Day trip from Port Douglas, Australia Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest

Why you should go
See wildlife up close and personal on a river cruise. Wander through the magnificent Daintree Rainforest, said to be the oldest continual living rainforest on the planet, take a walk on the renowned Cape Tribulation rainforest beach and, last but not least, take in a presentation by the traditional owners of the Mossman Gorge, the Kuku Yalanji people to get an insight into their lives.

Daintree River Cruise
Going on a boat on the Daintree River is fascinating. Expect to see stunning vegetation, tree snakes and salt-water crocodiles. It is unbelievable what you can view in an hour.

The Daintree River

Alexandra Lookout
Just 10 minutes from the Daintree River, from here you get stunning views of the Daintree River, Low Isles, Port Douglas, Snapper Island and the glistening aquamarine waters of the Coral Sea.

Take a break for lunch
Enjoy a lovely lunch in the middle of the rainforest at the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa. This is such a beautiful setting to unwind and digest all that you have seen in a short space of time.

Salt-water crocodile

Stop at Walu Wugirriga
You will want to drink in the scenery here. 

Mossman Gorge

Cape Tribulation
Take a stroll on this legendary rainforest beach. From the Kulki Lookout you can see the coastline and the coral reef almost hugging it. 

Cape Tribulation

Mossman Gorge Centre
Listen to a talk from one of the Kuku Yalanji people, the traditional owners of the gorge. After learning about them and seeing a demonstration on how they make soap, go for guided walk through some of Australia's largest rainforest.

The gorge, which is in the south of the Daintree Rainforest, is worth seeing. Don't forget to try the Daintree tea before you leave the Centre.

This is an amazing day trip that will stay high in your memory
bank.

By Daralyn Danns

For further information visit downundertours.com

Day trip from Port Douglas, Australia, Kuranda Scenic Rail and Tjapukai

Why you should go

Tjapukai will give you an insight to Aboriginal culture, a story that began more than 40,000 years ago. The particular tribe you learn about here is the local Djabugay people.

You can see how to light a fire without a matchstick, learn about bush medicine, watch dance performances and listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo. There is also the chance for you to learn to throw a boomerang as well as plenty of other interactive demonstrations.

What is Tjapukai?
This cultural centre began life in 1987 and moved to its current location by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at Caravonic in 1996. Now a village, restaurant and gallery, it has been visited by thousands over the years including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Tjapukai is, reportedly, the largest Indigenous employer of any tourism enterprise in Australia.  

Tjapukai

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda a pretty secluded mountain village. On your journey you pass through World Heritage-protected rainforest, said to be the oldest on the planet. There were two stops on the trip, Red Peak where a ranger explains about the landscape and Barron Falls to see the cascading water, so you can get up close and personal with nature. 

Barron Falls

Kuranda
A quaint village, 25 kilometres (approximately 15.5 miles) from Cairns surrounded by rainforest is a lovely spot to while away a couple of hours. It has plenty of captivating boutiques selling handicrafts including jewellery and Aboriginal art. There are also plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a snack. A quirky and interesting place.

Kuranda Scenic Railway
A highlight of the day is the trip back to Cairns or Freshwater. During the hour-long journey you pass through rainforest, see steep ravines and get another view of Barron Falls.

The Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed between 1882 and 1891 and even today is hailed as an engineering feat. Nowadays the tunnels and bridges are a tribute to the many pioneers who died working on the railway.

Passing past the Barron Gorge on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

This day tour is another must on your itinerary while visiting Port Douglas or Cairns.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

There are plenty of tour companies operating trips. I travelled with Down Under Tours. For more information visit downundertours.com