- Duration
- a day by car, about 160 km return from Port Douglas (≈ 7 h 46 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- drive
- Start
- Mossman Gorge Centre
- Finish
- Kulki boardwalk, Cape Tribulation
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- the dry season; leave by 8am to beat the ferry queue
- Budget per adult
- about A$125 per adult plus car: ferry, shuttle, Discovery CentrePrices as of: October 2026
Getting there
You need a car. Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge is 20 minutes, then about half an hour more to the Daintree River ferry. The ferry runs 5am to midnight, a car pays A$35 one way or A$57 return, by card or cash.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Mossman Gorge Centre~2 h at the stop
The Kuku Yalanji cultural centre at the gorge entrance. A shuttle runs every 15 minutes, 8am to 5pm: A$15.50 adult, A$38.75 family.
Worth knowing: The Rainforest circuit track is 3.4 km, about 2 hours; the Baral Marrjanga boardwalk is 660 m return and stroller-friendly.
Tip: From 18 October 2026 a A$2.70 per person Queensland Government fee is added to each ticket. Tickets cover unlimited rides on the day of purchase; the last shuttle leaves the gorge at 4:30pm. You can't walk from the car park to the gorge: there's no footpath. Swimming in the river isn't advised: strong currents and flash floods.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 30 min · 30 km
2. Daintree River Ferry~15 min at the stop
The cable ferry across the Daintree River, the only way north to Cape Tribulation. A car is A$57 return.
Tip: Crocodiles live in the river: keep well back from the water's edge. Buy tickets online by card at daintreeferry.com.au or at the ferry by EFTPOS or cash. Fares are reset every year on 1 July.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 15 min · 9 km
3. Walu Wugirriga (Mount Alexandra) Lookout~15 min at the stop
The lookout on the Alexandra Range: the Daintree River mouth and the coast out to Snapper Island.
Tip: The road beyond is narrow and winding; keep it slow, cassowaries cross here.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 5 min · 2 km
4. Daintree Discovery Centre~1 h 15 min at the stop
Boardwalks, an aerial walkway and a canopy tower. A$41 adult, A$19 child, A$100 family, 9am to 5pm.
Tip: The ticket is valid for 7 days and the audio guide comes in eight languages. Last entry 4pm.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 8 min · 5 km
5. Daintree Ice Cream Company~30 min at the stop
Ice cream made from the farm's own orchard, 14 km past the ferry. A cup of the day's four flavours is A$7.50.
Tip: Bring cash: the card terminal often drops out in bad weather. The orchard walk is free.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 25 min · 17 km
6. Dubuji boardwalk~45 min at the stop
A 1.2 km boardwalk loop through lowland forest and mangroves to Myall Beach, about 45 minutes.
Tip: Do not swim off the beach: there are crocodiles and stingers here and no lifeguards.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 3 min · 1 km
7. Mason's Cafe~45 min at the stop
A casual burger cafe on Cape Tribulation Road. Behind it is a freshwater swimming hole the locals use.
Tip: Entry to the swimming hole is a small fee, ask at the counter. It is the one relatively relaxed place to cool off on this route.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 5 min · 3 km
8. Kulki boardwalk, Cape Tribulation~30 min at the stop
A 600 m return boardwalk to the postcard view, where rainforest runs straight down to the beach and the reef.
Worth knowing: James Cook named the cape in 1770, after his ship struck the reef nearby.
Tip: Head back before dark: the ferry runs to midnight, but the range road is hard going at night.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.