Daintree & Cape Tribulation: River Cruise, Rainforest Walk & Lunch

Summary

Rainforest walks, river crocs, Cape Tribulation beach and ice cream

You’ll walk ancient boardwalks under giant ferns, spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise with your guide, enjoy morning tea and a cooked rainforest lunch by Cooper Creek, then end up swimming or wandering Cape Tribulation’s wild beach before tasting local ice cream. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Mossman Gorge to feel so thick and green — like it had its own weight. Our guide, Mick, knew every bird call and plant name (I forgot most of them instantly, but he didn’t seem to mind). There was this moment on the boardwalk when the sun broke through and made everything glow for a second. We stopped for morning tea at the visitor centre — damper with honey and Daintree Tea. I’d never tried damper before; it’s kind of crumbly but comforting. The jam stuck to my fingers.

The drive up the Captain Cook Highway goes past sugar cane fields that look endless. I kept thinking about how old this place is — Mick said something about “the world’s oldest tropical rainforest” and it actually felt true. The Daintree River cruise was quieter than I thought it’d be, except for the birds and our boat driver whispering whenever he spotted a croc sunning itself on the bank. The water looked muddy but somehow inviting? Maybe not for swimming though.

Lunch at On The Turps was open-air, right in the middle of trees that creaked in the wind. My fish came out hot and flaky; someone else ordered kangaroo (I didn’t try it — next time). After eating, we wandered down to Cooper Creek for a swim — no crocodiles here, apparently! The water was cold enough to make me gasp. I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck in city heat.

Cape Tribulation was all tangled vines and quiet beach. Mick told us stories about explorers getting lost here; you can see why if you squint past the palm trees. On the way back we stopped for ice cream made from weird local fruits (wattleseed? soursop?). I picked something purple by accident — tasted like sherbet mixed with banana. We finished at Alexandra Lookout with this hazy view stretching all the way back toward Cairns. Didn’t want to leave yet, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

• Walk Mossman Gorge boardwalk
• Enjoy morning tea at Mossman Gorge
• Drive along Captain Cook Hwy to Daintree
• Take Daintree River wildlife cruise
• Cross Daintree River on ferry
• Walk Daintree National Park boardwalk
• Have lunch at On The Turps Restaurant
• Swim in Cooper Creek
• Walk beach or lookout at Cape Tribulation
• Eat tropical fruit ice cream
• Visit Alexandra Lookout for views

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Port Douglas to Daintree & Cape Tribulation?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup in the morning from Port Douglas hotels and return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Daintree day trip?

Yes, a cooked-to-order lunch at On The Turps Restaurant by Cooper Creek is included.

Can you swim during this Daintree tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim safely in Cooper Creek after lunch—no crocodiles there according to guides.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Port Douglas accommodations only.

What wildlife might you see on the Daintree River cruise?

You might spot saltwater crocodiles, snakes, and various birds during the river cruise portion.

How difficult are the rainforest walks?

The boardwalks at Mossman Gorge and in Daintree National Park are easy 500m–650m return walks suitable for most fitness levels.

Is there an opportunity to try local food or treats?

You’ll have morning tea with damper at Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre and stop for locally made tropical fruit ice cream later in the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Port Douglas, all entry fees for parks and attractions along the way, a traditional morning tea with damper and Daintree Tea or coffee, a cooked-to-order rainforest lunch at On The Turps Restaurant beside Cooper Creek (with vegetarian options), guided boardwalks through Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest, a wildlife river cruise searching for crocodiles and birds, time to swim in Cooper Creek if you want (it’s safe), plus stops at Cape Tribulation Beach and Alexandra Lookout before returning in the evening.