Two Days in the Daintree Rainforest
If you only have two days in the Daintree Rainforest, is the trip worth it? YES! Don’t miss it!
Even if you have a jam-packed itinerary planned while in Australia, it’s still absolutely worth squeezing in a visit to the Daintree National Park. And it can be done in as little as two days. Your recipe for success will be: planning + early mornings + a little bit of stamina!
The lush Wet Tropics in Far North Queensland remain mostly dense and unsullied, filled with both old and new growth. The rainforest air is clean, pure, and tinged with an edge of humidity. Expansive beaches stretch along the winding coast, following the spectacular Great Barrier Reef like a parallel shadow.
There’s no question; Far North Queensland is the place of tropical dreams come true.
Here’s how to spend two days in the Daintree Rainforest, working your way from south to north.
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Tips & Advice
- Port Douglas is a great base to stay for your two days in the Daintree Rainforest.
- I can not stress this enough: Go early to Mossman Gorge. Tour buses unload large groups, crowding everything. You may have to wait for an empty shuttle bus in either direction, so plan accordingly. The Mossman River is prone to hazards such as flash flooding and slippery rocks, so take care if you choose to swim.
- You’ll want to bring: water, hat, sunglasses, hiking sandals/shoes, raincoats, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and if preferred, a pre-packed lunch (toilet paper isn’t a bad idea, either, just in case).
- Download all Google offline maps as there is not much cell service in the Daintree area.
- Make sure to have a full tank of gas/petrol.
- You might not be as lucky as us and have to wait in a long line of cars to board the Daintree ferry – in either direction. Factor in wait time to your itinerary.
- Beware the speed bumps on Cape Tribulation Road. Take your time and enjoy the drive.
- At the time of writing, parking is free at each boardwalk car park.
- If you venture onto any beach please remember to keep your distance from the coastline. As enticing as it may be, saltwater crocodiles may be lurking nearby.
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning at Mossman Gorge/Early afternoon Daintree River Cruise/Dinner & sunset in Port Douglas
Day 2:
- Morning at Mount Alexandra Lookout, Daintree Discovery Center & Jindalba Boardwalk
- Picnic at Cow Bay Beach & dessert at Daintree Ice Cream Company
- Afternoon at Thornton Beach, Dubuji Boardwalk & Myall Beach, Kulki Boardwalk & Cape Tribulation Beach
Table of Contents
- Mossman Gorge
- Daintree River cruise
- Mount Alexandra Lookout
- Daintree Discovery Center
- Jindalba Boardwalk
- Cow Bay Beach
- Daintree Ice Cream Company
- Thornton Beach
- Dubuji Boardwalk/Myall Beach
- Kulki Boardwalk + Lookout & Cape Tribulation Beach
- Our Favorites
DAY ONE
Mossman Gorge
We started our two days in the stunning Daintree Rainforest region with a visit to the verdant Mossman Gorge. It was easy to park at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, purchase shuttle bus tickets, and catch a ride to the main entrance.
Once you disembark from the shuttle, scenic walking tracks, viewpoints, and waterfalls await. Some visitors come here to swim in the Mossman River even though this is not recommended by the Cultural Centre. It was a beautiful sunny day and we saw several people cooling off in the river at various access points.
I had allocated about 1.5 hours at Mossman Gorge, so we took our time on the Baral Marrjanga track, a relatively short trail. The elevated boardwalk is accessible for everyone.
We admired the view at the Mossman River Lookout, and then walked over the Rex Creek suspension bridge. This cool bridge spans Rex Creek, and was the highlight of our visit to the Mossman Gorge.
On the opposite side of the bridge we went as far as the next viewpoint, the Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi) Lookout.
Not far from here the path then forks into the 2.4kms Rainforest Circuit loop. We decided to save most of our walking for Day Two and all the trails that were to come, and turned around. Instead of retracing our footsteps exactly, we veered off the Baral Marrjanga boardwalk onto the 400m Lower River Circuit track which winds closer to the river itself.
While we chose the self-guided tour option, if you want a more informative experience you can join a local Indigenous guide on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. These run several times daily.
The Cultural Centre also offers a souvenir shop and art gallery, as well as the Mayi Cafe, restrooms and a tour desk.
Although Mossman Gorge is a green beauty, it wasn’t our favorite stop. It was bustling with tourists, which dimmed the allure. The Dreamtime Walks felt too expensive for a family, and the cost of the shuttle bus seemed overpriced, but it’s the only way to access the area.
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Daintree River Cruise
Approximately 30 minutes north of the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre lies the famous Daintree River. Before heading this way, we popped into Woolworths in the town of Mossman to purchase lunch – pizza buns, chicken tandoori wraps, and fresh mandarins. Then we found a scenic pullout near Wonga Beach and ate while admiring the beachy view.
Back on the Mossman Daintree Road, we continued past more sugar cane fields, enjoying the gorgeous green mountain views to our left. It was 12pm and 27°C.
I had pre-booked a one hour river cruise with Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises. Located on the south side of the car ferry, you won’t have to waste time crossing the river to reach them.
I chose this specific company because they operate electric vessels, conscious of the effect river boats have on the surrounding ecosystem. This means they are zero emission boats, not to mention quiet, something the wildlife must be thankful for!
Their Solar Whisper is a solar electric boat while their White Ibis is an electric boat that is charged elsewhere with power sourced from solar panels. We wound up on the White Ibis, which is smaller than the Solar Whisper, and felt more like a personal tour.
Although it was a Saturday, there were only nine people (including our family) plus the owner David and his laidback dog, Dougie, aboard the White Ibis. David was tremendously knowledgeable about both the Daintree region and wildlife. He pointed out crocs by name, and we saw a few notable ones like Scarface and Scouter, and even two baby hatchlings.
We also spied the odd bird including one variety of Kingfisher, but no snakes or frogs. The rich mangrove vegetation was dense and green while the river water was brackish and murky – definitely NOT a place to swim unless you’re a saltwater crocodile.
Despite it being the beginning of August, wintertime in the wet tropics, the day evolved into a blisteringly hot afternoon. David commented it didn’t feel like winter – it must be over and spring had arrived.
The White Ibis has a covered roof but it offers minimal shade. Lather yourself in sunscreen! A water bottle and bug spray are important to have on hand, too.
I intentionally planned Day One to be more relaxed and less busy. I wanted a little free time to spend in Port Douglas later in the day, and to have everyone in bed at a reasonable time. A solid sleep was essential for an early start and to sustain a long (and fun!) day of exploring on Day Two!
If you have time at the end of Day One, stop by Four Mile Beach for a quick swim. Afterwards, bring a towel or blanket and enjoy a picnic supper at Rex Smeal Park as you watch the sun dip beneath the colorful horizon for a gorgeous sunset.
DAY TWO
The next morning we were on the road by 8am. With just two days in the Daintree Rainforest this was our final day and the most ambitious!
Leaving Port Douglas, the weather turned misty, cloudy and rainy, so the amazing views we had enjoyed yesterday on the way to the Daintree River were now completely obscured.
But despite this, visiting the rainforest on a rainy day seemed fitting!
We arrived at the Daintree Ferry crossing to find luck on our side with no wait.
The day before I had snapped a photo of the ferry itself. It’s not overly large and the crossing was smooth and quick.
The drawback to the ferry is that it’s your only way across the river. And a roundtrip is steep. We paid A$45 in 2022! Unfortunately, the prices have only increased.
On the north side of the river we began our route up the twisty and narrow Cape Tribulation Road. The road cuts through the lovely rainforest and is in okay condition but has many blind spots. It was necessary to drive slowly and with caution.
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Mount Alexandra Lookout
About 10 mins down the road we found the Mount Alexandra Lookout. Visibility was only so-so due to the mist and low sunlight. We stopped for a moment to take a look, then hopped back in the car and continued five more minutes to the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Daintree Discovery Centre
Although there’s no entry fee to the Daintree National Park itself, you do have to pay to access the Daintree Discovery Centre. Is it worth it? I think if it’s your first time, and especially if you’re traveling with children, then yes, it is. There are so many things to explore at this interpretive complex.
The fees are steep, but it’s the Daintree Rainforest and you won’t find another place on earth quite like it. An audio guide is included for each person to enhance a self-guided tour of the facility.
We carved out 1.5 hrs to spend here. This meant we had to be strategic in what we chose to do. First we meandered along the 11m high Aerial Walkway, listening to the audio guide.
Next, we entered the Interpretive Centre to peruse educational displays covering subjects such as the rainforest and its environment and wildlife.
Following that, we climbed the 23m Canopy Tower passing its five platforms in the damp drizzle.
As the sign shows, you’ll have ascended 112 steps.
The top level has benches to rest and relax – if the weather cooperates.
To our delight the rain stopped and the sun attempted to smile while we were at the top, allowing us a decent view.
Back at the interpretive centre, I snapped a photo in passing of this monitor capturing the weather at that moment in time.
Different elevated boardwalks start at the interpretive centre and wind through the rainforest, and we had just enough time to cover two of them. We started with the Cassowary Circuit which loops back to the Interpretive Centre.
Despite high hopes, we didn’t spot any cassowaries.
Nearing the end of our budgeted time allowance, we followed the Jurassic Forest boardwalk from the Centre past lurking dinosaurs amidst the wet rainforest back to the car park.
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Jindalba Boardwalk
There are several boardwalks within the national park itself, but we only had time for three. It was hard to choose!
One minute east of the Discovery Centre lies the Jindalba Boardwalk. I picked this one out of convenience. We hoped to see cassowaries here after not finding any on the Cassowary Circuit.
It took just 15 minutes to complete the short loop. Although this is supposed to be a great place to find cassowaries, again, they were nowhere to be found. It seems we were lucky to see them near Etty Bay, north of Mission Beach, on an earlier leg of our trip.
Cow Bay Beach
Since I find beaches irresistible, I had to stop to see a few local beaches. Cow Bay Beach’s name alone was enough to pique my interest. Even though we only had two days in the Daintree Rainforest, we took the time to detour onto Buchanan Creek Road, winding up at a small car park at the literal end of the road.
Cow Bay Beach was remote, wild and spectacular even beneath a grey sky. And there were only seven other beachgoers when we arrived!
We ate our pre-packed lunch here, but I wish we could have stayed longer to have been able to see the beach in the sunshine.
“I followed my heart and it led me to the beach.” — Anonymous
Daintree Ice Cream Company & Tropical Fruit Farm
With lunch complete, we swung by the Daintree Ice Cream Company to sample their Signature Cup for dessert. The Signature Cup changes daily, using whichever fruit trees are in season to create unique ice cream flavors. We were served mango, coconut, black sapote and wattleseed in our cup.
Another cool (and educational) attraction here is the Tropical Fruit Orchard, which you can explore for free. Despite persistent misty rain, we drifted from interesting tree to interesting tree. You can download a map for a self-guided tour.
The orchard has various exotic fruit tree species such as vanilla bean, breadfruit, sapodilla and soursop.
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Thornton Beach
After our tasty treat, we next dropped by Thornton Beach. It was big, beautiful, and empty, with curved palm trees that make for amazing photos.
“Tanned skin, salty breeze, sunkissed hair, endless sea.” – Unknown
Dubuji Boardwalk & Myall Beach
Although the original plan was to visit the Madja Boardwalk, our kids were starting to protest jumping in and out of the car, so we made an executive decision to head straight to the Dubuji Boardwalk instead.
As we headed this way the traffic thinned considerably, and we passed tree kangaroo crossing signs – something you don’t see in Canada!
The lush Dubuji Boardwalk is breathtaking – this trail passes through ancient swamp, mangroves and beneath mammoth fan palm canopies that are magical to see. Being surrounded by all the brilliant shades of green is mesmerizing.
The looping boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller friendly. At one point it forks with a choice to head back to the car park or onwards to Myall Beach. Of course we proceeded to the beach!
Myall Beach was pretty, but somehow not as stunning as Thornton Beach or Cow Bay Beach.
If you only have two days in the Daintree Rainforest, don’t skip the Dubuji Boardwalk! This one was our favorite.
Reminder: If you choose to wander the beaches of Far North Queensland always maintain a healthy distance from the shoreline – saltwater crocs swim here! Keep children, pets and yourself safe!
Kulki Boardwalk + Lookout & Cape Tribulation Beach
The Kulki Boardwalk is easy and quick, with not as much to see compared to its boardwalk siblings. In one direction it leads towards Cape Tribulation Beach and the Kulki Lookout in the other.
The path to the lookout is a gentle, 150m upwards slope, and offers a picturesque and expansive view of Cape Tribulation beach curving along the sea.
Once we had enjoyed the view and snapped some photos, we returned down the trail towards the beach.
Cape Trib beach is truly a lovely, magical and spectacular place. With just two days in the Daintree Rainforest, this is one beach not to be skipped.
The one drawback you may encounter here are tour groups. Compared to the other beaches we stopped at, it is clearly the destination for tourists. And with good reason! I carefully took photos that didn’t include one particularly large group that marred an otherwise perfect view.
Souvenirs
Before we left Cape Trib, we ducked into the Friendly Grocer Convenience Store beside PK’s Jungle Village on the hunt for souvenirs.
They have a surprisingly extensive selection. Things are a bit pricey but I did see a few items that were cheaper than at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. They also have a playground next to the shop.
“Walking on the beach, I feel the rhythm of nature beneath my feet.”
Our Favorites
Food: Ice cream from the Daintree Ice Cream Company
Activity: Dubuji Boardwalk & Cow Bay Beach
Kids’ Choice: The Canopy Tower at the Daintree Discovery Centre
Two Days in the Daintree Rainforest
Two days in the Daintree Rainforest passes so, so fast, but the tropical memories will stay with you forever. It’s just enough time to see many highlights, and discover what you might want to return to see another time.
Above all else, ENJOY your time in the rainforest, whether it be just two days or more, and remember to be respectful of its ecosystem and wildlife. Carry the memories with you and leave nothing but the whisper of your footprints!
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