Your guide to Thornton Beach
Kaba Kada, Daintree Rainforest, Douglas Shire
Thornton Beach - Daintree Coast
Between Diwan and Cape Tribulation, you will find the lovely and quaint Thornton Beach.
It is a beautiful spot to stop and stretch your feet if you’re only passing through or a great spot to base yourself to explore the Daintree Coast.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Thornton Beach, with charming Struck Island only 1 hectare in size just offshore.
Explore Thornton Beach
Thornton Beach is centrally located on the Daintree Coast, approx 30 minutes north of the Daintree Ferry and 20 minutes south of Cape Tribulation.
- Enjoy a walk along Thornton Beach to the mouth of Cooper Creek.
- Picnic tables and beachside parking is available.
- Thornton's restaurant & bar offers a varied menu, well stocked bar and wine list - set on absolute beachfront.
- Public toilets can be found at the back of Thornton's Restaurant.
- Embark on a crocodile spotting river cruise at Cooper Creek.
- Stay the night at the beach bungalows or other nearby accommodation.
- Boats can be launched off the north end of the beach.
Thornton Beach History
Only 8 people currently reside in Thornton Beach (2021 census).
Originally named as a town by Queensland Place Names Board 1 February 1972. (source)
The KuKu Yalanji have a tribal belief that Thornton Beach is a place which can stimulate fertility. It was once the practice for the young women of the tribe to spend time on Thornton Beach before they went to an offshore island (Struck Island) to receive their tribal scars and other marks of womanhood and marriageability. (source)
Getting here
If coming from Cairns or Port Douglas, follow the picturesque coastal drive along Captain Cook Hwy/State Route 44.
Continue on past the areas of Mossman and Wonga, until you see the Cape Tribulation turnoff. Keep an out of the for the ‘Welcome to the Daintree – Kadayda Wawu Ngugi Bubu’ sign.
Take a right turn at the sign and head towards the ferry crossing.
You’ll need to catch the Daintree Ferry over the river as there are no roads or bridges joining from the south side of Daintree River. Here is where your Daintree Coast adventures begin to explore this unique and special region.
Follow Cape Tribulation road for approx 30 minutes until you reach your destination of Thornton Beach.
Read our guide on getting here for more information.