Rain-Kissed Rainforest: Experiencing the Daintree & Surrounds at it's Best.
- tarajreynolds
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
When the rain falls in the tropics, particulary in wet season from December until May... the rainforest comes alive!
How can you get there? What is there to see and do? Let us break it down for you!
The Daintree Rainforest — where the rainforest meets the sea, a truly magical place.
The Daintree Rainforest is the only location on Earth where two World Heritage Areas sit side by side: the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Just across the Daintree River, this remarkable rainforest predates the Amazon, with an age estimated at over 180 million years, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Walking through the Daintree is like stepping into a living time capsule, where ancient landscapes, lush greenery and coastal beauty come together in one unforgettable destination.
What is the best way to visit the Daintree Rainforest?
While it’s possible to self-drive to the Daintree from Cairns or Port Douglas, the best way to experience this ancient rainforest is on a guided tour. Having a local expert behind the wheel allows you to truly relax and immerse yourself in the journey, while being guided to the region’s most spectacular walks, lookouts and hidden gems. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating insights, stories and local knowledge that bring the Daintree’s landscapes, wildlife and rich history to life.
What will the tour include?
🚐Comfortable small coach with large windows for viewing
👀Lookouts at Port Douglas and in the Daintree
🐊Wildlife spotting cruise on the Daintree River
🌿Guided Rainforest Boardwalks
⛱️A visit to Cape Tribulation Beach where the Rainforest Meets The Sea
🍴Morning Tea, Lunch with Tropical Fruit Tasting
Click below to learn more about this tour👇
The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offer one of the most iconic ways to experience Tropical North Queensland’s rainforest.
This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the World Heritage–listed Wet Tropics, gliding above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and winding through hand-carved tunnels and bridges aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Along the way, sweeping views of the mighty Barron Falls reveal the raw beauty and power of the rainforest, before arriving in the charming Kuranda Village, nestled high in the mountains. It’s a relaxed and immersive rainforest experience that blends natural wonder, history and local culture into one memorable day.
Do you need to pre-book your Skyrail & Scenic Rail experience?
Yes — pre-booking is essential.
Although the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway operates as a continuous gondola system, passenger numbers are carefully managed to reduce congestion and protect the rainforest environment. As a result, allocated time slots are required and often book out in advance.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway also has limited availability, with just two morning departures from Cairns and Freshwater stations, and two afternoon return services from Kuranda Station each day. In addition, coach transfer seats from Cairns are limited, particularly during peak travel periods.
Booking ahead ensures you secure your preferred travel times and enjoy a relaxed, well-planned rainforest experience.
Explore our range of Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail rainforest experiences below 👇
Atherton Tablelands, Waterfalls & Castles in the Rainforest
Travelling through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and the verdant Atherton Tablelands, this immersive tour combines ancient rainforest landscapes with spectacular waterfalls, serene crater lakes and fascinating heritage sites — including the romantic gardens and ruins of Paronella Park. With expert local guides sharing stories about local ecology, culture and wildlife, you’ll enjoy scenic lookouts, refreshing rainforest swims and meaningful encounters with nature, all from the comfort of a small-group, air-conditioned coach.
Visit the enchanting Paronella Park — a Heritage-listed rainforest garden unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Created in the 1930s by Spanish immigrant José Paronella, this extraordinary site blends romantic Moorish-inspired architecture, lush tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls set beside Mena Creek Falls. Paronella’s dream was to build a castle and pleasure garden for the public to enjoy, and today visitors can explore the atmospheric stone ruins, winding paths, bridges and grand staircases that remain as a testament to his vision and perseverance. Set within 5 hectares of rainforest and rich with history, Paronella Park offers a magical combination of natural beauty, heritage and human imagination that continues to captivate all who visit.
What will the tour include?
🚐Comfortable small coach with large windows for viewing
🌿Visit Lake Barrine including the Twin Kauri Pines
🌳A visit to the curtain Fig Tree
🌊A visit to famous Millaa Millaa Waterfalls
🏰Priority Entry into Paronella Park with a Guided Walk
🍴Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea
Explore the enchantment of Paronella Park & Atherton Tablelands here👇
