The Daintree Rainforest, in far north Queensland, is often described as the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth, estimated to be around 180 million years old. It forms part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area and meets the Great Barrier Reef at Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage sites sit side by side. Its wildlife includes the southern cassowary, saltwater crocodiles and tree kangaroos.
At a glance
| Best time | May to October (dry season) |
| Getting there | About 2 hours by road north of Cairns |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 days |
| Big draws | Cassowaries, crocodiles, tree kangaroos, birds, rainforest meets reef |
| Good for | Families, road trips, combining with the Great Barrier Reef |
Wildlife
- Southern cassowaries: huge, flightless birds with blue necks and a helmet-like casque, important seed dispersers for the rainforest. They are endangered and can be dangerous if approached, especially males with chicks. See our southern cassowary profile.
- Saltwater crocodiles: river cruises on the Daintree River regularly see crocodiles basking on banks. See our saltwater crocodile profile.
- Bennett’s tree kangaroos: rare and elusive; seen occasionally in the northern Daintree. See our tree kangaroo profile.
- Platypuses: in rivers of the Atherton Tablelands, near Yungaburra and Tarzali Lakes. See our platypus profile.
- Birds: buff-breasted paradise kingfishers (in summer), wompoo fruit doves, Victoria’s riflebirds and many honeyeaters.
- Insects and spiders: electric-blue Ulysses butterflies and huge golden orb-weaver spiders.
- Other wildlife: spotted-tailed quolls, musky rat-kangaroos and green tree frogs.
How to explore
- Daintree River cruises: early-morning cruises for crocodiles and birds.
- Boardwalks: Marrdja, Dubuji and Jindalba boardwalks near Cape Tribulation.
- Mossman Gorge: guided walks with Kuku Yalanji Indigenous guides.
- Night walks: for frogs, possums, bandicoots and, rarely, tree kangaroos.
- Reef trips from Cape Tribulation to the Great Barrier Reef.
Safety
- Crocodiles: do not swim in rivers, creeks or at beaches where crocodiles may be present; obey warning signs.
- Cassowaries: keep at least 10 metres away and never feed them.
- Box jellyfish are present in coastal waters from about October to May; swim only in enclosures or with stinger suits.
When to go
- May to October: the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and fewer insects.
- November to April: the wet season, with heavy rain and some road closures, but lush forest and active frogs.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see cassowaries in the Daintree? Cassowaries are often seen near Cape Tribulation and along the Daintree coast road, especially in the early morning. Drive slowly.
Can I see crocodiles in the Daintree? Yes, on Daintree River cruises, especially in the cooler months.
Is the Daintree worth visiting? Yes. It combines ancient rainforest, unique wildlife and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
How far is the Daintree from Cairns? About 2 hours’ drive to the Daintree River ferry, and a little further to Cape Tribulation.
Related guides
- Great Barrier Reef: a responsible reef trip
- Where to see a platypus in the wild
- Kakadu National Park wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: Southern cassowary, Saltwater crocodile, Tree kangaroo
Cover photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons