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
1
(691)
•Easy
•2.2 mi
•Est. 56m
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
(208)
•Easy
•1.1 mi
•Est. 23m
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
(316)
•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
(124)
•Easy
•3.4 mi
•Est. 1h 11m
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...
5
(132)
•Easy
•0.7 mi
•Est. 15m
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...
6
(123)
•Easy
•0.5 mi
•Est. 10m
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
(144)
•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...
8
(41)
•Easy
•0.4 mi
•Est. 9m
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.
9
(34)
•Easy
•0.8 mi
•Est. 16m
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
(4)
•Easy
•0.5 mi
•Est. 10m
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.
Showing results 1–10 of 14
Trail reviews for Daintree National Park
Easy hiking. Beautiful nature - an absolute must when visiting Daintree National Park. After a (sweaty) hike, you can cool off in the river afterwards.
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Rainforest Circuit TrackShort and easy but rewarding. This walk really gets you up and close with the indigenous plant species. A must do walk in Daintree.
Madja Boardwalk
Had a nice hike here in July 2024. As others have said, there is a costly shuttle to the trailhead, though the ~4km walk along the road to it looked like it could be nice for those who want to save some money. The trail itself was a lovely intro to Daintree for us. It was crowded at the beginning along the suspension bridge and boardwalk areas but became very tranquil once we got beyond that. We just loved the wonderful rainforest vibe as we took it all in. The water hole area was a fun little spot to visit. Note that where the trail diverges at the beginning/end from the shuttle drop off area to where it converges into a single trail is not open on the right side due to recent storms, so plan to take the left leg both directions.
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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 691 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 2,019 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.
Top national parks in Queensland
Points of interest
- Mossman River Lookout
- Mount Sorrow Lookout
- Swimming Hole
- Mossman River
- Kulki Lookout
- Rock
- Jindalba Board Walk
- Manjal Dimbi Lookout
- swimming
- Devils Thumb / Manjal Jimalji
- Emmagen Swim Hole
- More shallow water to step into
- Karnak Falls
- False Falls
- Mount Alexandra Lookout
- Mount Cowie
- Mount Sorrow
- Pinnacle
- Mount Halcyon
- Mount Neville