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Getting to the Daintree

The Daintree Rainforest is located 110 kilometres north of Cairns, immediately across the Daintree River.   Do not be confused by the terminology, as ‘Daintree ’ is used very broadly.  There is frequent reference to the Greater Daintree National Park (stretching from Mossman Gorge to Bloomfield River) and Daintree Village, about 12 km upstream from the ferry crossing, on the south side of the river.  But there is only one Daintree Rainforest that can actually provide the undisputed evidence of the oldest surviving rainforest in the world at the meeting place of two World Heritage areas.

Arriving from the south

The Daintree River is the major point of entry.  A vehicular ferry makes continuous crossings throughout the day, from 6am until midnight.  The current cost of a return ticket is $22, but the $42 multi-day pass is recommended as very good value and supportive of trips in and out of the area without successive charges.  This is the gateway into one of the most scenic drives in the world — the Daintree Rainforest Coast, which provides the perfect holiday base from which to explore the region.  Be vigilant for endangered southern cassowaries, which grow very large (up to 95 kg) and frequently cross roads without any forewarning for drivers.

Arriving from the north

If you are driving south from Cooktown, you will need a 4WD vehicle.  It is 75 kms from Cooktown to Wujal Wujal on the Bloomfield River.  This road is a gravel surface and open to normal cars. Cross the Bloomfield River causeway to start the journey to Cape Tribulation (32kms).  The drive usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours from Cooktown.

This road is known as the 'Bloomfield Track'.  You will need to check rain conditions, as at least two creek crossings can be treacherous after heavy downpours.  Care also needs to be exercised traversing the Cowie and Donovan Ranges, as there are very steep.

Car hire

You can hire a normal sedan car to drive to the Daintree Coast. The road is fully-sealed all the way, so you do not need a 4WD vehicle unless you intend to continue north on the coast road (Bloomfield Track) past Cape Tribulation to Cooktown.

Public transport

Sun Palm Transport offers regular daily bus services to Cape Tribulation, and stops at the airport to collect travellers. After 10.30am all air flights are met directly and passengers transferred to Port Douglas, where they can leave their bags at the office and explore Port Douglas on the local shuttle bus for free, while waiting for the 4.30 pm departure to Cape Tribulation, arriving at 6.25 pm. Passengers can be dropped directly at their accommodation. Check schedules, as they change from time to time.

It is also possible to travel to Cooktown via Cape Tribulation three days a week with Country Road Coachlines.

By air

The Daintree Airstrip at Cow Bay welcomes charter flights, helicopters, and microlights. The strip is unsealed and has a windsock, but no lighting. It is one mile in length and landing fees apply.

Travel times

These times are driving times only and do not include the time for stops:

When you travel at night, there are many small rainforest animals crossing the road.  Watch out and drive slowly.