Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics

Before you go

• Allow two or three days north of the Daintree River; the cable ferry is the only road link, and the road beyond is sealed to Cape Tribulation.
• From about November to April expect heavy rain, possible road closures and stingers; crocodiles live in rivers, creeks and on beaches all year.
• Eastern Kuku Yalanji people own Daintree National Park under a 2021 handback; follow signs, visit with respect and consider Indigenous-led tours.

An ancient rainforest

The Wet Tropics was listed as World Heritage in 1988 and is considered the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth. It covers a tiny part of Australia yet holds a very large share of its plant and animal species, including the endangered southern cassowary. Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, the Atherton Tableland and Wallaman Falls are all part of it.

Wildlife and safety

Drive slowly for cassowaries and never feed them. Do not swim in rivers, creeks or at Cape Tribulation beach, where crocodiles are present; the cruises from Daintree Village are the safe way to see them. Box jellyfish and Irukandji stingers are most likely from about November to May, so swim only in netted or patrolled areas and wear a stinger suit.

Getting around

Port Douglas is about 67 km north of Cairns on the sealed Captain Cook Highway, and Mossman Gorge lies 20 km further on. After the ferry, the road to Cape Tribulation is sealed; the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown is for suitable vehicles in the dry season and closes after heavy rain. Fuel up before the ferry.

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