Explore Australia

Daintree Timber Gallery: hand-crafted pieces from local woods exhibited and sold. Also displays showcasing local history, including logging past; Stewart St. Eliza's Rainforest Gallery: handmade pottery of pixies, elves and gnomes; Stewart St.

Daintree National Park Arguably Australia's most beautiful and famous rainforest. The lush tangle of green protected within it is an incredible remnant from the days of Gondwana, forming part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This park, which is split into 3 distinct sections – Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Snapper Island – will dazzle visitors with its diverse landscapes, which, apart from beautiful rainforest, include canopies of sprawling fan palms, deserted mangrove-lined beaches and boulder-strewn gorges. The Mossman Gorge section takes visitors into the rainforest’s green and shady heart via an easy 2.7-kilometre walk to the Mossman River. The Cape Tribulation section is a rich mix of coastal rainforest, mangroves, swamp and heath. Daintree Discovery Centre: informative displays for visitors. A boardwalk and aerial walkway passes through the rainforest canopy; 11 km SE. Wonga Belle Orchid Gardens: 3.5 ha of lush gardens; 17 km SE. Cape Tribulation: spectacular beaches and reefs. Reef tours and horseriding on beach can be arranged at visitor centre or Mason's Shop in Cape Tribulation; for details call (07) 4098 0070; access via Daintree River cable ferry (car ferry runs 6am to 12am). River cruises: to see the saltwater crocodiles and plentiful birdlife; details from visitor centre. Horseriding tours: in Cape Tribulation; (07) 4041 3244.

Travellers note:

Julatten 37 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Cairns 89 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 94 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 106 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Munbah 123 km

It’s predawn and Les Gibson walks down to the creek and stops. He is on his way to push some boats out into deeper water as the tide is falling rapidly. Following Les are three journalists. He stops at the creek,... Find out more

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Russell Heads 128 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Daintree Discovery Centre 11 km

This multi-award-winning ecotourism centre is a great place to learn about the legendary Daintree rainforest. There are elevated boardwalks, an aerial walkway, a canopy tower and a large interpretive display centre with... Find out more

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Reef tours 30 km

As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 72 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Indigenous tours - Cooktown to Cape York 87 km

Guurrbi Tours offers an award-winning tour with Willie Gordon, Nugal-warra elder, Guugu Yimithirr speaker and author, on which you will visit a series of sacred rock-art sites that you otherwise cannot see. There are... Find out more

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Savannahlander 88 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 131 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 143 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns 235 km

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 35 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 70 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Julaymba

Like the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa it is attached to, this restaurant offers a very special opportunity to discover the native products of this area. The menu includes items like wild bush herbs, jus made from native... Find out more

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Croc Eye Cafe

Situated in the Daintree Village, the Croc Eye Cafe offers a variety of options that will tempt you to try this surprisingly tasty member of the white meat family, from a crocodile bacon sandwich to crocodile pasta. But... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 89 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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West Point camping area 19 km

A favourite with sea kayakers, this sandy campground has space for up to 24 campers. The day-use area on the south-west side of the island has picnic tables and a pit toilet; open fires and generators are not permitted.... Find out more

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Noah Beach camping area 20 km

Noah Beach campground is in a secluded spot just 50 m from the beach, about 8 km south of Cape Tribulation village. Throughout the Cape Tribulation section visitors will find facilities such as picnic areas, boardwalks... Find out more

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Cedar Bay camping area (bush camping) 49 km

This campground is just east of Centre Garden at the southern end of the beach. Access is via the Home Rule or Gap Creek walking tracks, or by boat. Generators are not permitted and fuel/gas stoves are preferred. Bring... Find out more

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Home Rule Rainforest Lodge camping area 55 km

Camp on the riverbank at this site on the Cooktown–Bloomfield Rd in Rossville. From Cape Tribulation, drive 50 km to Bloomfield (across the Bloomfield River) and along the edge of Cedar Bay National Park to reach... Find out more

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East Hope camping area 59 km

This small sandy campground is on the western side of East Hope Island, accessed by private or commercially operated boat. Each of the 3 separate sites holds up to 4 people. There are no walking tracks on the island, but... Find out more

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Palmer River Roadhouse 60 km

This scenic campground on an old 1870s goldmining site is on the Mulligan Hwy (Peninsula Developmental Rd), about 150 km north-west of Mareeba and 30 km south of Lakeland. Up to 17 000 diggers lived in the area in the... Find out more

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Lions Den Hotel camping area 61 km

One of Cape York’s iconic pubs, the Lions Den offers excellent riverside camping on its spacious property with plenty of shade and natural surrounds. Powered campsites have access to an amenities block, drinkable... Find out more

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Lakeland Caravan Park 65 km

Lakeland Caravan Park is at the junction of the Mulligan Hwy and Peninsula Development Rd in the town of Lakeland, between the Laura and Normanby rivers. On site you’ll find a small internet cafe with 3... Find out more

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Speewah Campground 77 km

This campground is in the conservation park adjacent to Barron Gorge National Park’s western boundary. It is reached from the Kennedy Hwy, 10 km west of Kuranda, then a further 6 km east to the site. You can also... Find out more

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Granite Gorge camping area 86 km

Formed millions of years ago by ancient volcanoes, the boulders at Granite Gorge are a natural wonder well worth checking out. Some, allegedly, are shaped like animals. Safari tent accommodation is available and... Find out more

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Pinnacle Village Holiday Park 14 km

This absolute beachfront park is 22 km north of Mossman. There are plenty of shady trees and a great expanse of green lawn. It is a good base from which to explore the local region. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Pandanus Van Park 31 km

This park is just 2 km from the centre of Port Douglas, on the main road into town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park 38 km

The park is located in a peaceful location about 10 km south of Port Douglas off the Captain Cook Highway. It is a nice park, tucked away from the busy centre of this popular tourist destination. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 63 km

This small, absolute beachfront park is 30 km north of Cairns. Ellis Beach was voted the cleanest beach in Queensland and has a patrolled swimming area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Lake Placid Tourist Park 78 km

This park is about 10 km north-west of Cairns, on the bank of the Barron River. Enjoy the covered barbecue area, and the Skyrail terminal, a major attraction, is nearby. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Cool Waters Holiday Park 84 km

Located in the foothills a few kilometers out of Cairns, this is a quality park with very good facilities. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 85 km

This good quality park is easily accessible and only about 5 km from the centre of Cairns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 86 km

Located in suburban Cairns, this park is easily accessible and is a good base to spend a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 87 km

The park is 4 km from the centre of Cairns, set in a quiet area with beautiful tropical surrounds. It has very good facilities including a mini-mart and a TV room. It is an ideal park for a holiday.... Find out more

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Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 91 km

Enjoy the excellent facilities of this five-star park, on the southern approach to the city 7 km from the centre of Cairns. There is a cafe, free minigolf, tennis and aqua aerobics, and the list continues. Bookings are... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

One of the first and still one of the finest in the booming north Queensland spa scene, this world-famous spa hideaway specialises in therapies and cuisine inspired by the world’s oldest living rainforest and the... Find out more

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Daintree Valley Haven

Three well-separated self-catering cabins on a large property in the Daintree River Valley offer a quiet escape for couples, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts in this hosted accommodation. Swim in the clear swimming... Find out more

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Daintree Wild B&B

Stay in a zoo, literally, but in style. This B&B has four rooms with French doors opening onto a patio overlooking a saltwater pool. It is set in 4 hectares of tropical gardens and within the boundaries of the... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 2 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 10 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 11 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 38 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 124 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 132 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 137 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 237 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 107 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

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The Boulders Camp Area 134 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

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Babinda Rest Area 138 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 143 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

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