What is the Daintree exactly?

‘The Daintree’ is a loose term covering an extensive region stretching from Mossman Gorge in the south to the Bloomfield River in the north, and includes the following:

• Daintree National Park includes the rainforest areas which stretch between Mossman Gorge and the Bloomfield River.
• Daintree Village is a small settlement located 12km upstream from the Daintree River ferry crossing.
• Daintree Coast is the area located between the Daintree River in the south and the Bloomfield River in the north.

Larger Map

From The South (Cairns and Port Douglas)

Travelling north from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway, it's 67km to Port Douglas, and then a further 45kms to the Daintree River Ferry, passing through Mossman on the way.

The car ferry makes continuous crossings of the Daintree River throughout the day (from 6am until midnight). The cost of a return ticket is $22. This is the gateway into one of the most scenic drives in the world to Cape Tribulation. It is possible to buy a 4 day ferry pass at a discounted rate.

From The North (Cooktown)

If you are driving from Cooktown to the Daintree you will need a 4WD vehicle to travel via the coast road. It is 75 kms from Cooktown to Wujal Wujal (on the Bloomfield River). This road has a gravel surface and is suitable for normal cars. Cross the Bloomfield River causeway to start the 32km journey to Cape Tribulation along the Bloomfield Track. The drive from Cooktown to Cape Tribulation usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

This road was the focus of the Daintree Blockade in 1983, and is known as the Bloomfield Track. Despite the army of protesters, bulldozers, under orders from the local council, pushed the road from Cape Tribulation north to the Bloomfield River, through an area which, up until then, had been a world class walking track.

You need to check road conditions as creek crossings can be treacherous after heavy rain. Take care on the Cowie and Donovan Ranges as there are steep descents. Maps of the road are available at Masons Store and other businesses in the Daintree. Find out more....

Car hire

You can hire a normal sedan car to drive to Cape Tribulation. The road is fully sealed all the way. You do not need a 4WD vehicle unless you intend to continue north on the coast, past Cape Tribulation to Cooktown.

Public transport

Sun Palm Transport offers regular daily bus services to Cape Tribulation, and stops at the airport to collect travellers. After 10.30am all air flights are met directly and passengers transferred to Port Douglas. Here they can leave their bags at the office, and explore Port Douglas on the local shuttle bus (for free), while waiting for the 3.30 pm departure to Cape Tribulation, arriving at 6.25 pm. Passengers can be dropped directly at their accommodation. Check schedules as they change from time to time.

The Daintree Shuttle operated by FNQ Buslines comes to Cape Tribulation on Wednesday and Friday morning and afternoon and Daintree Village on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email info@fnqbuslines.com.au for more information. It is possible to make a day visit to Cape Tribulation and Daintree Village, using the shuttle, and spend some time doing tourist based activities. Timetable and prices are available here.

It is also possible to travel to Cooktown via Cape Tribulation three days a week with Country Road Coachlines.

By air