Daintree is located in the far northeast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. With a population of just 78, the main attraction in Daintree is the Daintree National Park, which contains one of the world’s oldest rainforests, having been growing continuously for an estimated 110 million years. Daintree’s tourism consists by and large of tours and treks through the park, with Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation being two of the most picturesque spots in the park.
The nearby town of Mossman is a good place to base yourself before starting any Daintree tourist trip, and the town is an easy 75km drive from the regional capital of Cairns. Mossman is also probably the best place to seek out Daintree accommodation for the beginning and the end of a journey through the Daintree National Park.
The Cape Tribulation area and the Daintree enjoy the unique designation of two World Heritage sites existing side by side as the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This ensures the place will be popular with all kinds of travellers, and there are various types of accommodation available. Campers will find lots of space to pitch their tents, backpackers will be able to lay their heads down in budget inns or dormitories, and some of the motels, hotels and resorts look out on to some of the world’s most beautiful vistas.
In an area with such natural beauty all around, a recent boom has seen a number of wellness getaway spas opening up, some with various courses and services from massage and nutrition to yoga. The best way to get out and take in the best sights the reef and the rainforest have to offer is to hire a local guide and take advantage of their wealth of information. Jungle treks, river surfing and boat cruises can all be booked through various local operators in Daintree, Mossman and even in Cairns or as far away as Brisbane.