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Embark on a premium full-day tour showcasing the best of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. With pickups available from Cairns, the northern beaches, and Port Douglas, your journey begins along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Drive, stopping at Rex Lookout for sweeping views of the Coral Sea.
From Port Douglas, continue to Mossman Gorge, where you’ll enjoy tea or coffee before taking a guided rainforest walk. Stroll among granite boulders and crystal-clear streams, with the chance to swim in the refreshing waters. A quality restaurant lunch follows, offering a choice of meals to suit all tastes.
Next, board a one-hour Daintree River cruise. Learn about the unique ecosystem as you watch for crocodiles, tropical birds, and other wildlife. Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry to reach the ancient rainforest, stopping at Alexandra Lookout for panoramic views of the river, delta, and Coral Sea.
Wander beneath towering rainforest trees on a guided walk before reaching Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. On the way back, pause at the Daintree Ice-Cream Company (own expense) for a taste of tropical flavors. Return to Port Douglas by 5:30 pm, and Cairns a little later, after one unforgettable day in paradise.
Return transfers are included from selected Cairns, the northern beaches and Port Douglas hotels/locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.
Check availability to see starting times.
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Know before you go
This is a full-day experience of around 12 hours from Cairns, with pickups beginning from about 7am and return typically around 6–7pm. Reaching Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation involves several hours on the road, balanced with guided walks, the river cruise, lunch and scenic stops. Pickup and return times vary with your accommodation and daily conditions.
The walks are short and taken at a relaxed pace rather than being long hikes. The guided walks at Mossman Gorge and in the Daintree usually take about 20–30 minutes each on maintained tracks or boardwalks, with stops for commentary and photos. You need to manage vehicle steps and repeated boarding, but you may sit out a walking section and rejoin the group afterwards.
Swimming may be available at Mossman Gorge when conditions are suitable. Bring swimmers and a towel if you would like the option, but entering the water is never guaranteed and the guide’s safety directions on the day must be followed. River levels and currents can change quickly, particularly after rain.
The one-hour Daintree River cruise gives you a genuine chance to see saltwater crocodiles, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Sightings vary with the tide, weather and animal activity, so no particular species can be guaranteed. Your guide and cruise crew will help spot wildlife and explain the surrounding ecosystem.
Families with children aged four and over can join, and booster seats are available for younger children. The small-group vehicle, meal stops and short walks help break up the journey, but it is a long outing with substantial driving, so it best suits children who are comfortable with a full day on the road.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible because the vehicle has no wheelchair lift. Guests need to be able to climb several vehicle steps and get on and off repeatedly. The walks themselves are short and may be skipped, but the transport requirements still make the tour unsuitable for travellers who cannot board the minibus safely.
Lunch includes a choice of freshly prepared meals, and common dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.
The rainforest is particularly atmospheric in wet weather and the tour normally operates year-round. The guide may adjust the order or selection of stops to suit weather, river and road conditions. The tour will only be cancelled when severe weather or unsafe conditions prevent it from operating. Bring a light rain jacket and suitable walking shoes.
Jim, the guide, driver and entertainer was excellent, informative and attentive throughout. On the the river cruise, it would have been improved if one of the larger crocs was spotted, maybe you could have a word with them.
Carsten was knowledgeable guide. Showed us several animals and plants in rainforest. Very personable. One of my favorite tours in Australia.
We had a great time and saw even more than we had expected to. Darryl was extremely knowledgeable which added a lot to the experience.
Steve was a fantastic guide and we had a great day! Thank you so much for the great experience
We absolutely loved this trip, our guide was phenomenal. Knew so much and was so friendly! The tour was amazing, we got to see so much and even try some tropical fruits and kangaroo. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone. Thank you!
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