cairns rainforest tours: trek north
Cape Tribulation
Enjoy an all-in-one Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest day combined with Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge and Alexandra Range Lookout. You are picked up from your hotel in a small personalised air-conditioned 4 wheel drive and head north along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives, taking in island and mountain scenery and lush sugar cane farm lands along the way. Firstly the driver takes you for an informative tour around the relaxed seaside village of Port Douglas, a place where presidents and movie stars like to frequent.
Then en route to Mossman the driver explains history and features of the area. Mossman Gorge, within the Daintree National Park, consists of crystal clear water that cascades over large granite boulders. Lush rainforests cloak steep mountainsides from the river banks up to the rugged eastern slopes. Here you have ample time; swim in the refreshing waters or join your driver for a guided rainforest walk.
After morning refreshments of locally grown produce, sit back and relax while you cruise deep into the mangrove lined Daintree River, the home of the Estuarine crocodile, and learn more about this incredible ecosystem. The guide will help you spot the various wildlife including birds, snakes frogs, flying fox and not to forget the infamous Estuarine crocodile. A few of the regulars are Fat Albert, the largest at 5 meters; and Lumpy and Scar Face (for obvious reasons), both 4 meters, and can be spotted sunning themselves on the banks.
Discover the unique wilderness area of the World Heritage-listed rainforest as you head north to the spectacular Alexandra Range Lookout. From here we arrive at our private lunch location at the Daintree Entomological Museum where you are taken on a informative guided tour around this fascinating insect museum. From here you wander over to the private lunch spot where on offer is a splendid BBQ lunch of fresh fish, mouth watering steak, tropical salads and tropical fruits. While lunch is cooking you have time to swim in the refreshing waters of the secluded stream or browse a neighbouring butterfly sanctuary with hundreds of our regional species.
After lunch discover the unique wilderness area of the World Heritage-listed rainforest as you head north through Cape Tribulation National Park, tour along over former bush tracks and over crystal clear creeks whilst viewing some of the oldest rainforest on earth. See primitive King Ferns and Licuala Ramsayi Fan Palms. Upon arriving at Cape Tribulation beach there’s time for a stroll along its coral sands; it’s here where two wonders of the world meet.
Then one last stop before you head home is the Marrdja Boardwalk where you take an informative one-hour guided walk through the Cape Tribulation National Park. It’s here that you can appreciate the importance of this rainforest and why it has recently been given World Heritage status.
Back on the air-conditioned vehicle for the last time to navigate the Alexandra Range, you depart the Daintree River Valley crossing by ferry and make your way home. Whilst enjoying a leisurely drive back to Cairns with spectacular views of the Coral Sea you can reminisce about your day spent in this precious wilderness.
The Tour Specialists Tip
LouiseDon’t miss Cape Tribulation and the Daintree whilst in the north, naturalist David Attenborough best described his time spent in the Daintree as “One of the most magical experiences of my life” and Trek North will ensure you have the same.
