The Daintree River is located roughly 100 kilometers north of Cairns in far north Queensland. It is one of those hidden holiday destinations that most people don’t wont the world to know about. While Australia is famous for its fabulous beaches, coral reefs and red center, it is also home to some of the most diverse, and prehistoric, rain forests on earth.
In the Daintree region you can find both plant and animal life that dates back thousands of years, many of which are reaching a point of extinction with the rain forest their last known habitat. The Daintree River itself is a natural border that sits between 21st century man, and prehistoric times. In fact, there isn’t even a man made bridge that crosses this rain forest river. The only way to gain access to the Daintree rain forests is by vehicle ferry – but it’s certainly worth the trip.
You have two options. You can take a leisurely day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. Visit the river and many of the sites; take in a river cruise and possibly catch site of some of the saltwater crocodiles that inhabit the region, or you can plan to stay awhile and really explore the region.
Daintree RiverThere is plenty to see in the area between the Daintree River crossing and Cape Tribulation – another hours drive north. Areas such as Cow Bay, Coconut Beach and the Cape Tribulation lookout are all worth visiting. You can dine at the Cafe by the Sea; visit the Insect Museum; or perhaps do a taste test at the Daintree Ice-Cream Company – said to be the best ice-cream north of the Daintree (hang on, it’s the only ice-cream north of the Daintree).
There are plenty of tourist lodges and resorts to stay in, or you take your own caravan – there are plenty of camping places available, all with great services to for an area so remote.
If you are looking for a holiday that’s different, consider the Daintree River and the rainforest national park to the north. You can spend a week exploring this region and never get bored. Check out the video on the Daintree River Wild Life Cruise.