10 Best hikes and trails in Daintree National Park

Best trails in Daintree National Park

4.2(2,192 reviews)

Australia
:
#50 of 637 national parks

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

#1 - Rainforest Circuit Track

Combining 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...

#2 - Dubuji Boardwalk

Meaning "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...

#3 - Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail

4.3(340)

•Hard

•4.4 mi

Delve 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...

#4 - Kulki Boardwalk, Myall Beach, and Dubuji Boardwalk

A 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...

An 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...

Kulki 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,...

#7 - Baral Marrjanga Track

This 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.

#8 - Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail

4.2(155)

•Hard

•7.5 mi

Translating to Devil's Thumb in Eastern Kuku Yalanji language, Manjal Jimalji is an important cultural landmark, relating to the origin of fire. Best attempted between May and November, the trail explores the distinct highland and lowland rainforest flora. A challenging trail that will test you, this track is only suitable to walk in dry conditions and shouldn't be attempted after heavy rainfall. The path can become extremely slippery, muddy, and full of leeches. Remember, some of this...

#9 - Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole

An 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.

#10 - Lower River Track

This scenic but occasionally treacherous trail runs along the river bank before joining the Baral Marrjanga Track. It begins at the shuttle bus station in the Mossman Gorge day-use area. Observe the Mossman River tumbling past slick granite rocks and racing quickly toward the sea from viewing platforms. Look for colourful butterflies flying from bush to bush, and observe turtles with on jungle perch in the river below.

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Top Picks in Daintree National Park

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Trail reviews for Daintree National Park

3,424 trailgoers Busiest in July

Anel F.

Jan 6, 2025

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Easy hiking. Beautiful nature - an absolute must when visiting Daintree National Park. After a (sweaty) hike, you can cool off in the river afterwards.

This text has been translated.

Rainforest Circuit Track

Meg Pietrzykowski

Jul 5, 2025

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

A mystical boardwalk through the Daintree (“Julaymba” in the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal language). Beautiful and serene with the most quiet. Give yourself it’s of time to walk slowly and listen to the wildlife. The walk changes in scenery as you walk which adds to the magic and charm. Hot tip - If there are big tour buses, wait until they leave as they are loud and it ruins the whole vibe :)

Madja Boardwalk

Meg Pietrzykowski

Jul 5, 2025

Good conditionsGood viewsEasy to parkBathrooms available

Another beautiful boardwalk through the Daintree rainforest. Slightly underwhelming to its sister boardwalk Madja, which is a couple kms down the road, however these boardwalks are an immersive experience to the rainforest without destroying nature surrounds. There were constructions going on for the new cultural centre when I visited so once completed I’m sure will add education and charm to this beautiful rainforest.

Dubuji Boardwalk

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Daintree National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Daintree National Park is Rainforest Circuit Track, which has a 4.6 star rating from 775 reviews. This trail is 2.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 295 ft.

What is the longest trail in Daintree National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Daintree National Park is Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail. This trail is estimated to be 7.5 mi long.

How many trails are in Daintree National Park?

There are 14 trails in Daintree National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 2,192 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Daintree National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Daintree National Park has you covered. Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 4,009 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail, which will get you 2,385 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Daintree National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Daintree National Park which is Whyanbeel Road - CREB Track with an average 3.6 star rating from 4 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Daintree National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Daintree National Park which is Whyanbeel Road - CREB Track with an average 3.6 star rating from 4 community reviews.