The Daintree Rainforest is considered to be the world’s oldest rainforest. It is estimated to be 180 million years old, tens of millions years older than the Amazon Rainforest.
One of the best places to explore the Daintree Rainforest is by visiting the Daintree Coast – Daintree River to Cape Tribulation.
Here you can experience some of the most ancient areas of the Daintree Rainforest and view some of the rare, endemic and primitive plants that are found here. To get to the Daintree Coast, catch the Daintree Ferry over the Daintree River and disembark on a journey through rainforest wilderness alongside a pristine tropical coastline.
The boardwalks and rainforest tracks throughout the Daintree Coast provide a wonderful platform for visitors to explore and discover the natural beauty and amazing diversity of the Daintree Rainforest.
Each boardwalk provides a unique insight to the diverse ecosystems of the rainforest. You’ll venture alongside ancient trees, over flowing creeks, through mangrove swamps and under canopies of large fan palm fronds.
This guide provides an overview of each of the Daintree Coast boardwalks to help you plan your adventure exploring the ancient and amazing Daintree Rainforest.
Jindalba Boardwalk
Jindalba means ‘foot of the mountain’ in Eastern Kuku Yalanji language and is located at the base of Alexandra Range in Cow Bay at the end of Tulip Oak Road, past the Daintree Discovery Center (also well worth a visit!).
The Jindalba boardwalk will take you through ancient Daintree rainforest, over creek beds and through lush and diverse greenery, with signage discussing the unique ecosystems along the way.
There are two walking tracks here –
A structured boardwalk approx. 650m return requiring 30-45 minutues to venture. The boardwalk has some stepped areas and is steep in some places.
There is a section at the entrance of the boardwalk suited for wheelchair accessibility with some assistance up to a viewing platform overlooking a tranquil creek.
The other rainforest walk is a 3km unstructured walking trail through the forest suited to those wanting a longer hike. Allow for 1-1.5hr walking time.
At the entrance to the Jindalba boardwalk there is parking available for cars, caravans and coaches as well as public toilet facilities and a picnic day area.
For more information including a location map visit our info page on Jindalba Boardwalk.
Madja Boardwalk
From the Jindalaba boardwalk Tulip Oak Road intersection turn right onto Cape Tribulation road and continue north. After passing through Thornton Beach and before reaching Cooper Creek, you will find the carpark and entrance to Madja boardwalk.
Madja or Mud-ja means ‘rainforest’ or ‘jungle’ in Kuku Yalanji language. Here you will walk through a journey of rainforest and mangrove environments.
The Madja boardwalk is disability friendly with a flat structured path throughout a 1.2km circuit. Allow 40-45 minutes walking time.
Insect repellent is recommended for this rainforest walk as sandflies (midges) are frequent, especially when wandering the mangrove areas.
The Madja Boardwalk is worth visiting on both a low and a high tide to observe the spectacular changes of the mangrove ecosystems. On a high tide the mangrove swamps fill with the rising water and cast interesting reflections, on a low tide you can spot small crabs in the muddy banks and marvel at the intricate mangrove root systems.
For more information and location map visit our Madja Boardwalk information page.
Dubuji Boardwalk
Continuing north from Madja boardwalk, head into Cape Tribulation and look for the right hand side turnoff into the Dubuji boardwalk carpark, 3867 Cape Tribulation Road.
The Dubuji boardwalk in Cape Tribulation is a 1.2km circuit and is wheelchair accessible with a flat structure path throughout.
Allow approx. 45 minute walking time to take in the rainforest environments.
Marvel at the impressive fan palm canopies and enjoy wandering through the diverse rainforest, swamp and mangrove areas.
Public toilet facilities can be found at the Dubuji boardwalk entrance near the carpark. There is also a picnic area with sheltered picnic tables.
For more information and location map visit our Dubuji Boardwalk page.
Kulki Boardwalk
Continuing north from Dubuji Boardwalk head through the town center of Cape Tribulation and look for the right hand turnoff to Kulki / Cape Tribulation Beach.
Follow the Kulki boardwalk paved path a short and easy 600 meters up to Kulki Lookout offering a panoramic view across Daintree rainforest-clad mountains, the famous Cape Tribulation beach across to the horizon of the Coral Sea.
The Kulki boardwalk is wheelchair accessible.
View our Kulki / Cape Tribulation boardwalk information page for more details and a location map.
There is a vehicle parking area, public toilet facilities and a small picnic area near the entrance to the boardwalk.
Browse our Daintree Coast directory for activities and things to do see and explore in the Daintree Rainforest. Find Daintree accommodation, cafes and restaurants and must-see places to experience during your visit.
You can bookmark your favourite Daintree Rainforest activities on our website for easy access whilst you’re here.
Be Amazed, Daintree Coast.
