Destination Daintree

Daintree River Ferry

 

Driving Times 

Here are some approximate driving times starting from Cairns:-

From Cairns to Port Douglas  -  60 minutes

From Port Douglas to Mossman  -  15 minutes

From Mossman to Wonga Beach  -  20 minutes

From Wonga Beach to either South of Daintree Ferry or Daintree Village  -  15-20 min

From North of Ferry to Cow Bay/Diwan  -  15-20 min 

From Cow Bay/Diwan to Cape Tribulation  -  20-25 min 

 

The Daintree Ferry

The vehicle ferry is the only way to cross the Daintree River.

It takes about 30 vehicles and operates daily from 6am to midnight except Christmas Day (25 December 2019, from 7.30 am to 5 pm only)

The crossing itself takes about 10 minutes but there can be a waiting times, especially during the peak season (July to September). During these months the busiest hours tend to be mid morning to lunch time going north, and between mid afternoon and 5pm returning south.

The cost for cars is $31 return.  If, however, you are staying for a while there is a Multi-day Pass for $59, allowing for 5 return trips. Fees for travel on the ferry are outlined in Daintree Ferry 2020-21 Fees and Charges

EFTPOS is available at the ferry between 8am-4:30pm seven days a week. At all other times users of the ferry need to pay cash unless they have a concessional card.

Douglas Shire Council offers locals residing in the regions of Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Cairns Regional Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cook Shire Council free travel on the Daintree Ferry from November 1 until February 28 annually with a free “Douglas Card”.  The Douglas Card also gives the holder two free bus passes at Mossman Gorge.

 

Mobile phone coverage

Mobile phone (cell phone) access is quite limited throughout the Daintree

Leaving Mossman there is reasonable reception until just past the Wonga Beach area then some coverage in the Daintree ferry region.  Across the river Optus and Telstra offer some coverage along Cape Tribulation road until about Thornton's Beach.  Currently there is no mobile reception past that point and at Cape Tribulation.

Daintree Village has good coverage but not outside the Village.