0 to 4 | Free |
| Family | A$46.85 |
For most visitors, the shuttle ticket is the simplest way to see the gorge.
The Daintree River ferry
The crossing on the way to Cape Tribulation.
Hours and tickets
The ferry runs daily from 05:00 to 24:00. You can buy tickets online or at the crossing. Buying online 24 hours ahead is recommended, but not required. The crossing takes about 15 minutes including loading.
Fares
Fares change each 1 July, and tickets bought for the old fare period are valid until 30 June, with a top-up payable if the price has gone up. Check the current fare when you buy.
Where it is
The ferry is at the Daintree River near Lower Daintree, about 50 km north of Port Douglas. Drive time depends on traffic.
Port Douglas guide →Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation lies beyond the river crossing, where the rainforest reaches the sea. Road conditions can get worse quickly, so do not expect a trouble-free drive in every season.
The park authority warns of crocodiles, stingers and limited mobile coverage. Never swim anywhere that crocodiles may live, even without a warning sign. Stinger risk is higher from roughly November to May, but dangerous jellyfish can occur at any time.
Daintree rainforest tours and ways to visit
Pick what suits your time and budget.
| Option | What it solves | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Guided day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas | Driving, the ferry crossing and Mossman Gorge in one day | What the tour includes and the pickup point |
| Self-drive from Port Douglas | Your own timing; the ferry is about 50 km north | Ferry hours, fares and road conditions |
| Mossman Gorge on its own | A short visit to the gorge by shuttle | Last shuttle at 16:30; no swimming |
For most visitors without a car, a guided day trip is the easiest option. Self-drivers have more freedom but need to plan the ferry and the road. More on the towns you start from is in our guides to Cairns and Port Douglas.
Safety in the Daintree
The rules that apply on every visit.
Crocodiles
Never swim in places where crocodiles may live, even if there is no warning sign. The absence of a sign is not proof that a spot is safe.
Stingers
Box jellyfish and Irukandji can be life-threatening on the coast. In an emergency call 000, apply vinegar and get medical help. Irukandji symptoms can start 20 to 40 minutes after a sting.
Roads and phones
Conditions beyond the river crossing can get worse quickly, and mobile coverage is limited. Plan your route and your return before you leave Mossman or Port Douglas.
Reef and rainforest in one trip
Many visitors pair the Daintree with a reef day. See our guides to Great Barrier Reef tours and to snorkeling on the reef for the reef side of the trip.
Weather and when to go
Figures are for Cairns, the nearest long-term record.
Wet and dry months
January to March bring more than 400 mm of rain a month, and June to September under 50 mm. These are averages, not a forecast for your dates.
Weather by month →Cyclone season
The official season runs from 1 November to 30 April. It is not a closing date, but road conditions can change quickly.
Best time to visit →
Daintree rainforest: frequently asked questions
Is the Daintree part of the Great Barrier Reef?
No. The Daintree is in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (1988). The Great Barrier Reef was listed separately in 1981.
Can you swim at Mossman Gorge?
No. The park authority asks visitors not to go into the water because of unpredictable levels, currents and rocks.
When does the Daintree ferry run?
Daily from 05:00 to 24:00. Online tickets are recommended 24 hours ahead, but not required.
Do I need the Mossman Gorge shuttle?
It is strongly recommended because there is no walking link from the car park. It costs A$18.20 for an adult in 2026/27.
Is this an official Daintree website?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not connected to the park service, the ferry operator or any tour company.