• See the Daintree Rainforest on a private charter tour with your very own personal guide pointing out the places of interest and passing on their knowledge of the region to your privagte group.
• On a private charter Daintree Rainforest tour you can spend as much time in one place as you like. We are not on a timetable. This is a private charter tour so if something is of interest we will explore it more.  

Daintree Rainforest private charter guided tours.This is possibly one of the most versatile Daintree Rainforest tours to book for your groups full day Daintree and Cape Tribulation expedition

What to Expect

Discover two of Tropical North Queensland's most remarkable natural attractions on a full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribuation tour from Cairns, the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas. Travel with an experienced local guide through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, following one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives along the Captain Cook Highway.

Enjoy informative commentary throughout the day as you learn about the history, wildlife, Indigenous culture and unique ecosystems that make this region one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Your first stop is the Daintree River, where morning tea is served before boarding a guided wildlife cruise. Cruise through mangrove-lined waterways searching for estuarine crocodiles, native birds, tree snakes and other wildlife while your river guide explains the fascinating ecology of this ancient environment.

Continue over the Alexandra Range to Alexandra Lookout, one of the region's most spectacular viewpoints. Take in panoramic views across the Daintree Rainforest, the winding Daintree River estuary and the Coral Sea, with plenty of time to capture memorable photographs.

Step beneath the rainforest canopy on a guided boardwalk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Your guide will point out unique plants, towering trees and native wildlife while explaining the incredible biodiversity that has survived here for millions of years. Keep watch for the elusive Southern Cassowary, one of Australia's most iconic rainforest birds.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café surrounded by rainforest, with menu options available for most dietary requirements when advised prior to travel.

After lunch, cool off with a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear freshwater stream nestled within the rainforest. This peaceful swimming location provides the perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Daintree up close.

Continue to Cape Tribulation Beach where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Walk along the beach and boardwalk to the viewing platform while taking in views of rainforest-covered mountains, untouched coastline and the Coral Sea.

Before heading home, visit the renowned Daintree Ice Cream Company to enjoy tropical fruit ice cream made using exotic fruits grown on-site. The return journey includes a crossing of the iconic Daintree River Ferry the only vehicle access into Cape Tribulation and an unforgettable part of the experience.

At the end of the day, relax on the return drive to your accommodation after exploring one of Australia's most extraordinary World Heritage destinations.

Please note: Tour itineraries may change due to weather, road conditions, river levels, closures or other operational requirements. Your guide may adjust the day's itinerary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Features and Highlights

Great Barrier Reef Drive

• Breathtaking Scenery: Begin your day with a scenic drive along the picturesque Great Barrier Reef Drive. Pass iconic spots such as Palm Cove, Rex Lookout, and Cooya Beach, and enjoy views of Double and Snapper Islands.
• Luxury Vehicle: Travel in a custom-built, air-conditioned 4WD designed for comfort and optimal viewing.

Daintree River Cruise

• Wildlife Spotting: Spot saltwater crocodiles, snakes, vibrant birds, lizards, and butterflies as you cruise the Daintree River.
• Expert Commentary: Learn about the river’s ecosystem and the unique flora and fauna from a knowledgeable local guide.
• Morning Tea: Enjoy tea and biscuits before continuing your journey deeper into the rainforest.

Guided Rainforest Walks

• Exclusive Boardwalk Access: Explore Jindalba, Dubuji, Maardja, and Kulki rainforest walks, known for their elevated paths and rich biodiversity.
• Wildlife Encounters: Look out for cassowaries, monitor lizards, pythons, and the dazzling Ulysses butterfly.
• Educational Experience: Gain insight into the region’s plants, animals, and the delicate balance of this ancient ecosystem.

Lunch in the Daintree

• Tropical Dining: Relish a delicious meal surrounded by rainforest.
• Relaxation Time: Enjoy the serene environment before venturing further into the rainforest.

Freshwater Swim

• Pristine Swimming Hole: Cool off in crystal-clear waters or enjoy a traditional billy tea and damper surrounded by nature.

Cape Tribulation Beach

• Rainforest Meets Reef: Stroll along this iconic beach where two World Heritage-listed sites—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef—converge.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the stunning landscape of lush greenery and turquoise waters.

Daintree Ice Creamery

• Exotic Flavors: End your day with a visit to the Daintree Ice Creamery, sampling unique tropical fruit flavours made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Suggested Private Charter Rainforest Tour Itinerary

• 7:00 AM: Pick-up from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas accommodation.
• 8:30 AM: Morning tea and Daintree River wildlife cruise.
• 10:00 AM: Guided rainforest walks through Jindalba, Dubuji, and Maardja boardwalks.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at Local Daintree Cafe
• 1:30 PM: Freshwater swim
• 3:00 PM: Explore Cape Tribulation Beach.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the Daintree Ice Creamery.
• 5:30 PM: Return to your accommodation.

This private Daintree Rainforest tour offers an immersive experience tailored to your group, making it the ideal way to explore this ancient and diverse ecosystem. Contact us to book your unforgettable rainforest adventure today! 

See all private charter tours in Cairns and Port Douglas.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go.

Great Barrier Reef Drive - World’s Most Scenic Drive

Your day starts with the pick up from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas Accommodation. Although it is a private charter and the departure time can be somewhat flexible, recommended departure time from Cairns is at 7am to make sure you will have time to take the most of your day. You will be travelling north along a beautiful coastal drive that was just recently named the BEST drive in the world the “Great Barrier Reef Drive”. You will pass iconic Palm Cove beach, Rex Lookout, Port Douglas and Cooya Beach and have views to Double and Snapper islands.

Daintree River Cruise

Once you have made it to the Daintree River, you will be enjoying morning tea and biscuits before taking an hour long Daintree River Cruise which is definitely one of the highlights of your private charter rainforest tour. Your professional river guide will make sure you don’t miss any estuarine crocodiles, snakes, birds, lizards and butterflies while cruising along the mighty Daintree River. You will also learn a lot about the plants and trees that grow on Daintree River banks.

Daintree Rainforest Walks

After the river cruise you will hop back into your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and head even deeper into the Daintree Rainforest. This tour operator has permits to take you on all rainforest boardwalks inclusive on Jindalba, Dubuji, Maardja and Kulki walks. It is on these walks where you will have the best chances of spotting the elusive endangered bird cassowary, monitor lizards, pythons and electric blue Ulysses butterfly.

Interpretive and knowledgeable commentary is provided and you are welcome to ask anything you may want to know about the Far North Queensland’s rainforest plants or animals.

Daintree Rainforest Tour - Lunch

By the time you have finished the educational walks you should start feeling a little bit hungry. Delicious lunch is available at a Daintree Cafe.

Daintree Rainforest Tours - Daintree Ice Creamery

To top off your amazing day in the Daintree Rainforest you can choose to take a break at Daintree Ice Creamery where you can sample exotic tropical ice cream flavours. Their motto is not to sell the “ordinary” flavours so don’t be surprised if you don’t find your usual vanilla flavour from the menu- this is the place to get adventurous!

For more Private Charter tours in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland see here  

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cairns 7.00am to 6.00pm (11 hours)
• Palm Cove / Northern Beaches 7:40am to 5.30pm (10 hours)
• Port Douglas 8.20am to 4.30pm (8 hours)

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove
• Port Douglas

Destinations

• Daintree Rainforest
• Daintree River
• Cape Tribulation

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Not operating on Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Duration

8 to 11 hours depending on your pick up location

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Additional Information

• Surcharge of $200 will apply for charters conducted on Saturdays.
• Surcharge of $300 will apply for charters conducted on Sundays.
• Surcharge of $500 will apply for charters conducted on public holidays (QLD)
• Non ‐ English language guide: $100 extra per day

Comfortable clothing and footwear, swimmers, towel, hat, sunscreen camera and cash for drinks, snacks... and ice crean at the Daintree Ice Cream Company

• 4 years to 16 years of age is at the child rate.
• Age of children must be specified at time of reservation so baby & booster seats can be supplied for 7 years or under. This is Queensland Transport Ruling.