Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world

North of Cairns lies one of Australia's most extraordinary natural areas: the Daintree Rainforest. This tropical rainforest is estimated to be more than 180 million years old, making it even older than the Amazon. Nowhere else in the world do a tropical rainforest and a coral reef come as close together as they do here. It's no coincidence that both the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

A visit to the Daintree is completely different from the rest of Australia. You drive along winding roads beneath a dense canopy, walk amongst ancient trees and have the chance to spot remarkable animals that exist nowhere else in the world.

What makes the Daintree so special?

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest surviving rainforests on Earth. Due to the millions of years during which the area has remained virtually untouched, countless unique plant and animal species live here.

During a visit you can encounter cassowaries, tree kangaroos, colourful butterflies and more than 400 bird species, among others. Additionally, large saltwater crocodiles live in the rivers, which you can regularly spot during a boat trip.

It's precisely the combination of rainforest, wildlife, beaches and impressive views that makes the Daintree one of Australia's most beautiful natural areas.

The highlights of the Daintree

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is perhaps the most famous spot in the Daintree. Here, the world's oldest rainforest literally meets the Great Barrier Reef.

From the beach you look out over the ocean, whilst behind you the dense rainforest begins. It's one of the few places on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet.

Make sure to take a walk along the beach, but pay close attention to the warning signs. Due to saltwater crocodiles and, depending on the season, jellyfish, swimming is usually not recommended.

Daintree River Cruise

One of the most popular activities is a boat cruise on the Daintree River.

Under the guidance of a local guide, you'll cruise peacefully along the river while searching for saltwater crocodiles, snakes, birds and other wildlife. The guide shares everything about the rainforest ecosystem and the animals that live here along the way.

Even if you don't spot a crocodile, the journey through the rainforest is a special experience in itself.

Check out '4 weeks Australia: from Sydney to Cairns' for more information

Mossman Gorge

Just south of the Daintree lies Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful spots in the region.

Here you walk on wooden boardwalks through the rainforest and along crystal-clear flowing rivers. On warm days you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water at various spots.

The short Mossman Gorge Rainforest Circuit is suitable for virtually everyone and introduces you to the impressive nature of the area.

Jindalba Boardwalk

Want to experience the rainforest up close? Then the Jindalba Boardwalk is highly recommended.

This short walk takes you along wooden boardwalks straight through the rainforest. Along the way you'll pass giant trees, tropical plants and colourful birds.

Because the path is largely flat, this walk is suitable for virtually any traveller.

Wildlife spotting in Daintree

The Daintree Rainforest is a paradise for nature lovers. Due to its enormous biodiversity, hundreds of animal and plant species live here, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The area is therefore one of Australia's most species-rich rainforests.

With a bit of luck, you may spot the following animals during your visit:

• Cassowaries, a rare, flightless bird considered one of the most important inhabitants of the Daintree. With its bright blue head and impressive size, this is a remarkable sight.
• Saltwater crocodiles, which mainly live in the Daintree River and surrounding mangroves. During a river cruise, there's a good chance you'll see one or more.
• Tree kangaroos, a unique kangaroo species that has fully adapted to life in the trees.
• Ulysses butterflies, bright blue butterflies that regularly flutter between the trees and are one of the symbols of Tropical North Queensland.
• Frogs, lizards and other reptiles, which hide well amongst the tropical vegetation.
• More than 430 bird species, including parrots, kingfishers and colourful honeyeaters.

The best chance to spot wildlife is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when temperatures are more pleasant and many animals are actively searching for food. So take your time, look up into the trees regularly and walk quietly through the rainforest. That's when you'll discover just how special the nature in the Daintree really is.

Camping with a motorhome in Daintree

Precisely because the Daintree is a bit further from Cairns, I recommend staying at least one or two nights in this region. That way you don't have to drive back and forth from Cairns and you'll have more time to discover this fantastic area.

Daintree Siesta Holiday Park

Located in the heart of the tropical rainforest, Daintree Siesta Holiday Park is an ideal spot for travellers who truly want to enjoy the peace and nature. The campground features spacious Campervan sites, clean facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. From here you're within a short distance of the Daintree River, Mossman Gorge and various walking tracks through the rainforest.

Cape Tribulation Camping

Want to stay as close to nature as possible? Then Cape Tribulation Camping is an excellent choice. The campsite is within walking distance of the beach and is surrounded by tropical rainforest. You wake up amongst the palm trees and the sounds of the jungle, whilst being just minutes from the beach where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet.

Tropic Breeze Caravan Park

Prefer a comfortable base just outside the Daintree? Tropic Breeze Caravan Park in Port Douglas is a good choice. The campsite has spacious Campervan pitches, a swimming pool and good facilities. From here you can drive to the Daintree Rainforest in about an hour, whilst you can also easily visit Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach and the many restaurants and cafés in the area. This makes this campsite ideal if you want to combine nature with a bit more liveliness.

Best time to visit Daintree

The Daintree is green all year round, but the best period runs from May through to October.

During these months it's the dry season. Humidity is lower, temperatures are pleasant and there's less chance of rain.

During the rainy season, from roughly November to April, it's warmer and more humid. At the same time, the rainforest shows itself at its most spectacular, with full rivers, powerful waterfalls and intensely green vegetation.

In short, worth visiting all year round!

How much time do you need for the Daintree?

For the Daintree, I'd allow at least two days. This area is truly a destination in its own right and shouldn't be rushed.

With a minimum of 2 days you'll have enough time to take a river cruise, visit Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, and stop regularly at lookouts and short walks along the way.

Have you got three days? Then you can explore the area much more leisurely and really enjoy the special atmosphere and various activities.