10 of the most extraordinary things to do in the Daintree Rainforest

From enthralling cultural tours to thrill-seeking adventures, the best things to do in the Daintree Rainforest instantly captivate.

Flowing with leafy canopies, hidden (croc-free) swimming holes and an array of wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest is a wonderland for nature lovers. Just add creative dining experiences and all-too-convenient offshore expeditions to your to-do list and you’re left with one heck of a shake-up from your daily grind. Here, we round up the most memorable things to do in the Daintree Rainforest, a spectacular attraction and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

1. Immerse yourself in a Daintree Rainforest walk

Nothing quite compares to exploring the Daintree on foot. Walking its ancient terrain puts you in the belly of a multisensory beast where every plant’s smell, every animal’s call and feel every inch of its misty warmth is experienced.

DREAMTIME WALKS

a guided dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge Centre — Go on a spiritual walk through the lush rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re near Mossman Gorge, a guided Dreamtime Walk from the team at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a must. The 1.5-hour journey follows private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites including traditional Indigenous bark shelters. Stunning water streams are also abundant so charge your phone before heading out.

KULKI BOARDWALK

an aerial view of Kulki Beach — The rainforest meets Kulki Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Kulki Boardwalk takes you to Cape Tribulation Beach lookout for an iconic perspective of Cape Tribulation. Spy steep rainforest slopes cascading into sandy beaches and rocky headlands.

MADJA BOARDWALK

The Madja Boardwalk is an easy 45-minute Cape Tribulation stretch that takes in a concrete pathway to Oliver Creek where you can sit and try to spot a crocodile or few.

JINDALBA BOARDWALK

Jindalba, which translates to ‘foot of the mountain’ in traditional Kuku Yalanji language, is a 650-metre Cape Tribulation circuit walk that takes about 45 minutes to complete. While it underwent improvements throughout 2025, information signs providing facts about the Daintree’s diverse flora and fauna make this trail popular when it is open.

DUBUJI BOARDWALK

The Dubuji Boardwalk is a 650-metre return trip that wanders through the foothills of Mount Alexandra in Cape Tribulation. It’ll take you 45 minutes all up but give yourself extra time to spy a tree kangaroo as they call this area home.

2. Dip into the Daintree’s waterfalls and swimming holes

swimming in Emmagen Creek, Daintree — Cool off at the stunning swimming hole at Emmagen Creek. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Swimming and the Daintree rarely go together (hello, croc country), but there are some places that offer safe conditions, allowing you to cool off beyond the fencing of private swimming pools.

CASSOWARY FALLS

Cassowary Falls is located on a private property which offers some of the best accommodation in the Daintree, but you can access the falls themselves via one of the property’s tours . Choose from a 2.5-hour visit or go the full-day experience which includes a river cruise. Best of all, a highlight of both picks is the lounging-under-a-waterfall bit so brace yourself for all the selfies.

WUJAL WUJAL FALLS

two people visiting the Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls — A 4WD gives you access to the stunning Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls is located on the Bloomfield Track, a wildly beautiful drive that can only be taken by 4WDs. The pristine spot is sacred to the Wujal Wujal community, and many of the waterfalls in the area are reserved for female members of the local community. The public can access this one though, as clearly stated on a nearby signpost. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for these signs out of respect for the local Kuku Yalanji people.

EMMAGEN CREEK

Emmagen Creek features a swimming hole about five kilometres north of Cape Tribulation surrounded by deep rainforest. The crystal-clear waterhole is lined with water-eroded rocks, creating an ideal place to connect with nature. Crocs do appear downstream of the creek crossing, so only swim in the swimming hole itself for safety reasons.

MASON’S SWIMMING HOLE

Mason’s Swimming Hole is roughly 20 minutes’ walk from Cape Tribulation along Myall Creek and features swings and clear water. An honesty box can also be found, inviting $1 donations per swim. It’s important to always check for signs or local advice before entering.

3. Fix your sweet tooth at Floravilla

One of the Daintree’s most beloved ice cream haunts, Floravilla churns out organic creations made from seasonal fruits, including the region’s most exotic. Located on Cape Tribulation Road, you won’t miss the blue and white signs leading you towards its biodynamic treats. According to the team, their most alluring flavour is ‘Daintree Rainforest’ which blends lemon myrtle, coconut, ginger, kale, vanilla and spirulina to utterly intrigue.

4. Be enlightened at the Daintree Discovery Centre

the forest walkway at Daintree Discovery Centre — Explore the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Daintree Discovery Centre is the place to visit for a deeper understanding of your surroundings, offering visitors access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest from the forest floor to its upper canopies. You’ll find a 23-metre-high canopy tower, an 11-metre-high aerial walkway, accessible VR exploration from ground level and so much more.

5. Float along a stunning Daintree river

the River Drift Experience at Daintree river — Embark on an enchanting River Drift Experience along the pristine Daintree River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Undoubtedly one of the most unique tours to choose, Back Country Bliss’ River Drift Experience invites visitors to slink along the Mossman River’s clear streams while lying on a lilo (but the team call them ‘river sleds’). Children above the age of four and all fun-seeking grown-ups are welcome on the two-hour experience, which takes in both fast flowing and ultra-serene sections.

6. Sample Daintree Tea straight from the source

You’ve probably seen Daintree Tea before, but even if you haven’t, the brand’s Farmgate Stall on Cape Tribulation Road is a must-experience. The roadside stall offers visitors a chance to sample its pesticide-free, vegan and gluten-free creations as all tea is served within 24 hours of being harvested. The unmanned set-up (you’ll need to make your purchases online prior to arrival or place cash in the on-site honesty box) also sells homemade honey and don’t leave without peeking at the photos hung on the stall’s walls that share insight into the plantation’s operations.

7. Marvel in a spread of giant fan palms

They’re one of the Daintree’s most recognisable features, so embrace the giant fan palm (or Licuala ramsayi, if you’re a budding botanist) in all its glory. The Daintree Fan Palm Farm is home to the Gallery of the Giant Fan Palms which features a boardwalk dotted with the impressive plant. There’s also a 500-year-old spurwood tree to gawk at, plus a secret swimming hole that opens during the wet season.

8. Spot a crocodile along the Daintree River

crocodile spotting with Daintree Boatman Wildlife Cruises — Spot crocs from a boat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Daintree without seeing one of its native saltwater crocs in the wild. It’s such an essential thing to do in the Daintree that we’ve even rounded up the best of the best. Take a look at our list of the top Daintree River cruises for a sure-fire chance at spotting the enthralling creatures.

9. Wander the Daintree Village’s quaint stores

Get a feel for the community at Daintree Village , which is in fact the Daintree’s oldest settlement, adopted by timber cutters in the 1870s. It’s a bare-bones collective of stores including a pub, grocer and visitor information centre, but dropping in offers quiet respite from days filled with action-packed activity.

10. Laze on the sand at Cow Bay Beach

riding a swing at sunset on Cow Bay Beach — Swing at sunset. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located halfway between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay Beach is a peaceful spot filled with three secluded bays and shaded beach to frolic upon — just don’t enter the surf as crocodiles like it here, too. A hit among fishing folk and serenity seeking holiday makers, the stretch of sand is often visited by butterflies and cassowaries, making for a grounding pit-stop on your way to Cape Tribulation.

Originally written by Emily Murphy with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best accommodation in the Daintree

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.