Daintree Rainforest – 4WD Cape Tribulation Rainforest Day Tour
Discover the Daintree Rainforest with one of Cairns most trusted small-group tour operators — proudly locally owned and eco-certified showcasing the region for 40 years. Travel in comfort aboard a custom 4WD vehicle as you explore this World Heritage–listed wonder. Cruise along the Daintree River in search of crocodiles and unique wildlife, join your guide for a rainforest boardwalk tour and stroll along Cape Tribulation Beach. Enjoy a tropical fruit Daintree ice cream before returning to your accommodation.
Highlights
Daintree River Cruise –1-hour guided wildlife cruise looking for estuarine crocodiles, snakes, birds and other river life.
Alexandra Lookout – Panoramic views of the Daintree River mouth, Coral Sea and Snapper Island.
Guided Rainforest Walk – Explore the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest with expert commentary.
Cape Tribulation Beach – Visit the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Lunch in the Rainforest – Enjoy lunch at a rainforest location -most dietary requirements can be catered
Swim in a Freshwater Creek – Cool off with a freshwater swim in the Rainforest
Cross the Daintree River by Cable Ferry – A memorable part of your journey through remote Far North Queensland.
Daintree Ice cream Stop for a homemade tropical fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice-Cream company. The ice cream is homegrown on the property and is delicious.
Group size is maximum 18 passengers so you have a more personalised experience.
Inclusions
- Return hotel transfers
- National Park Fees
- Scenic coastal drive to Daintree
- Guided rainforest walk on a selection of trails and elevated boardwalks (easy grade)
- 1‐hour Daintree River cruise spotting crocodiles and birdlife
- Morning tea at the Daintree River Cruise Centre with biscuits, tea/coffee
- Opportunity for an invigorating freshwater swim in a crystal clear stream (subject to water conditions).
- Lunch
- Guided National Park Elevated Boardwalk tour and learn about the rare flora & fauna in this ancient rainforest.
- Cape Tribulation Beach Walk – stroll along the famous Cape Tribulation Beach and along the boardwalk to the photographers’ platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the Rainforest meets the Reef.
- Cable Ferry crossing across the mighty Daintree River
- Daintree Ice‐creamery ‐ stop for a tropical homemade ice‐cream
Pick up times & what to bring
Pick-up times
Hotel transfers from Cairns, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas are included.
Cairns City (CBD) 7.00am –returns 6.00pm
Palm Cove & Trinity Beach: 7.45am, return 5.30pm
Port Douglas accommodation: pick up 8.20 am, returns approx. – 4.30 pm
Please note all times are approximate. Please ensure you are on time for your pick-up!
What to bring
- Swimmers & Towel if you wish to Swim (subject to conditions on the day)
- Lightweight clothing (Shorts & T-Shirts are fine)
- Insect repellant
- Comfortable flat-soled walking shoes
- Hat & Sunscreen
- Cash for The Daintree Ice Cream Factory
- Water Bottle (can top up throughout the day)
Itinerary
Scenic Coastal Drive
Your day starts by being picked up by your local eco-accredited tour guide. As you meet and greet your fellow travellers, sit back and relax as we start to make our way to the Daintree Rainforest. This coastal scenic road is one of the best drives in the world, so have your camera ready!
Daintree River Cruise
After a light morning tea refreshment, it’s time to board your Daintree River cruise. This peaceful and relaxing 1 hour Daintree River Cruise is precisely what the doctor ordered, sprinkled with a little adventure spotting crocodiles, other native Australian wildlife and mangroves.
Alexandra Lookout
Alexandra Lookout provides a fantastic photo opportunity. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Daintree Rainforest to the ocean.
Guided Rainforest Boardwalk
Your local guide will then take you along an elevated boardwalk into the heart of the Daintree National Park, providing detail on the flora, fauna and cultural history and significance of the Daintree Rainforest.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers, and then it’s off to Cape Tribulation Beach, the only place where the rainforest meets the reef. All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation or at least 48 hours before travel. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.
Freshwater Swim
Enjoy a refreshing rainforest freshwater stream swim, in crystal clear waters without the crowds.
Cape Tribulation Beach Walk – stroll along the famous Cape Tribulation Beach and along the boardwalk to the photographers’ platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the Rainforest meets the Reef.
Ice-cream stop
No Daintree Rainforest day tour is complete without a stop for exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice-creamery. You will be amazed at the array of flavours made from the orchards on their property. After your sweet ice cream treat and a little exploration of this lush property, it’s time to head home.
Group size is maximum 18 passengers so you have a more personalised experience.
Explore related tours
Adult $145|Child$80|Family $390
Gold class option 9.30 train only $60 per person
Train departs Cairns 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Tour not bookable online – please contact us P 07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets Wednesday through to Sunday and the many attractions of Kuranda, then return on the Skyrail as you guide over the rainforest canopy. Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station.
Adult $145.00 | Child $80.00 | Family $390.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person
Adult $79| Child 2-11yrs $55
Family 2A+2C $213
Departs from Cairns Marina 5.15pm –
Discover the enchanting beauty of a Cairns tropical sunset.
Join us for a relaxing 90-minute cruise through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, one of Cairns’ hidden gems. As the day ends, watch the sky transform into a canvas of golden hues and deep purples, with the city skyline and lush mountains as your backdrop.
Sit back and unwind with a complimentary drink in hand.
Capture unforgettable views of Cairns, the mangroves, and distant ranges bathed in sunset light.
Enjoy a serene, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the magic of Tropical North Queensland, this is an experience you’ll always remember.
Adult from $239 Child (7-14yrs) $215 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am – 4.30pm
Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.
This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
Adult $69| Child 2-11yrs $49
Family 2A+2C $187
Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm
Embark on a 75 minute journey of tranquility with Cairns River Cruise sightseeing tour as you navigate the serene waters of Trinity Inlet. Modern spacious boat meticulously designed for comfort, ensuring uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.
Experience the beauty of Cairns waterfront bordered by majestic mountains and lush mangroves, serving as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife.
Adult $315|Child $228
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.
Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$145 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
+ $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.
It’s fun, exciting, and ideal for first-timers or families with children aged 12 and over. No prior experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!
$145.00 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers | $128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid | $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
$1189.00 per person
Departs Daily from Port Douglas
11.10am – 3.30pm
Short on time or want to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a return scenic flight. Takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife – sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).
Spend 2 hours – 15 minutes at the Quicksilver pontoon to enjoy snorkelling, semi submersible coral viewing tour, underwater observatory and a delicious buffet lunch.
Adult $145|Child$80|Family $390
Gold class option 9.30 train only $60 per person
Train departs Cairns 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Tour not bookable online – please contact us P 07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets Wednesday through to Sunday and the many attractions of Kuranda, then return on the Skyrail as you guide over the rainforest canopy. Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station.
Adult $145.00 | Child $80.00 | Family $390.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person
Adult $79| Child 2-11yrs $55
Family 2A+2C $213
Departs from Cairns Marina 5.15pm –
Discover the enchanting beauty of a Cairns tropical sunset.
Join us for a relaxing 90-minute cruise through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, one of Cairns’ hidden gems. As the day ends, watch the sky transform into a canvas of golden hues and deep purples, with the city skyline and lush mountains as your backdrop.
Sit back and unwind with a complimentary drink in hand.
Capture unforgettable views of Cairns, the mangroves, and distant ranges bathed in sunset light.
Enjoy a serene, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the magic of Tropical North Queensland, this is an experience you’ll always remember.
Adult from $239 Child (7-14yrs) $215 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am – 4.30pm
Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.
This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
Adult $69| Child 2-11yrs $49
Family 2A+2C $187
Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm
Embark on a 75 minute journey of tranquility with Cairns River Cruise sightseeing tour as you navigate the serene waters of Trinity Inlet. Modern spacious boat meticulously designed for comfort, ensuring uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.
Experience the beauty of Cairns waterfront bordered by majestic mountains and lush mangroves, serving as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife.
Adult $315|Child $228
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.
Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Discovery Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. We make exploring Cairns stress-free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
