Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park, north of Port Douglas, protects what's widely regarded as the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth — an ancient, World Heritage-listed wilderness where the rainforest meets the reef. It's one of the great natural drawcards of Tropical North Queensland and a genuine bucket-list destination.

The park spans lush rainforest, mangroves and the famous coastline around Cape Tribulation, with boardwalks, swimming holes, river cruises and walking tracks offering ways to experience it. It's home to extraordinary biodiversity, including the elusive cassowary, and the drive north from Cairns and Port Douglas is spectacular in its own right.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 1,300 reviews, it's an overwhelmingly admired part of the region. Access, river crossings, tour options, road conditions and seasonal factors all vary considerably, and parts of the park are remote, so it's essential to check current park information and plan ahead before you go — and to take water, sun protection and insect repellent, and respect the wildlife and stinger and crocodile warnings.