Daintree National Park
Welcome to the green north-east of Australia! North of Cairns in Queensland is Daintree National Park, home to the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest. You can immerse yourself in the green and humid diversity of this magnificent World Heritage Site on numerous hiking trails. Long beaches such as the famous Cape Tribulation invite you to stroll.
A trip to Australia’s magnificent East Coast National Park is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Cairns region! It is certainly one of the most beautiful places on the east coast.
Green forested ridges surround the beautiful bays with clear, almost transparent water. The Mossman Gorge invites you to dip in an idyllic rainforest landscape.
Clear streams wind through majestic forests with tall boardwalks, tropical ferns and fan palms. The primary season lasts from May to September, during the dry season. During the rainy season, the Daintree Rainforest lives up to its name.
Table of Contents
Explore the attractions of Cape Tribulation in Daintree National Park
Mount Alexandra Lookout
Let the adventure in the Daintree Rainforest begin! Just a few kilometres after taking the car ferry to the main entrance of Daintree National Park, you will pass the first attraction of the national park:
The Mount Alexandra Lookout offers magnificent rainforest views in many shades of green. On a clear day, you will see the blue sea sparkling in the sunlight on the horizon. You can’t wait for your chance to explore it. Just a few kilometres away, you can immerse yourself in the Daintree Rainforest by following the hiking trails, feeling them, and seeing them up close.
Cow Bay Beach
Before you follow the platypuses into the dense, lush Daintree rainforest, one of the many golden sandy beaches of the Daintree National Park awaits. In all its splendour, the postcard motif will likely make you smile. Although the cow hasn’t yet found its way to the beach, another surprise and not-to-be-missed attraction awaits you at Cow Bay Beach.
A rope hangs from a palm tree, inviting you to “swing” while admiring the breathtaking view. Perhaps your smile will turn into a hearty laugh. Cow Bay Beach is undoubtedly a fun and exciting pastime.
Marjah Botanical Walk
Cape of Sorrow (beach + Kulki viewpoint)
The Cape of Sorrow is perhaps the most famous and most visited place in Daintree National Park. Translated from German, it means “Cape of Sorrow”. This name makes sense on stormy, rainy days with thick grey clouds. However, you will discover a tropical paradise in all its glory on sunny days with blue skies.
Clear turquoise water meets yellow-white sand, and the jade-green rainforest hills in the background are the icing on the cake of this picturesque spectacle. A short hiking trail leads to the Kulka Viewpoint, where you can admire this magnificent view. The densely forested hills seem to embrace and protect the bay literally. Another feature of the Cape of Sorrow is the mangrove forest that stretches beyond the long beach! This is just a wonderful sight in the Daintree National Park!
Mossman Gorge section
The Mossman Gorge section is 80 kilometres north of Cairns and 30 kilometres south of the Cape Tribulation section. It’s up to you to decide which of these two areas you will visit first. You will most likely return to Cairns, so the visitation order is unimportant.
Mossman Gorge is a very idyllic gorge in the rainforest that is of particular interest to those interested in the rainforests of this part of Queensland. Thanks to informative and colourful panels, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the flora and rainforest in general. The gorge hike offers many opportunities, including a suspension bridge and views of the Mossman River with crystal clear waters and mossy green colours. If you are tempted to dip, please read the following safety tips.
There is no direct road access to Mossman Gorge. The Mossman Gorge centre and car park are 2 kilometres before the gorge. You can walk to the gorge (approximately 30-40 minutes one way) or take a shuttle bus.
Main attractions and highlights of Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park
Rainforest
Perhaps you’ve already done the short Marrja Botanical Walk at Cape Tribulation and want to explore the rainforest further? That’s precisely what you can do in the magnificent Mossman Gorge. The Rainforest Circuit Track is a must-do that takes you into the lush tropical jungle of the Daintree Rainforest. Thanks to informative and colourful signs, you will learn more about the local flora and experience this unique world up close.
For example, you will come across the impressive roots of the foothills. They give the giant trees of the rainforest exceptional stability and can reach an incredible height of 10 metres. Fascinating. I’ve never seen such tall support roots, but maybe you’ll have better luck.
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