The Best Things to Do in Daintree and Cape Tribulation

Are you looking for something fun to do in Daintree and Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland?

We visited Daintree and Cape Tribulation on a road trip from Airlie Beach, and it ended up being our family’s favorite part of the holiday. The area is beautiful, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Daintree.

Located 110 kilometers north of Cairns at the very end of the drivable road is Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Park.

In order to drive further north in Queensland, a 4-wheel drive is required.

Far North Queensland, Daintree, and Cape Tribulation have stunning beaches, gorgeous rainforests, and a surprising number of amazing things to do with.

Cape Tribulation is the only place in the whole world where two World Heritage sites (the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest) meet.

While our focus is on traveling with kids, everything that we did between Cairns and Cape Tribulation was something that we would have done when traveling with just adults. All ages can enjoy these experiences.

Keep reading to find the best things to do in Far North Queensland’s Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Best Things to do in Daintree and Cape Tribulation

Mossman Gorge

A popular stop on the way to Cape Tribulation from Cairns is Mossman Gorge.

We saved Mossman Gorge for our way back to Cairns, but either way, Mossman Gorge is worth a visit, with or without kids.

The parking lot is next to the Mossman Gorge Centre, which is a short bus ride to the actual gorge.

A shop, cafe, and toilets are available at Mossman Gorge Centre, and that is where you purchase tickets for the bus to the gorge.

The shop includes an Indigenous Art Gallery featuring local Kuku Yalanji artists. The gift shop includes products designed by and produced by the local indigenous community.

Bus tickets are free for kids 0 to 4, and there are family passes available. It is a 3-kilometer trip to Mossman Gorge, and there is no footpath to walk to the gorge or parking lot there for cars to drive all the way from Mossman Centre.

The Cafe at Mossman Gorge has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers light snacks and full meals based on locally sourced produce and Indigenous bush ingredients. We ordered damper, which comes with cream and jam or honey and butter.

Swimming at Mossman Gorge

After riding the bus to Mossman Gorge, there is a short hike. It took us about 10 minutes to walk to the gorge from the road.

There is a lookout and stairs leading down to the gorge.

Swimming is never advised at Mossman Gorge, but that does not mean that swimming does not occur. Accidents have occurred at Mossman Gorge due to rocks and currents, so they are unable to advise swimming at any time. However, we felt completely safe swimming in the main area of the gorge.

Right away, from the lookout, we could see people jumping off the large rocks into the rough water below, and we knew we would not be swimming in that area.

The path leads to a large area where people leave their belongings and walk into the cold water of the gorge.

This area was completely calm on the day we were at Mossman Gorge. We could see fish swimming in the crystal clear water. Our kids were only allowed to swim near the shore.

There are 2 paths back to the bus, and we took the other route back. The 2nd route has multiple lookouts over the gorge.

Daintree River Ferry

To get over the Daintree River, from lower Daintree to Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, there is a ferry that takes cars across the river.

Daintree Ferry runs between 5 am and midnight daily. You can purchase a one-way ticket or a round-trip ticket.

The ferry takes about 15 minutes to get across the river and goes back and forth continuously.

Daintree Discovery Centre

Daintree National Park has the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, and part of the rainforest can be seen at Daintree Discovery Centre.

Each ticket includes a return trip during the next 7 days.

Entry to Daintree Discovery Centre also includes an audio tour. Each member of our family received a speaker to hold on to. As you walk through the rainforest, there are numbers to press on your speaker, and you can hear information about the plants and animals. The kids were given a kid-friendly audio tour, and they both enjoyed not only pressing the buttons but also hearing the information.

The kids enjoyed their audio tour so much that I wished I had gotten their version. Sure, the adult version is interesting, but they laughed a lot and did not want to miss even 1 number.

Daintree Discovery Centre has multiple walking paths, both on and above ground level, and a nature discovery indoor center.

The discovery center has a movie, an area with books and toys for small children, and a few hands-on exhibits. There are a few fish and other animals located just outside the discovery center.

There are tables with facts outside the discovery center, and I was most interested in learning that the male cassowary raises their young from the egg until they are ready to live on their own.

While most of the trails focus on native species of plants and animals, there is also the Jurassic Forest. Jurassic Forest is a walking trail with dinosaur figures representing the dinosaurs that used to live in the area.

Floraville Ice Cream Factory

There are 2 places to go for ice cream in Daintree, and after a sweaty morning at the Daintree Discovery Centre, we were ready to try them both.

Floraville Ice Cream Factory is just a few minutes’ drive from Daintree Discovery Centre. They have at least 26 flavors to choose from, all made there, from natural ingredients.

Despite many unique ice cream flavors, including tropical fruits such as dragonfruit, pawpaw & lime, and black sapote, my youngest went with chocolate. During our visit, there were 3 chocolate flavors to choose from.

My oldest decided to try the “Daintree Rainforest” flavored ice cream. There is a sign describing the ingredients, which include lemon myrtle, coconut, ginger, vanilla, kale, and spirulina.

I was worried she wouldn’t like it, so we also got dragon fruit, which she has been asking to try.

Daintree Rainforest-flavored ice cream is delicious. I got a bite of all 3 flavors, and that was my favorite. It is unique, and I can not imagine that we will ever try another ice cream like it.

We enjoyed our cups of ice cream at one of the picnic tables at the beautiful setting of the Floraville Ice Cream Factory

Daintree Ice Cream Company

The day was incredibly hot, and despite being in Daintree in mid-January, the peak of monsoon season, it did not rain the entire week we were in Tropical North Queensland.

Despite having an ice cream mid-morning, we planned on having a second as we passed Daintree Ice Cream Company.

In the end, we had to wait until after lunch and backtrack, as Daintree Ice Cream Company is only open from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Daintree Ice Cream Company is located among an extremely wide variety of fruit trees and plants, and self-guided walking tours are available around their grounds.

There are 2 ways to order ice cream at Daintree Ice Cream Company. They sell 4 signature flavors together, or you can choose 1 flavor from a list of about 10 flavors each day. The signature flavors are not always on the regular list.

The day we were at Daintree Ice Cream Company, the signature flavors were black sapote, wattleseed, coconut, and mango.

We got 2 cups of the signature flavors to share, and my youngest again went with chocolate.

After eating our ice cream, we walked around and looked at the fruit trees for as long as we could before desperately wanting air conditioning. That is when we went to check into our hotel and use the pool.

Mason’s Swimming Hole

There is a small restaurant, Mason’s Cafe, located next to a swimming hole.

The sign at the cafe says “No crocodiles in the swimming hole! They are in our burgers!”

It wasn’t quite lunchtime when we arrived at Mason’s, and we didn’t see anyone around. There is a donation box on the way to the swimming hole with a suggested payment of $1 per person. We put $4 in the bucket and continued down the path to Mason’s Swimming Hole.

We weren’t in our bathing suits and changed at the bottom of the stairs, not realizing that the swimming hole was about to fill up with people.

The cool water was definitely appreciated, and we spent an hour swimming at Mason’s Swimming Hole before lunch.

All seating at Mason’s Cafe is outside, and they serve a variety of sandwiches and burgers, including a crocodile burger, an emu burger, and a kangaroo burger.

The kids convinced their dad to get a crocodile burger so they could try it, and they both liked it. They also enjoyed their chicken nuggets and calamari.

Cape Trib Farm

After lunch, we were hoping to do the fruit-tasting tour at Cape Trib Farm that runs from 2 pm-3:30 pm, but fruit-tasting tours at Cape Trib Farm are not year-round.

Unfortunately for us, tours do not start running until April.

While I make it a point to try unique fruit on my travels, the fruit-tasting tour at Cape Trib has more than a few types of fruit that I have yet to try.

Cabin stays are available year-round at the Cape Trib Farm for groups of up to 3 people.

Daintree Tea Company

We thought that the Daintree Tea Company would have a store and maybe a tour, but right now it is a roadside stand with an honesty box.

Loose tea and tea bags are for sale, and the sign says that they also sell honey, though there wasn’t any in the box when we arrived.

We bought 50 tea bags for $4, and the tea is absolutely delicious.

Cape Tribulation Lookouts

Mount Alexandra Lookout

Known locally as the Walu Wugirriga, its native name, the Mount Alexandra Lookout has amazing views of the Daintree River and coast, as well as Port Douglas, Snapper Island, and Cape Kimberly.

This lookout is just a short walk from the car park.

Kulki Lookout

An easy 350-meter walk, with beautiful views, and there are also toilets available at the Kulki Lookout.

Cape Tribulation Boardwalk Hikes

Madja Boardwalk

At 1.2 kilometers, this circuit walk is easy, grade 1, and can take up to 45 minutes, but that is just if you stop a lot and enjoy the view.

The entire path is paved, offering wheelchair or pram access.

We almost skipped Madja Boardwalk, and we are all thankful that we didn’t. This walk is stunning. We were there early, and it was empty.

Jindalba Boardwalk

Another easy walk, the Jindalba Boardwalk is a grade 2 650 circuit walk that can take 45 minutes. Wheelchair access is possible from the exit end of the boardwalk.

Toilets are located at the Jindalba Boardwalk.

There is also a grade 4 walk, Jindalba Circuit. This 3-kilometer circuit walk is an estimated 1.5 hours.

Dubuji Boardwalk

Another easy grade 1 walk, the Dubuji Boardwalk is 1.2 kilometers, with the entrance and exit about 300 meters apart.

Dubuji Boardwalk is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Kulki Boardwalk

To get to the Kulki Lookout, first, walk the easy level 1 650-meter return Kulki Boardwalk. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

Far North Queensland Tours

Ocean Reef Tours

One of the amazing things about Cape Tribulation is that 2 world heritage sites meet. Discover both the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef on the Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience.

This tour includes snorkeling at 2 different sites on the reef.

Cape Trib Horse Rides

Cape Trib Horse Rides offer a rainforest and beach horse ride in Cape Tribulation for anyone 10+.

Tours are 90 minutes long and run twice daily, except on Mondays.

Crocodile River Cruise

Daintree Crocodile Cruise provides a 1-hour boat ride down the Daintree River. Crocodiles, snacks, and exotic birds are often spotted.

Kids under 16 currently ride for free.

Back Country Bliss Adventures

Staying in Port Douglas but want to tour Daintree and Cape Tribulation?

Check out Back Country Bliss Adventures. They combine hiking/walking tours with snorkeling/floating through the rainforest.

Walkabout Cultural Tour

Walkabout Cultural Adventures is Aboriginal-owned and operated. They offer both full and half-day tours from Port Douglas, Mossman, and Daintree Village.

These unique tours include boomerang and spear-throwing lessons, seasonal bush tucker, and a guided rainforest walk where they discuss the history and culture of the Aboriginal people.

Billy Tea Safaris

Billy Tea Safaris has 1 and 2-day tours through the rainforest, reef, caves, and outback.

Night Safari Walk

You can explore the Daintree after dark on a night safari.

Things to do at Night in Cape Tribulation

For those who aren’t completely worn out from the heat and outdoor activities, what is there to do at night in Far North Queensland?

Night Walk

While we considered the night safari, which starts at 7 pm and lasts until 8:30 pm, we decided that we have been very active on this vacation, and the kids need sleep.

Had we arrived in Cape Tribulation first, we most likely would have participated in the night safari.

During the Queensland school holidays, there is an additional tour at 9 pm.

Book a Night Tour in Daintree:
✅Family Night Walk at Tropical Rainforest in Daintree
✅Daintree Forest Night Walk in Cape Tribulation

Play Games at Tides Bistro

Have a later dinner, dessert, or drinks at Tides Bistro and stick around to play board games.

Go Swimming at the Hotel Pool

Most hotels in Cape Tribulation have swimming pools, and nighttime is a great time to jump in.

How do I get to Cape Tribulation?

How to Get to Cape Tribulation By Plane:

Cooktown (CTN) is the nearest airport, but it is not easy to reach Cape Tribulation from there, as you need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Cairns Airport (CNS) is the easiest option for flying to Cape Tribulation. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Cairns Airport to Cape Tribulation.

How to Get to Cape Tribulation By Bus:

Trans-North Bus drives from Cairns to Cape Tribulation multiple times each week.

Where to Stay in Cape Tribulation

There are plenty of places to stay in Cape Tribulation, where eco-lodges are popular.

Ferntree Rainforest Lodge

We stayed at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge in a 2 story cabin among the 28-acre rainforest.

The kids loved having their beds upstairs in the loft, and we spent more time enjoying this hotel than any others on our week-long vacation.

Each cabin has a front sitting area and plenty of room to sit inside.

The pool is large and gorgeous, with a rainforest surrounding it.

There is a restaurant and a room with a pool table, though we did not make it into either.

Cape Trib Beach House

Located in the rainforest, the Cape Trib Beach House has cabins and dorm shares as well as a pool and restaurant.

Safari Lodge

The Safari Lodge has huts and campsites as well as a swimming pool and the Turtle Rock Cafe. This rainforest retreat does not have TV or internet service.

Lync Haven Rainforest Accommodation, Camping, and Wildlife Experience

Lync Haven has air-conditioned cabins and tent sites in a rainforest setting.

Their restaurant, Doris’s cafe, has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Lync Haven has a wildlife experience for both guests and visitors where they can view snacks, parrots, and lizards up close.

There is also a playground at Lync Haven.

Heritage Lodge in the Daintree

Heritage Lodge has cabins in the rainforest.

With a pool, restaurant, and a secluded location, there is no internet or TV.

Noah Creek Eco-Huts

All accommodations have kitchens at Noah Creek Eco Huts.

Guests get access to walking trails and swimming holes among the 500 acres of rainforest.

Noah Creek has almost a perfect rating on TripAdvisor and looks like the perfect escape.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Far North Queensland

We did absolutely no research on restaurants in Far North Queensland before our trip. With so many places closed, even when the internet says that they are open, I have gotten annoyed with planning.

After stopping to swim at Mason’s Swimming Hole, we stayed for their burgers. They have a kids’ menu.

Later, in our hotel’s pool, I asked another mom where to eat dinner and breakfast.

Our hotel offered take-out only, and that particular night was pizza night. While we love pizza, we had it twice already on this week-long vacation, including the night before.

Breakfast wouldn’t be served until later than we are used to, so finding other options was important.

Tides Bistro at Cape Trib Beach House

We ended up eating dinner at the recommended restaurant, Tides Bistro, which is at another accommodation, Cape Trib Beach House.

The outdoor restaurant is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but the path takes you through the beautiful rainforest.

One reason this restaurant was recommended to us is the large closet full of books and games. Whether you are with kids or adults, it is fun to play a game while waiting for dinner. We played Headbandz and Yahtzee while we waited for our meals.

I got the salmon with salad and chips. Other fish dishes were available, plus steaks, burgers, kangaroo, and a kids’ menu with pasta, chicken nuggets, and fish and chips.

Turtle Rock Cafe

Breakfast starts at 7:30 am at Turtle Rock Cafe, which is usually later than we eat, but since it was our last day of vacation, we slept in a bit.

Seating is all outdoors.

Turtle Rock Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. They serve sandwiches, burgers, coffee, and smoothies.

I had the vegetarian brekkie sandwich without tomato chutney, and it was delicious, as was my flat white.

Port Douglas

Just an hour north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a seaside town and a beautiful stop for a few hours or overnight.

After spending a couple of days in Cairns, we went on a full-day Snorkel Trip to the Great Barrier Reef before driving to Port Douglas for the night.

While it would have been nice to explore more of Port Douglas, we were able to enjoy breakfast, drive around town, and head to Trinity Bay Lookout before moving on toward Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Packing List for a Holiday in Daintree and Cape Tribulation

• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• bathing suits
• swim shoes
• bug spray
• raincoats or ponchos
• towels
• wet bag
• hats
• books/toys, as many hotels do not have wifi or TV

Find the best water shoes for kids.

Daintree and Cape Tribulation FAQ

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