Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Day Tour from Cairns

Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park

Mossman Gorge lies in the southern part of Daintree National Park, where the Mossman River tumbles over giant granite boulders through lush rainforest. It is the homeland of the Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived in this region for many thousands of years. Your Mossman Gorge tour from Cairns begins here with a Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony, a traditional greeting that introduces visitors to the land.

After the ceremony you take a guided rainforest walk under a tall canopy, with time by the clear river. Bring swimwear and a towel if you wish to cool off, although swimming depends on river conditions on the day. Sturdy shoes are useful on the boardwalks and forest paths.

The Daintree River wildlife cruise

Continuing north, the tour joins a wildlife river cruise on the Daintree River. The guide explains the ecology of the mangroves and the riverbank, and you keep watch for saltwater crocodiles, birds and other native wildlife. It is one of the most popular parts of a Daintree Rainforest day tour from Cairns because the river is teeming with life.

Cruises are relaxed, close to the water and suited to families. Many visitors also ask about the best time to visit the Daintree: the drier months from May to October are generally more comfortable, but the rainforest is green and impressive all year.

Cape Tribulation and the ferry crossing

North of the Daintree River you cross by cable ferry, a short but memorable trip that marks the start of the Daintree coast. Beyond it the road winds to Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets the reef coast. Captain Cook named the cape in 1770 after his ship ran aground on the reef nearby.

This is the place often described as one of the only areas on Earth where two World Heritage areas meet, the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Your guide leads a short nature walk through rainforest and mangroves, and there is time for photographs at a viewpoint.

Lunch, timing and pickup from Cairns

Lunch is included in the price, and all national park fees are covered. The day begins with hotel pickup from your Cairns accommodation; you choose your pickup point from a list when you book. The tour includes a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas before entering the rainforest.

On the way back there is a stop at a local ice cream company where you may buy a scoop at your own expense, and the tour returns to your accommodation in the early evening after about eleven hours. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a light jumper for the cooler rainforest.