Plan your visit
Plan your visit
The Daintree River is located roughly 50 kilometers north of Port Douglas. You can drive yourself or join a guided tour.
Daintree River
Cape Tribulation Road, Lower Daintree, Queensland
GPS -16.2625, 145.397
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the river
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive north from Port Douglas on the Captain Cook Highway and Mossman-Daintree Road. | 45-50 minutes from Port Douglas | Fuel plus Ferry fee (approx $47 AUD return for vehicles) | Conventional 2WD vehicles can easily access the ferry and Cape Tribulation road, though high clearance can be beneficial. |
| Tour: Book a guided day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas that includes hotel transfers, ferry tickets, and a river cruise. | 10-12 hours (full day) | $150 - $250+ AUD | Tours typically include stops at Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation beaches, and an included lunch. |
| Boat: Join a wildlife and crocodile spotting cruise departing from Daintree Village or the ferry crossing precinct. | 1 to 1.5 hours | Approx $40 AUD per adult | Operators run multiple trips daily. Low tide and cooler morning/afternoon hours are best for wildlife. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The Daintree River is accessible year-round. The dry season from May to October offers the most comfortable weather. This period also provides higher chances of spotting crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks.
Low tide is generally the best time of day for crocodile sightings. Cooler morning and late afternoon hours are excellent for bird watching.
What to bring
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The Daintree River cable ferry operates continuously from 5:00 AM to midnight daily.
A return ticket for standard cars costs approximately $47 AUD.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
Drive from Port Douglas, take a morning cruise, and cross the ferry.
- Drive north
Leave Port Douglas via the Captain Cook Highway.
- River Cruise
Join a 1-hour crocodile spotting cruise near the ferry precinct.
- Ferry Crossing
Pay the fee and take the 15-minute cable ferry across the river.
- Alexandra Lookout
Stop for a 15-minute panoramic view of the estuary.
Let a local guide handle the driving, ferry tickets, and itinerary.
- Hotel Pickup
Board your tour vehicle in Port Douglas.
- Wildlife Cruise
Enjoy an included 1-hour boat tour on the Daintree River.
- Rainforest Lunch
Eat a prepared lunch at a secluded rainforest restaurant.
- Return
Arrive back at your accommodation.
Packing for the Daintree
Pack insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and sandflies. Wear lightweight, breathable long-sleeved clothing. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen for sun protection.
A camera with a good zoom lens and binoculars are highly recommended for spotting distant wildlife. Pack a rain jacket or travel poncho, as tropical showers are frequent even in the dry season.
Easiest way to do it
Daintree, Cape Tribulation & River Cruise from Port Douglas
10 h 4.9 (832)
- All entry and national park fees
- Cooked-to-order rainforest lunch
- Morning Tea
- Small-group local guide
From$200per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is the Daintree River from Port Douglas?
The Daintree River is roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Port Douglas. The drive takes about 45 to 50 minutes.
How far is the Daintree River from Cairns?
The river is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Cairns. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive.
What are the Daintree Ferry operating hours?
The Daintree River cable ferry operates continuously every day. It runs from 5:00 AM to midnight.