Getting to the Daintree Coast
Visit the Daintree Rainforest, Kaba Kada, Douglas Shire
The Daintree Coast - Daintree River to Cape Tribulation
The Daintree Coast begins at the Daintree River where you catch the Daintree Ferry across the river and disembark on a journey through lush Daintree Rainforest and past spectacular coastline with the amazing Great Barrier Reef just offshore.
The Daintree Coast website provides you with a complete guide to the region. Built by locals, so you know you’re getting the best local insight and tips for planning your adventures here.
You’ll find information on the Daintree Rainforest flora and fauna, tips for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and a complete directory on things to do, where to eat and of course plenty of Daintree Rainforest accommodation options to choose from.
How to get to the Daintree Coast
If you’re coming from Cairns, the Daintree Coast is a stunning coastal drive along the Captain Cook Hwy/State Route 44.
The 140km journey from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives.
Below is a list of driving times to help you estimate how long your drive will take.
Driving Times
- From Cairns to Cape Tribulation - approx. 2.5hrs
- From Cairns to Port Douglas - 60 minutes
- From Port Douglas to Mossman - 15 minutes
- From Mossman to Wonga Beach - 20 minutes
- From North of Ferry to Cow Bay/Diwan - 15-20 min
- From Cow Bay/Diwan to Cape Tribulation - 25-30 min
Daintree Coast FAQs
If driving, follow the Captain Cook Highway / Route 44 along the scenic coastal drive. Keep following this road past Port Douglas, through Mossman and keep driving until you see the Cape Tribulation turnoff.
You will need to purchase a ticket and catch the Daintree Ferry over the Daintree River. Follow the Cape Tribulation road through the Daintree Rainforest until you reach Cape Tribulation.
Yes. Trans North bus service offers a Cairns to Cooktown (coastal) service which will take you to/from Cape Tribulation and Cairns. You can be dropped off at the Daintree Ferry, Cow Bay or at one of the few stops in Cape Tribulation.
For more information including fares, bookings and a timetable on the bus service from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, visit the Trans North website.
The Daintree Ferry is a vehicle ferry and is the only way to cross the Daintree River. There is no bridge over the Daintree River.
The only other route into the Daintree Coast is via the Bloomfield track coming south from Cooktown.
Visit our Daintree Ferry page for information on fares, timetables, and all you need to know about crossing the Daintree Ferry.
No you do not need to book the Daintree Ferry in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or on the ferry. More information on catching the Daintree Ferry here.
You can also pre-book your tickets online via the Daintree Ferry website. Make sure you download your ticket at the time of purchase as internet reception is limited near the ferry.
No do not need a 4WD to visit here, and the main road from the Daintree Ferry to Cape Tribulation is sealed.
If traveling beyond Cape Tribulation, the journey to Wujal Wujal and Cooktown via the Bloomfield track requires a 4WD and is very steep in some areas.
Phone and internet network reception can be patchy throughout the Daintree Coast.
There are hot spots and also areas without any reception. Ask at your accommodation or at one of the local stores for info on where you can get internet and mobile network access.
The Daintree Coast is Australia’s largest off-grid community. There is no mains power available here apart from a few houses in Forest Creek.
Most residential, tourism and accommodation providers run their buildings from stand-alone off-grid power sources such as a combination of solar, batteries and generators.
Please be considerate and conserve power during your stay.
Browse our info pages for more information on Daintree Coast businesses, the Daintree Coast community and living in the Daintree Coast.