Your guide to the best walks in Daintree National forest, in the heart of the ancient Daintree Rain forest of Queensland!
Welcome to the Daintree Jungle. As the world’s oldest rain forest, this location is overflowing with ancient trees, thick forest canopies, crystal-clear creeks, and the sounds of wildlife.
After travelling here two times in the last few years, we’ve totally fallen under its spell. It is such a stunning area.
From moss-covered boardwalks to rugged hikes with breathtaking views, the Daintree Rainforest is a nature lover’s paradise.
In this guide, we will be diving into the absolute best walks in the Daintree National Park, assisting you explore this rich corner of Far North Queensland at your own rate.
Check out next: 16 Best Things To Do In The Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
An Overview of Daintree National Forest
Extending from the Daintree River to Cape Adversity Beach and beyond, Daintree National Park is a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Location.
It’s a sanctuary of biodiversity that is home to more plant and animal types than anywhere else in Australia.
And with the Great Barrier Reef just offshore, it is among the only locations on the planet where 2 World Heritage sites fulfill.
The Daintree Rain forest is split into 2 primary sections: Mossman Canyon in the south, and the Cape Tribulation location in the north.
Both deal spectacular jungle strolls, scenic perspectives, and access to pristine beaches.
The Daintree has some incredible hikes to attempt. A little history about the Daintree Rainforest Long before roads carved their method through the trees and hikers traced paths along creeks
and ridge lines, the Daintree Jungle thrived as one of the most ancient communities in the world. Estimated to be over 180 million years of ages(tens of millions of years older than the Amazon), this area has made it through the separation of Gondwana, dramatic environment shifts, and the rise of human civilisation.
For 10s of thousands of years, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people have called the Daintree home.
Their deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land continues today, and their knowledge is woven into the stories, plants, and natural rhythms of the forest.
Many trails pass through locations rich in Aboriginal heritage, so take some time to respect the land and its custodians.
Discover more epic locations to check out in Queensland, Australia!
Leading Walks in Daintree National Park– Cape Tribulation Location
Cape Adversity is where the rain forest fulfills the reef– literally. It’s likewise the very best base for much of the leading strolls in the Daintree Jungle.
1. Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail
Trying to find a tough rainforest hike with jaw-dropping views? The Mount Sorrow Ridge Path provides.
This is a steep and exhausting 6- to 7-hour big salami that climbs up through thick jungle to a lookout over the Daintree shoreline.
On a clear day, you can identify the sparkling line of the Great Barrier Reef offshore.
- Distance: 7km return
- Time: 6– 7 hour round trip
- Start: Simply north of the National Park sign past Cape Adversity
- Idea: Not suggested in wet weather condition. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent.
2. Myall Beach to Cape Adversity Beach Stroll
If you want a leisurely seaside roam, this one’s a gem.
Start at the Dubuji parking lot, follow the rainforest circuit track through lush forest and mangroves, and emerge onto Myall Beach.
Myall Beach is a spectacular strip of sand where it’s all too easy to leave the crowds.
At low tide, it’s possible to walk the headland to Cape Tribulation Beach.
- Range: 3.5 km return
- Time: 1.5– 2 hours big salami
- Emphasizes: Cape Tribulation Headland, mangroves, ocean views, soft sand underfoot
- Tip: Examine tide times. Just attempt the beach area at low tide.
Myall Beach and Cape Adversity Headland 3. Emmagen Creek Walk A 5km return walk through lush rainforest causing a secluded swimming hole, Emmagen Creek is a serene escape. You can’t drive all the way
- to the creek, so leave your car
- just before the no-through road ends and walk in.
- The water is cool and clear– a refreshing benefit after the walking. Range: 5km return Time: 1.5– 2 hour round trip Pointer: Bring reef-safe insect
repellent and swim gear. Expect stinging trees along the path. 4. Dubuji Boardwalk One of the best methods to immerse yourself in the Daintree rain forest without breaking a sweat is to hit the boardwalks.
These short and wheelchair available paths meander through dense jungle, over creeks, and previous giant strangler figs.
Found right near Cape Adversity, the Dubuji Boardwalk is a 1.2 km circuit track through lowland jungle and mangrove forest.
It’s flat, shaded, and bristling with wildlife– keep an eye out for cassowaries!
- Start: Dubuji car park
- Distance: 1.2 km circuit
- Functions: Mangroves, swamp forest, access to Myall Beach
You can frequently identify cassowaries roaming through the Daintree! 5. Jindalba Boardwalk & Jindalba Circuit Track Near the Discovery Centre, these tracks use 2 methods to
experience the jungle. The Jindalba Boardwalk is a simple, 700m walk perfect for families. The Jindalba Circuit Track is a more rugged 3km loop that winds through the jungle
- foothills of Mount Demi. Start: Jindalba picnic location, Cape Adversity
- Road Suggestion: Keep an ear out for rustling leaves– tree-kangaroos and Boyd’s forest dragons live here. Keep an eye out for cassowaries too. Last time we were here, we stopped one in the car park.
Leading Strolls in Daintree National Forest– Mossman Gorge Area
Further south, Mossman Canyon offers a variety of well-maintained walking tracks and boardwalks that accommodate all levels of capability.
The location is managed in collaboration with the regional Native neighborhood, and you can discover more through Dreamtime Gorge Walks, which are assisted by Kuku Yalanji individuals.
Read next: The Perfect 4 Days In Port Douglas Schedule
Baral Marrjanga Track
This short 270m wheelchair available path leads from the Mossman Canyon Centre through lavish jungle to a lookout over the Mossman River. It’s ideal for any ages and movement levels.
Rain Forest Circuit Track
This 2.4 km loop starts after crossing the suspension bridge and dives deeper into the ancient forest. Anticipate big buttress roots, strangler figs, and birdsong from canopy dwellers above. It’s a fantastic way to get off the boardwalk and into the heart of the rainforest.
Experience the tranquility of Mossman Gorge. Rex Creek Suspension Bridge Part of the Rain Forest Circuit, this
swinging bridge provides a birds-eye view of the rocky river below and produces excellent images. Swimming Hole Track A short detour from the Baral Marrjanga Track takes you to a popular swimming hole with crystal-clear water. Know water levels and currents before getting in.
Suggestion: Start early in the day to beat the crowds and heat, and think about taking a guided walk to read more about the area’s cultural and ecological importance.
Swimming Holes and Creeks in the Daintree Rainforest
You’re going to get sweaty in the Daintree. Luckily, there are some beautiful creeks to cool off in.
- Emmagen Creek: Shallow, sandy-bottomed, excellent for a swim.
- Mason Creek: Near Cape Tribulation, this creek runs past Mason’s Cafe and has a croc-free swimming hole available to clients.
- Mossman Canyon: Crystal-clear rock pools. Swimming is permitted however be cautious– conditions can change fast.
Avoid swimming in the ocean around Cape Tribulation. Stingers and crocodiles are a real risk. Adhere to the freshwater creeks.
Find more fantastic places to swim with these waterfalls near Cairns!
Planning Your Visit
It is good to have everything planned before showing up to the Daintree Rainforest. It’s an extremely remote location and phone signal isn’t always trusted!
Getting There
From Port Douglas, it has to do with a 1.5-hour drive to Cape Tribulation, consisting of the Daintree River ferry crossing. The road is sealed all the way to Cape Adversity but be aware of cassowaries and tight bends.
The very best method to get around is to lease a vehicle and explore by yourself! We advise Rental Cars, which has the largest series of automobiles for the very best worth on the marketplace.
Daintree Discovery Centre
An excellent first stop to get your bearings, the Daintree Discovery Centre near Cow Bay is filled with interpretive screens, raised sidewalks, and guides to the region’s plants and fauna. It’s perfect before hitting the trails.
Where to Stay
The Daintree Rainforest has lots of lodgings readily available in spite of how remote it is.
Examine online before you arrive to guarantee you can secure a place. You’ll wish to have a reservation as lodgings in the dense rainforest are limited.
But there are a lot of lodges, hotels, resorts, and camping areas to pick from.
When to Go
The dry season (May to October) is best for hiking, with lower humidity and clearer courses. Trails like the Sorrow Ridge Path can be slippery and dangerous in the damp season.
If you’re preparing to swim in creeks or enjoy the boardwalks without afternoon rainstorms, the dry season uses better weather condition and fewer pests.
That stated, the wet season (November to April) brings its own charm– believe lavish greenery, roaring waterfalls, and less crowds. Just bear in mind possible flooding and leeches on the routes.
- The lush forests of the Daintree What to Bring Reef-safe bug spray Reusable water
- bottle
- Hat and sun security
- Strong walking shoes or hiking shoes
- Waterproof daypack
- Swimmers and towel
Facilities and Access
Numerous routes start from signed parking area along the main roadway, including the Dubuji parking area, Jindalba, and Cape Adversity Beach. Fundamental centers like toilets and picnic locations are readily available at some areas.
Concluding on Daintree National Park Walks
Daintree National Forest is unlike anywhere else in the world.
With ancient landscapes, breathtaking strolls, and the chance to swim in remote creeks surrounded by absolutely nothing however nature, it’s no surprise we keep coming back.
From the easy boardwalks of Jindalba and Dubuji to the sweat-dripping climbs up of the Mount Sorrow Ridge Path, every walk provides you a brand-new viewpoint of the Daintree.
Simply remember to move slow, stay aware, and soak in the magic– the rainforest always rewards those who tread carefully.
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