Plan your visit
Plan Your Daintree Visit
Everything you need to know about driving times, ferry crossings, and navigating the world's oldest surviving rainforest.
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tours
Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation
GPS -16.0822, 145.459
Open directionsGetting there
Options for reaching the Daintree from Cairns.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Full-day coach or 4WD guided tour departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. | 10-12 hours | $190 - $260 AUD | Usually includes hotel pickup, a river cruise, Mossman Gorge access, and Cape Tribulation. |
| Car: Self-drive via the Captain Cook Highway and cross the Daintree River Ferry. | 2.5 hours from Cairns to Cape Tribulation | $57 AUD (ferry return) | Roads are sealed to Cape Tribulation, but a 4WD is required if continuing north on the unsealed Bloomfield Track. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best time to visit is the dry season from May to October. Humidity is lower, and dangerous marine stingers are less prevalent in the region. The park is accessible year-round, but heavy rains in the wet season can occasionally impact road conditions.
What to bring
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The Daintree River Ferry is the only vehicle crossing.
It operates daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries based on your travel style.
A comprehensive self-guided route up the coastal road.
- Depart Cairns
Drive north on the Captain Cook Highway.
- Mossman Gorge
Walk the circuit track or take the Dreamtime Gorge Walk.
- Daintree River Ferry
Cross the river (pre-purchase your $57 AUD return ticket online).
- Mount Alexandra Lookout
Stop for panoramic views over the estuary and Coral Sea.
- Cape Tribulation Beach
Explore where the rainforest meets the reef (no swimming).
- Daintree River Cruise
Take a late afternoon boat tour to spot crocodiles.
- Return to Cairns
Drive back south down the highway.
Let a local guide handle the driving and logistics.
- Hotel pickup
Board an air-conditioned coach in Cairns or Port Douglas.
- Wildlife Cruise
Look for estuarine crocodiles on the Daintree River.
- Rainforest Walk
Follow your guide along elevated boardwalks.
- Lunch
Enjoy an included lunch near Cape Tribulation.
- Mossman Gorge
Experience a Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony.
- Hotel drop-off
Arrive back at your accommodation.
Safety and packing tips
Always stay on designated boardwalks and walking tracks to protect the ecosystem and avoid snake bites. Never swim at Cape Tribulation beaches due to high risks of saltwater crocodiles and marine stingers. If you see wild cassowaries, do not feed, approach, or provoke them.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Bring high-DEET insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. There are no public rubbish bins inside the national park, so take all waste with you.
Easiest way to do it
Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
10 h to 12 h 4.6 (2,071)
- Beach visit - "Where Rainforest meets the Reef"
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Guided Rainforest Walk
From$171per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you drive a normal car to Cape Tribulation?
Yes. The coastal road is fully sealed up to Cape Tribulation. A 2WD vehicle can make the trip without issues. Read more in 4WD vs 2WD.
Do you need a 4WD to go to Cape Tribulation?
No, a 4WD is not required for Cape Tribulation. You only need a 4WD if you plan to continue further north onto the unsealed Bloomfield Track.
How much does the Daintree River Ferry cost?
As of 2026, the return ferry cost for a standard passenger car is $57 AUD. It operates from 5:00 AM to midnight.