Best trails in Daintree National Park
Daintree National Park is made up of two main sections Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. In Cape Tribulation, mountains blanketed in ancient rainforest descend to stretches of sandy beaches. In Mossman Gorge, the Mossman River's pristine waters flow over granite rocks. One of the oldest rainforests on the planet, the Daintree is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the area. More than 430 different bird species have been recorded in the park, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Be on the lookout for buff-breasted paradise kingfishers, cassowaries, and the wompoo fruit-dove.
Top trails
- (846)•Easy•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrCombining most of Mossman Gorge's popular tracks, this route features varied terrain as it travels through exquisite rainforest. The track begins from the shuttle bus station at Mossman Gorge day-use area. Starting with the elevated boardwalk of Baral Marrjanga Track, which meanders through the lower canopy and visits viewing platforms that offer great vantage points to observe the Mossman River and take in the picturesque mountains in the distance. Next up is Rex Creek Bridge Track, which...
- (261)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrMeaning "place of spirits" in Kuku Yalanji language, the Dubuji Boardwalk travels through dense tropical rainforest and mangrove swamps filled with wildlife. This boardwalk is wheelchair accessible (with assistance) and is suitable for all ages. The nearby Dubuji day-use area has public toilets and is a terrific place to have a picnic in the open grassy area or at the sheltered picnic tables. The route also takes you to Myall Beach where visitors have the option to explore the long...
- (374)•Hard•4.4 miDelve into gorgeous rainforest with this spectacular trail in the world heritage heritage-listed Daintree National Park. The track begins in lowland rainforest as it winds under a dense green canopy, passing massive trees with impressive buttress roots and large vines climbing up their trunks. The trail then ascends to upland rainforest. This area is inhabited by Boyd's forest dragons. Often spotted clinging to trees looking for their next meal. The vegetation thins and shortens towards the...
- (164)•Easy•3.4 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrA great hike through the Daintree National Park, from Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland, north of Cairns. The trail begins from the parking area at Cape Tribulation Beach and begins with the Kulki Boardwalk that leads to Kulki Lookout - offering the iconic view of Cape Tribulation. The Myall Beach section of this trail should be done during low tide. The walk along the beach is easy but may require one shallow water crossing. In the winter, visitors can watch humpback whales as they...
- (168)•Easy•0.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrAn enjoyable trail through the Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland located not too far south of Cape Tribulation. This looped route begins and ends from the Madja Boardwalk trailhead off Cape Tribulation Road. This terrific family-friendly trail travels along a boardwalk with great informative signage along the way. If visiting during low tide, take a moment to listen to the crabs as they scurry about on the muddy banks. Visitors can often spot fish and even eels in the creek...
- (142)•Easy•0.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrKulki Boardwalk is a beautiful family-friendly trail within the Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland, located on Cape Tribulation. The route begins and ends from the parking and picnic area at the end of Cape Tribulation Road. The boardwalk meanders through the rainforest and leads to a platform with a view of the beach. Take a moment to enjoy the unique scenery here. With steep hills covered in lush ancient rainforest that leads to the water's edge. A rainforest meeting a reef,...
- (50)•Easy•0.4 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis elevated boardwalk, which begins near the Mossman Gorge day-use area, is accessible to those in wheelchairs and prams and is a terrific family-friendly rainforest adventure. Wander through the lower canopy of the jungle in search of vibrantly coloured butterflies and interesting birdlife. View the Mossman River from the overlook as you take in the picturesque mountains in the distance. In the creek below, keep an eye out for saw-shelled turtles and perch.
- (173)•Strenuous•7.5 miThe Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail is an extreme, strenuous tropical rainforest ascent, known for its relentless vertical climb, extreme environmental hazards, and mandatory technical aid. This is a spiritual and physical pilgrimage to a significant Indigenous landmark in the heart of the Daintree National Park, reserved for hikers with a high level of fitness and bush experience. The difficulty begins almost immediately, with the first several kilometres being a gruelling, unrelenting,...
- (102)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrJindalba Circuit Track explores lowland rainforest at the base of Mount Alexander (Jindalba means 'foot of the mountain' in Kuku Yalanji language). This trail passes through through some of Australia's largest tropical rainforest where you can view unique plants and animals of the Daintree Wet Tropics. This track and boardwalk offer elevated views of this lowland rainforest, including creeks, king ferns and fig trees. The information signs explain the complexities of rainforest structure...
- (38)•Easy•0.8 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrAn amazingly clear swimming hole that is a must do when visiting Cape Tribulation! Just a short walk from the parking area on Bloomfield Road and you'll find yourself in this pocket of rainforest paradise. Keep your eye out for wildlife as you make your way through one of the oldest living rainforests in the world at over 180 million years old.
