Daintree Discovery Centre: Rainforest at every level

Three forest levels without a guide holding you back

Daintree Discovery Centre is a self-guided rainforest experience near Cairns where you move through the canopy, the mid-story and the forest floor at your own pace. The 23-meter Canopy Tower, Aerial Walkway, and circuit walks let you choose which sections to explore. Audio guides in eight languages narrate what you're seeing as you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Daintree Discovery Centre

• Arrive at Daintree Discovery Centre
• Visit Canopy Tower and Aerial Walkway
• Explore Interpretive Display Centre
• Walk Jurassic Forest and Bush Tucker Trail
• Take Cassowary Circuit walk with audio tour

The experience

The Daintree Discovery Centre sits 10 kilometers north of the Daintree River Ferry, about two hours north of Cairns along the coast. You get admission to the whole facility: the Canopy Tower that rises over 23 meters above the rainforest, the Aerial Walkway threading through the mid-story, the Interpretive Display Centre with interactive screens, the Jurassic Forest and Bush Tucker Trail, and the Cassowary circuit walks. Self-guided audio tours come in eight languages, so you hear what you're looking at without waiting for a group to gather or keeping pace with someone else's schedule.

The layout lets you spend as much time as you want at each level. The tower gives you the high canopy view; the walkway keeps you suspended in the trees; the ground trails show you the forest floor and the plants that grow there. The Interpretive Display Centre fills in the ecology and the conservation work happening in the rainforest. You move through on your own timeline, pause where something catches your attention, and skip sections if you've had enough.

The centre is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work on the paths. The whole visit typically takes around two hours, though you can stay longer if you want to loop back or sit with the views.

What’s included

• Admission to the Canopy Tower, Aerial Walkway, Interpretive Display Centre, Jurassic Forest and Bush Tucker Trail, and Cassowary circuit walks.
• self-guided audio tours in English, Spanish, Italian, French and four additional languages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Cantonese, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Daintree Discovery Centre

Is this one for you?Go if you want to move through the rainforest on your own schedule without a group or a guide setting the pace. The self-guided format works best for people who like to linger at certain spots or skip sections entirely.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get to the Daintree Discovery Centre from Cairns?

The centre is a two-hour drive north of Cairns along the coastal road. It sits 10 kilometers north of the Daintree River Ferry. You'll need your own transport or an arranged transfer to reach it.

What's inside the Canopy Tower?

The Canopy Tower rises over 23 meters high and lets you see the rainforest from above the treetops. It's one of the main structures at the centre, giving you a perspective you can't get from the ground or the walkway.

Do I need a guide, or can I explore on my own?

You explore on your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. The audio guides are available in eight languages and narrate what you're seeing as you walk the trails and visit each section.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend around two hours at the centre, though you can stay longer if you want to explore multiple sections or return to a favorite spot.

Is the centre accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The centre is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work on the paths. It's suitable for all fitness levels, and service animals are allowed.