Exploring the Daintree Rainforest: A Family Adventure
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Daintree Rainforest, and I wanted to share our experiences to help you plan your visit to this gorgeous natural wonder of the world. From stunning beaches to adventurous 4x4 tracks and lush rainforests, the Daintree is a destination that will stay with you forever.
First Things First – ICE CREAM 🍦
choosing the perfect flavour, a very important process indeed
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from traveling with kids, it’s that ice cream makes everything better. And when we arrived in the Daintree Rainforest, our first stop had to be the Daintree Ice Cream Company – because, well, priorities!
This isn’t just any ice cream shop. Nestled in the lush tropical surroundings, it’s a working fruit farm that turns exotic, homegrown ingredients into the creamiest, most unique ice cream we’ve ever tasted. Forget vanilla and chocolate – here, we got to try flavors like wattleseed, soursop, Davidson’s plum, and black sapote (which, believe it or not, tastes like chocolate pudding!).
The best part? The ice cream is served in a signature tasting cup, featuring four seasonal flavors that change depending on what’s freshly harvested. It was a fun (and delicious) way for the kids to try new things, and they had a blast ranking their favorites.
If your kids are set on their fan-favourite flavours, don’t worry – they have those too! But if you’re up for a little adventure, I’d highly recommend their four-flavor tasting cup. It’s the best way to experience the incredible variety of tropical fruits grown right there on the farm.
Beaches: Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef
One of the most magical aspects of the Daintree Rainforest is its unique geography—it’s the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Pretty amazing, hey?
When it comes to beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. With pristine sands surrounded by lush greenery, every beach feels like its own little paradise. For us, one of the most enjoyable parts of our trip was exploring these breathtaking stretches of coastline to discover our personal favorites.
Cape Trib Beach
Micah loved wandering around living his best life at Cape Tribulation beach.
Cape Trib Beach was an absolute standout for our family. This beach is perfect for exploring and imaginative play, especially for kids. Towering palm trees and mangrove canopies create a natural wonderland along the shoreline, making it look like a street full of secluded cubby houses. Our kids spent hours pretending they were building houses and climbing trees. They even attempted to swing on some of the vines (channeling their inner Tarzan!).
What makes Cape Trib Beach truly special is its untouched beauty. I’ve never seen a beach quite like it—calm, serene, and buzzing with natural life. For families traveling here, it’s worth noting that there are toilets available at this beach. North from Cape Tribulation, though, facilities become scarce, so plan accordingly.
Cow Beach
Maddie enjoying the swing at Cow Bay, situated at the lower half of the Daintree Rainforest.
Another favourite of ours was Cow Beach, and it was a definite hit with the kids! The swings hanging from the tall palm trees kept them entertained for ages—so simple, but so much fun.
I lost count of how many times they ran back for "just one more go," and their laughter is something I won’t forget. If you’re in Cow Bay, it’s worth a stop—great spot to let the kids burn off some energy while you take in the view. and walk along the beach 🌴😊
After wandering a little further, we stumbled across a stunning lagoon. Here, the kids practiced skipping rocks across the water’s glassy surface. A quiet, unexpected find like this is what makes exploring the Daintree so rewarding.
One important note: Far North Queensland is “Croc Country,” so no matter how tempting those inviting waters look, it’s essential to stay out of them. Always keep an eye out for warning signs and stay safe.
The lagoon was such a great find, we loved just sitting on the beach and enjoying the view.
Driving the Bloomfield Track
The Bloomfield Track is a legendary 4x4 route that cuts through the heart of the Daintree. If you’re planning to drive into the rainforest, here’s one piece of advice: do not attempt this track with a caravan or campervan.
Initially, we considered towing our rig—a 200 Series Land Cruiser with a 27-foot off-road caravan—into the Daintree via the Bloomfield Track. Ultimately, we changed our plans and took the ferry from the south instead. After later driving the Bloomfield Track without towing, we were so glad we made that decision.
Although the track itself isn’t too rough, it features extremely steep inclines, sharp corners, and narrow single-lane sections. Even with Brad’s experience as a confident and capable driver, we realised the strain it would have put on our vehicle and caravan brakes wasn’t worth the risk.
That said, the Bloomfield Track was an adventure in itself. The drive offers spectacular views of the rainforest, crossing creeks and winding through lush, untouched wilderness. If you’re in a proper 4x4, it’s a thrilling way to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Daintree.
Cyclone Jasper: Nature’s Resilience
One of the many beautiful beaches we discovered while exploring the Daintree Rainforest.
The Daintree Rainforest was hit hard by Cyclone Jasper, and driving through certain areas, especially along the Bloomfield Track, gave us a glimpse of the storm’s incredible impact. Scars left by fallen trees and washed-out tracks serve as reminders of the cyclone’s power. Despite the damage, though, much of the rainforest is thriving again—a testament to nature’s resilience.
Some visitors worry that the cyclone wiped out much of the Daintree, but this simply isn’t true. While areas north of Cape Tribulation were hit the hardest, most of the rainforest and its attractions remain just as stunning as ever. In fact, we overheard a couple in Port Douglas who nearly skipped the Daintree entirely after hearing misinformation that it was “completely wiped out.” Thankfully, someone advised them otherwise, and they decided to go. I hope this post inspires you to do the same—you won’t regret it.
Things to Do in the Daintree
Ari enjoyed learning about all the unique animals that call the Daintree Rainforest home
There’s so much to do in the Daintree Rainforest that you’ll never run out of options. Here are just a few activities you might want to include in your itinerary:
Swimming holes (croc-free, of course!)
Snorkeling tours to the Great Barrier Reef
Horse riding along the beach
Bushwalking and rainforest hiking trails
Zipline tree tours
Tasting bush tucker and local delicacies
Visiting the interactive and kid-friendly Rainforest Discovery Centre
We couldn’t fit it all into one trip, but what we did experience was unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
one of the many stunning views from the Daintree Rainforest.
The Daintree Rainforest is a place of rare natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re exploring its idyllic beaches, tackling 4x4 tracks like the Bloomfield, or simply soaking in the serenity of the rainforest, there’s something here for everyone. Despite the damage caused by Cyclone Jasper, the Daintree is alive and thriving, ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
If you’re planning a trip to Far North Queensland, don’t let anything hold you back from experiencing this incredible destination. Trust me, it’s worth it.
