Daintree is only a few hours north of Cairns by road and couldn’t be more different, both with its leisurely pace of life and green surroundings. Based in Daintree you can do a number of interesting day tours of the region, including taking in Daintree National Park and travelling as far north as Cape Tribulation.
Many tour companies based in Cairns offer Daintree tours and it is best to stay out here for a few nights to really get in-tune with the rainforest. The environment is quiet and laidback in a tropical setting, with guided interactive rainforest walks being all the rage.
Within the rainforest proper are many eco-friendly accommodation options that come with spas. Some rent out bicycles and if you’re staying near Daintree village, cycling is a nice way to get about. For getting about at large, making use of the myriad day tours offered is necessary so you get to see what’s on offer and meet like-minded folk.
You could also rent a car, although it is advised to hire a 4wd drive if heading north of the Daintree River. The road to Cape Tribulation isn’t bad but any deviation gets a lot tougher. Cape Tribulation is not far northeast of Daintree and there are also many facilities and options for tours here. You can go reef diving or walk around the mangroves at low tide, being sure to avoid any crocodile activity.
Crocodile spotting in the region is best done in Daintree on a Daintree River riverboat tour which specialise in crocodile spotting. You could also go on a trip to Omeed Rock in Daintree National Park, as well as go bushwalking with one of the many bushwalking tour operations. Swimming often goes hand in hand with bushwalking tours in Daintree so taking along a swimming costume is generally a given.