tour cape tribulation daintree

"The best possible activity we did in QLD! The tour group was just big enough and the truck ride comfortable. Nothing could beat it!" - Scouter via TripAdvisor

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CAPE TRIBULATION

WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE REEF

Cape Tribulation is the picturesque headland area within the Daintree National Park, a scenic 2.5hours drive north of Cairns and a 1.5hrs drive north of Port Douglas.

It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and was included in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in 1988.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners of Daintree National Park, with their country extending from near Cooktown, south to Mossman. Many natural features of the landscape have spiritual significance for the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. They welcome you to their country and ask that you respect their special place.

Cape Tribulation is an ecotourism destination, renowned for it’s lush scenery, offering a combination of remote sandy beaches and the world’s oldest rainforest, covering the mountains sweeping down to the coast.

Both rainforest and beaches can be explored by self-guided tours and trails, with options of discovering the area through guided walks, reef trips, or even flying foxes, horse rides and sea kayaks to paddle the coastline. For more information, visit destinationdaintree.com .

MOUNT SORROW

Mount Sorrow is a superb adventure for experienced and fit walkers. Allow six hours, take plenty of water, and expect to be rewarded with rainforest-clad mountains, spectacular views of Cape Tribulation Beach, fringing reef and the stunning Coral Sea.

Always check the weather as paths can be slippery after heavy rains, and only attempt the hike during day time.

STAYING IN CAPE TRIB

Accommodation ranges from camping grounds and budget resorts to bed & breakfasts, farm stays, holiday homes and eco-retreats, built to fit in with the natural surroundings.

Two small supermarkets, cafes, bottle shops, ATMs and restaurants are all located conveniently within walking distance.

The winding road up to Cape Tribulation from the Daintree River ferry is fully sealed; to venture further north, a 4WD is required.

BLOOMFIELD TRACK

The coastal drive to Wujal Wujal on the Bloomfield River and beyond is an unforgettable experience, full of spectacular views, creek crossings, secluded beaches, a rainforest archway, majestic plants, unexpected wildlife and history.

The Bloomfield Track is one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in Queensland and a must-do for 4WD travellers, whether self-driving or experiencing a little extra through a local 4WD tour company.

Images: David Clode / Unsplash

CANOPY TOWER

View the Daintree Rainforest Canopy

AERIAL WALKWAY

Access to mid level Daintree Rainforest

INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

Discover the Interpretive Display Centre

AUDIO TOURS

Daintree Rainforest self-guided tours

Leave your pets at home; take any rubbish out with you; don't feed the wildlife and don't pollute the water. Enjoy yourself and leave nothing but footsteps and take nothing but photographs! 

Wet Tropics Management Authority

The Daintree Rainforest is one of the most fascinating and diverse eco-systems on the Earth and your introduction to this very special place starts at the Discovery Centre.

OPENING HOURS Daily 8.30 am – 5pm *last entry 4 pm CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

ENTRY FEES Adult: $37 Concession/Student: $34 Child: $18 Family: $90

Includes: Audio Tour (8 languages) 68 Page Interpretive Guide Book 7 Day Re-Entry Pass Children’s Audio Tour (5-9 years)

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Home » Private Tours » Cape Tribulation, Mossman & Daintree – Private Tour

Cape Tribulation, Mossman & Daintree – Private Tour

Embark on a captivating journey with your own private local guide who will whisk you away in a luxurious sedan from your Hotel or Resort. The adventure kicks off with a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, accompanied by enthralling narratives and historical tales from your knowledgeable guide.

Our first stop entails a 1-hour shared cruise along the mighty Daintree River , where you’ll unravel the secrets of the delicate ecosystem shared by unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Saltwater Crocodile.

After crossing the river, venture into the heart of the rainforest to savor a photo opportunity at Alexandra Lookout, where breathtaking views span across the rainforest canopy to the Coral Sea.

Following this, you’ll indulge in a delectable lunch amidst the lush rainforest in an open air restaurant.

The journey continues to the historically significant Cape Tribulation named by famous British navigator Lieutenant James Cook,  where you can explore the secluded beachfront while your driver-guide imparts tales of its rich Australian history.

A sweet interlude awaits at the Daintree Ice Cream Company , where you’ll relish a refreshing fruit ice cream crafted from exotic fruits grown in their on-site organic orchard.

Cross the river once more via ferry and proceed to Mossman Gorge for afternoon tea. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest during an interpretive walk with your guide, gaining an understanding of its cultural significance to the local Kuku Yalanji people.

Finally, your memorable excursion concludes at your accommodation.

• Private Vehicle and Experienced local guide
• Guided rainforest walk and Morning Tea at Mossman Gorge
• Shared 1 hour Daintree River Cruise
• Alexandra Lookout
• Delicious Lunch
• Guided walk at Cape Tribulation
• Tropical ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company
• Hotel pickup and dropoff

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What to Bring:

Camera, Hat, Sunscreen, Water. Cash/Card if you wish to purchase a souvenir at the Mossman Gorge Gallery & Gift Shop.

Disclaimer:

Daintree River Cruise may be shared with other guests.

All bookings are subject to vehicle availability.

Cancellation within 24 hours of travel will incur 100% cancellation fee.

Group Charter Terms & Conditions Apply.

Rates & Pricing

Contact our experienced team to discuss options for your private tour to the World Heritage Listed Rainforest of Cape Tribulation,  Daintree & Mossman Gorge.

07 4047 9004

[email protected]

• Cape Tribulation
• Aboriginal Tours
• Wildlife Experiences

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Active Tropics Overnight Daintree & Cape Tribulation

Departure Times

Pricing options.

Get active in the tropics with this unique overnight tour to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation!

• Explore the Daintree Rainforest Region, the oldest eco system in the world!
• Swim in the rainforest oasis of Mossman Gorge.
• Join a 'Welcome to Country' and smoking ceremony with Traditional Owners.
• Choose your own accommodation in Cape Tribulation, with options for every budget!

Delve into the pristine Daintree Rainforest region and explore the white beaches, stunning rivers and amazing natural beauty that will surround you on your Active Tropics overnight tour. This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the untouched beauty of this  World Heritage Listed area where reef and rainforest come together, taking you on an overnight adventure of a lifetime.

Features and Highlights

• Stay overnight in the Daintree Rainforest
• Cool of with a swim at Mossman Gorge
• Go croc spotting on a Daintree River wildlife cruise
• Fill up with a hearty buffet lunch in Cape Tribulation
• Choose your own accommodation to suit your budget!
• Learn about native flora and fauna on a guided rainforest walk
• Great photo opportunities at Cape Trib beach and lookout stops
• Free time to explore Cape Tribulation with add on activities!

Important Information

• Price is per person without accommodation. Please ensure you book your own accommodation for this overnight tour. 
• Your Active Tropics tour guide will drop you off and pick you up at your chosen accommodation in Cape Tribulation. 
• Extend your stay in Cape Tribulation to more than just 1 night and still be picked up by Active Tropics! Just ensure you communicate this with your tour operators and booking agents ahead of time to ensure there are available seats on the bus. 
• Please note lunch is only included on the first day of tour. 

Sample Itinerary

Departing from Cairns early in the morning, your local tour guide will take you along the Coastal Scenic Drive up to Mossman Gorge, passing Port Douglas. Upon arrival you'll be met by Traditional Indigenous Owners and participate in a 'Welcome to Country' indigenous experience and smoking ceremony with a Kuku Yalanji  tribal member.

Shortly after, stop for a quick break before hopping...

Shortly after, stop for a quick break before hopping on board the Mossman Gorge shuttle bus that will take you to the heart of the Gorge. From here you can opt for a refreshing swim in the cascading waters and majestic pools that make this spot such an iconic place to visit!

Next, travel up to the Daintree River for a 1 hour Wildlife Cruise . Search for crocodiles and other native animals that reside in the area. Make sure to have your camera at the ready to snap a few keepsakes!

As you get dropped off on the other side of the river, hop back onboard and continue the bus tour north to Cape Tribulation . Enjoy a filling lunch before being dropped off at your accommodation of choice, where you can relax or choose to do an optional afternoon activity!

(Please note that accommodation is not included in the price of the tour and you must book your own place to stay.)

With the afternoon free to explore Cape Tribulation why not opt for a half day tour? Take a horse riding tour along Myall Beach, jump on a half day snorkel tour with Ocean Safari , or try out ziplining at the Tree Tops Adventure Park!

After being picked up at your Cape Tribulation accommodation at around 2:15pm, start the return day of the tour with a guided walk into the oldest living rainforest in the world! Your expert local guides will share their knowledge of the ecology and wonder of this World Heritage Listed rainforest, giving you unique insight into its beauty.

Stop by the Daintree Ice Cream tropical orchard to try one of the delicious 26 flavours made fresh from the fruit grown on site. Enjoy the scenic views at Alexandra Range Lookout. Cross back over the Daintree River on the cable ferry, heading south towards Port Douglas.

Departing Port Douglas, make the journey back along the Scenic Coastal Drive and arrive back into Cairns around 6:30pm - 7:00pm.

Want to extend your Daintree trip by adding additional nights in Cape Tribulation? Ask us how!

Accommodation

Top-Rated Accommodation Options In Cape Tribulation

Here are some recommendations for accommodation in Cape Tribulation! Accommodation is not included in this tour, but feel free to ask us any questions you may have about where to stay in Cape Tribulation. 

Safari Lodge provides unique cabin-st...

Safari Lodge provides unique cabin-style accommodation options in Cape Tribulation. Offering clean amenities and a refreshing swimming pool to cool off in the rainforest. Popular reef tour Ocean Safari and Turtle Rock Cafe are also located on the property, situated a short walk from Myall Beach. It's the perfect location to experience two World Heritage Listed sites side by side!

Cape Trib Beach House is beachfront accommodation where you can spend your night between tours! Cabins are located deep in the rainforest where you can wake up to the sounds of ocean waves and native animals. With a saltwater pool, on-site rainforest bistro, beachfront cabins, deluxe romantic cottages, family rooms and budget accommodation available, relax in Cape Tribulation!

Ferntree Rainforest Lodge  is another option for your stay. This is a budget traveller's dream! Relax in air-conditioned comfort after a day of rainforest and reef expeditions. Situated in the heart of Cape Trib, Ferntree is just minutes from the beach and is surrounded by rainforest. Accommodation options here are: 5 bed dorm with aircon and ensuite, standard twin/double with aircon and ensuite and The Garden Rooms - Poolside twin/double with aircon and ensuite.

PK's Jungle Village  right in the heart of Cape Tribulation. The lively life at PK's Jungle Bar blends perfectly with the rainforest setting where you can enjoy a night of fun in the jungle! Accommodation options here are: 7 bed dorm with aircon & share facilities, twin/double with aircon and share facilities or twin/double with aircon and ensuite.

*Accommodation availability and inclusions are subject to change. Please enquire upon booking to confirm information.

Optional Add On Activities To Explore The Tropics Further

Looking for something to do while staying overnight in Cape Tribulation? Check out these optional activities that allow you to see more of ...

Looking for something to do while staying overnight in Cape Tribulation? Check out these optional activities that allow you to see more of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef!

Ocean Safari

Jump on the only reef tour departing from Cape Tribulation and experience some of the most pristine snorkel sites on the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Safari ! Choose between a half day morning or afternoon snorkelling tour, travelling only 30 minutes from the Daintree Rainforest, you'll get up to 2.5 hours to explore vibrant coral ecosystems and swim with tropical marine life. Keep an eye out for turtles! 

Cape Tribulation Beach Horse Riding

Meander through the majestic Daintree Rainforest and onto the sandy shores of Myall Beach on the only Horseback Riding tour in Cape Tribulation! Choose between a morning, midday or afternoon 90-minute guided tour. 

Ferntree Night Walks

Want to see the Daintree Rainforest come alive at night with nocturnal creatures? Then you have to jump on the Ferntree Night Walk from Cape Tribulation. Departing at 7:30pm or 9:00pm Your local native guru will take you on a 1.5 hour guided tour into the rainforest to go wildlife spotting! Torches and rain ponchos are provided if required. Wet weather won't stop this adventure, it'll heighten it!

Tree Tops Adventure Park

If you fancy yourself a bit of a nature and activities enthusiast, why not combine the two and check out the Tree Tops Adventure Park in Cape Tribulation? Have a go at ziplining through the lush rainforest canopy, or simply enjoy the panoramic scenic views as you wander along the skyhigh timber walkways.

More Information

What to bring.

• Small day bag for overnight trip that can fit under your seat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Refillable water bottle
• Sun protection
• Insect repellent
• Rain jacket or umbrella in wet season
• Warm pullover for cooler months
• Cash or card for additional purchase
• Either bring food to cook or buy from your accommodation

What's Included

• Semi-guided overnight tour to Daintree Rainforest
• Knowledgeable loc...
• Knowledgeable local guides
• Scenic coastal drive between Cairns and Port Douglas
• Mossman Gorge with 'Welcome to Country' indigenous experience
• Daintree River Wildlife and Croc Cruise
• Daintree River ferry crossing
• Lunch in Cape Tribulation on first day
• Stop at Port Douglas (subject to itinerary)
• Return transfers from Cairns and Port Douglas
• Drop off and pick up at your Cape Tribulation accommodation
• Infants age 0-2 years are free of charge

What's Extra

• Accommodation in Cape Tribulation
• Any optional activities 
• Additional meals, snacks and drinks not mentioned

Terms and Conditions

All information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours/Mr Travel and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. Please refer to the specific tour page for full check-in instructions.

Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.

Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.

Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.

Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. Client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 50% of the total ticket price. No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.

Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email.  While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.

Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.

Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.

Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Cairns Tours/ Mr Travel. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please  get in touch.

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Cape Tribulation

If you’ve ever wanted to see what Australia looked like when dinosaurs roamed, Cape Tribulation is where you’ll find out.

Cross the Daintree River and enter the Daintree Rainforest , a world untouched by urban development, noise and air pollution. Disconnect from the bustle, breathe in the purity and explore your natural surroundings. Here in Cape Tribulation, this breathtaking coastal region is the very spot where the world’s oldest rainforest collides with the spectacular Great Barrier Reef .

Here in Cape Tribulation, we like to have epic off-road adventures. Hike or mountain bike ride through rainforest tracks, take a dip in the chilled rainforest swimming holes or explore the rugged terrain of the Bloomfield Track by 4WD. Ancient stories whisper through the leaves of Cape Tribulation, just as they have for centuries. Exhale as you emerge from the rainforest to isolated beaches, with the fringing Great Barrier Reef only a toe-dip away.

Ever wondered what it was like when dinosaurs roamed? When it comes to planning the perfect Cape Tribulation holiday, it's easy to be captivated in all the options. Sign up to our newsletter here for up-to-date local information and holiday deals in Cape Tribulation, leaving more time for stepping back in time.

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#VisitPortDouglasDaintree

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.

Ultimate Daintree Tour

Daintree zipline tour information.

Back open and operating from 4th April 24 !

Enjoy the Daintree in a whole new way with our Ultimate Daintree zipline tour. Our guides will take you past all the beautiful sights of the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation including an amazing zipline experience with our friends from Treetops Adventure. 

You’ll explore the rainforest canopy by ziplining up to 15m above the ground, stroll along one of the best boardwalks and hop on a river cruise to see Cape Trib’s famous inhabitants: the estuarine crocodiles!

What’s Included:

• Walk in the Daintree rainforest & Cape Tribulation beach
• Daintree River ferry
• Ziplining with Treetops Adventure
• 1-hour crocodile & wildlife spotting river cruise
• Picnic Style Lunch & Swimming Opportunity at Heritage Lodge (Please bring swimwear, towel and a change of clothes)
• Ice cream stop (ice cream at guests expense)
• Insect repellent, umbrella & onboard library
• FREE return transfers from Port Douglas accommodation (Cairns or Northern Beaches transfers currently unavailable)
• Picnic Style Lunch & Swimming Opportunity at Heritage Lodge
• Ziplining with the experienced Treetops Adventure team
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
• Crocodile spotting river cruise
• Morning tea provided
• Guided expert commentary

Ages 4 - 14

2 Adults + 2 Children

Note: This tour is available Thursday and Saturday only.

• Pick up from local Port Douglas accommodation, meet your friendly guide for the day! Commentary starts right away!
• Entering the rich and diverse ecosystems of the wet tropics.
• The only places where two World Heritage destinations meet. Enjoy a short stroll onto Myall Beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
• Fresh tropical fruit, cakes, Daintree Tea or freshly plunged coffee. 
• Fully guided zipline tour through the tranquil Daintree Rainforest
• Relax and enjoy a delicious picnic style lunch & swimming opportunity at Heritage Lodge. Please advise on dietary requirements & please bring swimwear, towel and a change of clothes.
• Visit the Daintree Ice Cream Company, a delightful tropical fruit orchard and tropical garden. Watch the butterflies enjoy the tropical garden and perhaps you may even be lucky enough to see a Cassowary. Ice cream is at guests expense. 
• Join the only tour boat permitted in the Cape Tribulation Section of Daintree National Park on a mangrove discovery tour in search of the estuarine crocodile. 
• Drop Off: Approx 5.00pm

Weight & Height Limits?

Yes, the weight limit for the Zipline Tour is 120kg Max.

While we do not have a height requirement for participation, we recommend checking our minimum reaching height guide at the park.

How extreme is the zipline?

Our ziplines are designed for guests to fly at a gentle and relaxing pace to enjoy the serenity of the rainforest!

What do I bring?

• Comfortable  weather appropriate clothing and a light raincoat if it is raining. For ziplining, we do not recommend crop tops, skirts or shorts as they can ride up when in the harness
• Fully enclosed, secure footwear to walk and zipline in
• We supply filtered water so recommend bringing your own water bottle for refills
• We supply morning tea and lunch. You are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks. Please ensure you leave no rubbish behind
• Please bring swimwear, towel and a change of clothes if you intend on swimming at Heritage lodge.
• Your camera! Plenty of great photo opportunities
• Cash for ice cream and additional drinks

What are the lunch options?

Delicious picnic style lunch at Heritage lodge with an optional swimming opportunity. Please let us know when you book of any dietary requirements. Contact us on 07) 4099 6999

Can I bring infants or toddlers under 3 years old?

We do not recommend bringing your little one on a tour unless you arrange a  Private Charter Tour  to tailor make the day. It is a big day in a vehicle and in the rainforest so they may get restless nor will understand the in depth commentary from the guide.

What time will I return?

Do you do free return transfers.

“ Sandra Mclaren “ We had an amazing day, our guide Ben is fantastic, so knowledgeable, lots of talking and laughing. Food was great, very comfortable tour bus couldn’t ask for any better. Highly recommend this service if you want to know about this beautiful part of our country. ”

“ Lisa Bakker “ We just had a fantastic time yesterday with Ben, our tour guide. We learnt so much, laughed a lot, soaked up the beauty of the Daintree, met local characters, one who showed us crocs from his boat. It was like visiting an old friend who’s showing you around the local area. The best tourism is when you feel like you’re an interim part of the community and Ben did just that! It was the best way to start our holiday and we highly recommend this tour! ”

“ Ross Beamish “ We just had a fantastic time yesterday with Ben, our tour guide. We learnt so much, laughed a lot, soaked up the beauty of the Daintree, met local characters, one who showed us crocs from his boat. It was like visiting an old friend who’s showing you around the local area. The best tourism is when you feel like you’re an interim part of the community and Ben did just that! It was the best way to start our holiday and we highly recommend this tour! Thank you Daintree Tours and in particular Ben for putting together a great tour. ”

“ Eloise Barker-Re “ We had the best day out today with Ben our extremely informative and knowledgable tour guide! and a lovely guy. We highly recommend this trip, it’s suitable for all ages and ticks all the boxes. We had a lovely lunch followed by a dip in the creek which was bliss! Then locally made ice-cream what more could you want. Thanks so much! ”

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Phone: +61 7 4231 8012

Daintree Tours Email: [email protected]

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‘A lot of question marks’: $70m renewable-energy microgrid project divides Daintree

The financial viability of the government-subsided scheme in the world heritage-listed area is just one of its many unknowns

There are some mixed feelings in the Daintree community in far north Queensland about building a renewable-energy microgrid.

The 8MW solar farm with a 20MW battery and a 1MW clean hydrogen plant was pushed through parliament weeks before the 2022 election by the Morrison government with the promise of it providing renewable power by 2024.

The federal MP for Liechhardt, Warren Entsch , who has been championing the Daintree microgrid project for several years, was instrumental in brokering the deal with Scott Morrison, then prime minister, as an election sweetener.

“This project is rock solid, it will save some 4 million litres of diesel being burnt a year … and when they lay the power lines, they will also put down fibre optic cables so it will improve communications in the area as well,” Entsch tells Guardian Australia.

However, access to the Daintree is still limited in the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper in December, and final costings, deadlines and investors for the originally estimated $70m microgrid are all uncertain.

Daintree resident Doug Quarry and environmentalist and former Daintree resident Mike Berwick had three freedom of information applications to the Australian government refused in full or in part, seeking documentation relating to the decision to award $18.75m to Volt Advisory Group to build the proposed microgrid.

A response in February from the Department of Climate Change, Energy , the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the FOI request was refused “on the basis that all reasonable steps have been taken to locate the document/s requested and I am satisfied that they cannot be located or do not exist”.

Berwick questions whether the Morrison government undertook a proper tender process before awarding Volt Advisory the grant. “This amounts to government-subsidised development with no demonstrable conservation dividend in one of the world’s rarest and most irreplaceable ecosystems, where conservation investment should be a priority.”

Berwick was a conservation activist in the Daintree blockade in the early 80s – the protests that eventually led to the region becoming listed as a world heritage area. He later became mayor of the Douglas Shire from 1991 to 2008, and has sat on various scientific, agricultural and waste management boards, committees and advisory bodies.

“There is much that could be done for conservation and presentation with that kind of money – public education, buy back, ecosystem restoration, conservation grants and covenants, weed and pest management – all desperately needed both in the wet tropics world heritage area and in the rest of forest, all recently listed as endangered,” Berwick says.

In 2019 the Queensland government’s KPMG report on the viability of a microgrid in the Daintree concluded it “presents numerous technical and commercial risks and is likely to be financially unviable without significant upfront and ongoing government support”.

The report recommended an alternative that “enhancements could be made to residents existing SPS [stand alone systems]”.

Ecologist Dr Hugh Spencer, a long-time Daintree resident, established the Cape Tribulation tropical research station in 1988 in the wake of the 1984 Daintree blockade. He says that initially a microgrid sounded like a good idea, but this proposal “just didn’t stack up”.

“One important point is interconnectivity. There is no opportunity for feed in from existing standalone power systems … Then there are lots of restrictions once you do connect.”

The minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, did not respond to Guardian Australia’s queries of whether the KPMG report had been considered, but a DCCEEW spokesperson says that “Volt Advisory has commenced work on detailed design and approvals” and that “after a careful examination, the delegate for the minister of the environment and water has determined that the proposed Daintree microgrid project will not require further federal environmental assessment”.

North Queensland senator Nita Green tells Guardian Australia: “To date, $1.55 million of the $18.75 million has been released to Volt Advisory Group, with the remaining funds to be paid across multiple deliverables.”

Third-generation Daintree resident Lawrence Mason burns through some 700 litres of diesel a week to run a shop, a cafe and a tour company in the region.

“The KPMG report in no way addressed my power needs or problems,” Mason says. “It was a typical governmental report written with an outcome in mind. As far as I know, no businesses here were consulted at all.”

Mason says the microgrid “represents an awesome opportunity for us to pool our power together and use one power source, which is way more efficient than the way we get power now”.

He says the people opposing it who were instead suggesting subsidising standalone systems “have very, very minimal power requirements”.

“For me, though, I’m running a busy cafe, I’ve got three cold rooms,” he says.

“The fact that people are opposing a renewable microgrid without a solution to the massive amounts of diesel that are burned here is just ludicrous.”

In July last year Volt Advisory Group received its permit for a section of network traversing through a part of the Wet Tropics world heritage area, and last September the project received an individual exemption from the Australian energy regulator.

The Douglas Shire council development application was approved in February.

Richard Schoenemann, director of Volt Advisory, says it has been developing the project for the past seven years. “There have been many meetings, including many one-on-one discussions with members of the community,” he says.

“The general consensus from residents and businesses is that they are sick of one survey after another and just want a system that works.”

Schoenemann says the grid will provide power at a lower rate than Ergon Energy Retail, but that “final pricing will be set after revised construction costs post-disaster [Cyclone Jasper] are known”.

Jabalbina, the registered native title body corporate of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji lands, which include the Daintree national park, “sees the Daintree microgrid as a positive”, says the CEO, Josh Paterson. The traditional owners’ group is “pursuing options that will see the Jabalbina and Yalanji poeople as equity partners” in the project alongside Volt Advisory.

“We are confident the project will respect the cultural landscape and contribute to the ongoing protection of the environmental values of our bubu [land],” Paterson says.

Living in the Daintree since 2015, Jeremy Blockey operates the Cape Trib Farm with his family, a tropical fruit business that also provides accommodation for tourists.

“I’m a supporter of the microgrid concept - why wouldn’t our green shire want to promote the iconic Daintree as a leader in renewable energy?” he says.

“But at the moment, there are a lot of question marks around the viability of this project, and the fact that it’s gone on for so long and we still don’t have an identified investor.

“So if this project is all signed, sealed and delivered, why have we been waiting for four years for that investment to come forward?”

Blockey has concerns over the microgrid’s long-term financially viability.

“If the facilities fade away into company administration, what happens then? Will the state government be forced to step in? We could all be hung out to dry with no power, having decommissioned our individual power plants, solar, diesel or otherwise,” he says.

“To me that seems to be a high-risk strategy. Let’s have some detail and transparency around the financial viability before we lock the gen-shed door and throw the key away.”

• Renewable energy
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Conservation
• Australian politics
• Liberal National party

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