Experience the Mossman Gorge and Daintree River on a guided tour from Cairns. Enjoy a scenic drive along Great Barrier Reef Drive to Port Douglas, a Daintree River Cruise, lunch at Mossman Gorge, and a rainforest walk with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Scenic drive along Great Barrier Reef Drive to Port Douglas
Visit Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and Flagstaff Hill Lookout in Port Douglas
Morning tea in Lower Daintree before a one-hour Daintree River Cruise
Fresh lunch at Mayi Café at Mossman Gorge
Explore Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and Indigenous art gallery
Guided rainforest walk in Mossman Gorge with insights on biodiversity and bush foods
Opportunity for a swim in Mossman Gorge, conditions permitting
Afternoon stop at Rex Lookout for Coral Sea views
What’s included
Pickup and drop-off from Cairns City or Cairns Beaches accommodation
Scenic drive through Port Douglas
Morning tea in Lower Daintree
One-hour Daintree River Cruise
Lunch at Mayi Café, Mossman Gorge
Guided rainforest walk in Mossman Gorge
Stop at Rex Lookout
Overview
Begin your journey in Cairns with a pickup from your accommodation before travelling north along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, offering stunning coastal scenery on your way to Port Douglas. Discover local highlights including the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and take in panoramic views from Flagstaff Hill Lookout across Four Mile Beach.
Continue to the Lower Daintree for morning tea and embark on a one-hour Daintree River Cruise. Experience the World Heritage Daintree region from the water and look out for native birdlife, reptiles, frogs, snakes, and saltwater crocodiles amongst lush mangroves.
Afterwards, enjoy a fresh lunch at Mayi Café in Mossman Gorge. Visit the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and explore the Indigenous art gallery for a rich cultural experience. Your guide will lead you into the ancient Mossman Gorge rainforest where you'll learn about the area's unique flora, fauna, and culture.
Stroll beneath the rainforest canopy and, if conditions allow, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge. End your day at Rex Lookout, soaking in sweeping views of the Coral Sea before returning to Cairns City or the Northern Beaches.
Commonly asked questions.
The tour includes door-to-door hotel transfers, a Wet Tropics Accredited Guide, the scenic drive through Port Douglas, a Daintree River cruise, morning tea, lunch, Mossman Gorge entry, a rainforest walk and an optional swim.
The tour operates as a small-group experience with approximately 4 to 11 guests.
The one-hour cruise travels through the Lower Daintree's waterways and mangroves, with opportunities to look for wildlife including birds, frogs, snakes and saltwater crocodiles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Yes. Lunch is included and features Indigenous bush ingredients and locally sourced produce.
The Cultural Centre provides an introduction to the culture and heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people, with an Indigenous art gallery and locally crafted products.
Yes. The tour includes an optional swim in the cool freshwater pools of Mossman Gorge, subject to local conditions and safety advice on the day.
The tour allows approximately 2–3 hours to explore Mossman Gorge, including the rainforest experience, cultural interpretation and optional swimming.
The tour is rated easy to moderate, with short walks on formed paths.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, refillable water bottle, camera, swimmers and a towel. The operator recommends sun-safe clothing rather than chemical sunscreen or insect repellent because of the sensitive rainforest waterways.
Yes. The tour has a minimum age of 4 years, with child fares available for children aged 4–12.
Additional info by the operator.
8:30am - Depart Cairns accommodation
9:30am - Scenic drive through Port Douglas and stop at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
10:30am - Morning tea and Daintree River cruise
11:45am - Continue through Daintree Village to Mossman Gorge
12:30pm - Visit Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
1:00pm - Lunch featuring local and Indigenous ingredients
1:45-3:45pm - Mossman Gorge rainforest walk, cultural interpretation and optional swim
4:00pm - Depart Mossman Gorge
4:30pm - Stop at Rex's Lookout
5:30pm - Return to Cairns
Location: Great Barrier Reef Drive, Port Douglas, Lower Daintree, Mossman Gorge, Rex Lookout, Cairns City, Cairns Beaches.
Primary Activity: Guided scenic tour with river cruise, rainforest walk, and cultural experience.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and sun protection for Mossman Gorge.
Suitability: Suitable for all ages; swimming is subject to conditions.
