Daintree

Travel Guide

A calm lake with reflections of trees and mountains in the background.
A wooden staircase leading to a house surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.
A yellow ATV with four people on a dirt path surrounded by green hills and a cloudy sky.
A store shelf with various items including a Daintree National Park t-shirt, honey bottles, and travel towels.
A crocodile in water near a muddy bank.

Find pristine rivers, fragrant native forest groves, stunning wildlife and ancient Aboriginal heritage hidden in one of Australia’s oldest surviving rainforests.

The Daintree is a region of breathtaking tropical rainforest in Queensland’s far north. Explore the vivid landscape of Mossman Gorge, the coursing Daintree River, the ancient rainforests of Cape Tribulation and the northern beaches of the Coral Sea. Daintree National Park is one of Australia’s largest and oldest rainforests. Bushwalk through the forest, cruise down the river or enjoy a spa treatment in the stunning surroundings.

Discover the rainforest on a guided bushwalk. See marsupials, butterflies and cassowaries roaming throughout the trees. Over 430 species of birds fill the air with rainforest birdsong. If you like adventure, join a treetop zip-line tour, ride a horse through the lush eucalypts or take a four-wheel drive trip on the Bloomfield Track.

One of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests in the world, the Daintree Rainforest is a time capsule from a prehistoric era. Learn about its history on an Aboriginal cultural tour with the Kuku Yalanji or Gugu Yimithirr peoples, who have remained custodians of the region for thousands of years.

Embark on a wildlife-watching cruise down the mighty Daintree River or Coopers Creek. Journey past mangroves and estuaries and spot saltwater crocodiles swimming below the water’s surface. Catch barramundi or mudcrabs on a river fishing tour.

Fly into Cairns Airport and rent a car to make your way to the Daintree. The southern border of the 95-kilometre (60-mile) Daintree region is approximately a 1-hour drive north from Cairns. Book your accommodation in Cairns, Port Douglas or the tiny settlement of Daintree Village on the banks of the Daintree River. Choose from wilderness retreats, lavish resorts and budget lodgings.

The region is warm year-round with a wintertime dry season. Sudden tropical downpours replenish the forest in the warmer months. Take advantage of your proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and visit this World Heritage Site. Join a diving tour and discover vibrantly coloured coral and marine life.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
$247 nightly
The price is $272 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$272 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort

4.5 out of 5
87 Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
$114 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$125 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Peppers Beach Club

Peppers Beach Club

5 out of 5
20-22 Davidson St Port Douglas QLD
$279 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$279 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Port Douglas. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Peppers Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bay Villas Resort

Bay Villas Resort

3.5 out of 5
51-53 Davidson Street Port Douglas QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (637 reviews)
"Insufficient parking and they wanted to charge extra for pool towels and use of the room safe. The provisions were also stingy. Not even salt and pepper were provided. Penny pinching but charges were on par with other equivalent properties."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Bay Villas Resort
By The Sea Port Douglas

By The Sea Port Douglas

4 out of 5
72 Macrossan Street Port Douglas QLD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (741 reviews)
"This was every bit the 4.5 star advertised. It offers so many extra facilities. The ladies could not do any more for us. I love it. Perfect location with everything you need close by."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

By The Sea Port Douglas
Mantra Aqueous on Port

Mantra Aqueous on Port

4 out of 5
3-5 Davidson Street Port Douglas QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (712 reviews)
"Lovely swim out room was very clean. Could use some updating though."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Mantra Aqueous on Port
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Daintree attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Daintree worth visiting?
Daintree is worth visiting for its standout attractions, offering travelers the chance to explore Daintree Village and discover the diverse wildlife at the Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary. It provides a direct experience with the area's natural and local highlights.
When is the best time to visit Daintree?
The best time to visit Daintree is from May through September, when travelers can enjoy milder weather. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of December through February are a good bet, offering a different perspective on the destination.
What is Daintree known for?
Daintree is known for being home to Daintree Village, alongside significant natural areas like the Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can also discover the Wild Wings and Swampy Things Nature Refuge, offering a focus on the region's unique wildlife and ecosystems in this Australian destination.
What is a good itinerary length for Daintree?
A good itinerary length for Daintree is two to three days to explore Daintree Village, visit the Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy a Beautiful Daintree Waterfall Walk. For an extended stay of four to five days, you can also experience a Daintree Rainforest Night Walk or explore the Wild Wings and Swampy Things Nature Refuge.
What are the top things to do in and around Daintree?
Daintree offers incredible natural beauty, from rainforest adventures to river cruises:

  • Wander through Daintree Village, a local point of interest.
  • Discover wildlife at the Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Experience a Daintree Waterfall Walk, including a swim and lunch.
  • Embark on a Daintree Rainforest Night Walk in Cape Tribulation.
  • Take a Daintree River Dawn Cruise.

How do I plan a trip to Daintree?
To plan your trip to Daintree, book flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. Explore activities like the Daintree Waterfall Walk or a Night Walk in Cape Tribulation. Plan outdoor experiences at Daintree Village, Daintree Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, or Wild Wings and Swampy Things Nature Refuge for early morning or late afternoon.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Daintree?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Daintree by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Daintree with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Daintree trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Daintree?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Daintree can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Daintree trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Daintree trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Daintree trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Daintree trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Daintree?
If it's your first trip to Daintree, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Daintree hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Daintree hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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