Large mossy rocks and ferns sit beside a clear stream in the dense, green tropical forest of Mossman Gorge, offering an experience reminiscent of the stunning landscapes near the Daintree River.
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Daintree River and Mossman Gorge Experience

from A$450
10 hours
Cairns
All Ages (7+)
Free Cancellation (7 days prior)

A small group day from Cairns or Port Douglas pairing a quiet solar electric cruise on the Daintree River with a guided rainforest walk and optional swim at Mossman Gorge. Lunch is two courses at the Daintree Tea House with a tropical fruit tasting, and you are back in Cairns around 5:30pm.

  • Large mossy rocks and ferns sit beside a clear stream in the dense, green tropical forest of Mossman Gorge, offering an experience reminiscent of the stunning landscapes near the Daintree River.
  • A small blue and white bird is perched on a dry, twisted branch with green leaves in the blurred background, capturing the tranquil experience of Mossman Gorge.
  • A small yellow bird with a curved beak perches on a green stem next to an orange flower, against a blurred green background, evoking the vibrant wildlife one might experience along the Daintree River or in Mossman Gorge.
  • A small bird with bright blue upperparts and orange underparts perches on a branch against a blurred green background, capturing the vibrant beauty found along the Daintree River.
  • A green tree frog rests on a brown branch against a blurred dark green background, capturing the tranquil experience of Mossman Gorge.
  • Restaurant dining area with round tables set for a meal, large window reveals lush green forest outside, creating an inviting atmosphere that echoes the natural beauty of Mossman Gorge. Experience unforgettable dining surrounded by the tranquil ambience inspired by the nearby Daintree River.
  • Experience pure indulgence with a slice of cheesecake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of cream on a white plate, dusted with icing sugar—perfect after a day exploring Mossman Gorge or cruising the Daintree River.
  • A bottle of red wine and a plated meal are set on an outdoor table with glasses, cutlery, and a green forest background, evoking the experience of dining amidst the lush beauty of Mossman Gorge.
  • A lizard with spiky scales clings to a tree trunk in a forest near Mossman Gorge, whilst a person in the background captures the unique experience with their camera.
  • A large crocodile lies on muddy ground with its mouth open, displaying sharp teeth and rough textured skin—a sight often encountered along the Daintree River.
  • Five people pose together on a grassy hill overlooking a coastline with mountains, sea, and a partly cloudy sky in the background, capturing the spirit of adventure as they experience the breathtaking beauty reminiscent of Mossman Gorge and the nearby Daintree River.
  • A crocodile lies on muddy ground with its eyes half closed and mouth slightly open, showing its teeth—a scene you might experience along the banks of the Daintree River.
  • A person wearing a blue rucksack crouches on rocks by the flowing Daintree River, surrounded by dense trees and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, capturing the essence of an unforgettable Mossman Gorge experience.
  • Experience the clear river with large rocks and stones, surrounded by dense green trees and vegetation, under a canopy of leafy branches in the heart of Mossman Gorge.
  • Four people with rucksacks hike up a rocky path surrounded by dense green forest and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves—an experience reminiscent of exploring the lush landscapes near Mossman Gorge.
  • Four people with rucksacks stand on rocks and look at a shallow, rocky river—reminiscent of Mossman Gorge—surrounded by dense green trees and foliage in daylight, capturing the essence of an unforgettable experience in nature.
  • A group of people experience a scenic ride on a white motorboat with a canopy, travelling along the Daintree River surrounded by mountains and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Large mossy rocks and ferns sit beside a clear stream in the dense, green tropical forest of Mossman Gorge, offering an experience reminiscent of the stunning landscapes near the Daintree River.
  • A small blue and white bird is perched on a dry, twisted branch with green leaves in the blurred background, capturing the tranquil experience of Mossman Gorge.
  • A small yellow bird with a curved beak perches on a green stem next to an orange flower, against a blurred green background, evoking the vibrant wildlife one might experience along the Daintree River or in Mossman Gorge.
  • A small bird with bright blue upperparts and orange underparts perches on a branch against a blurred green background, capturing the vibrant beauty found along the Daintree River.
  • A green tree frog rests on a brown branch against a blurred dark green background, capturing the tranquil experience of Mossman Gorge.
  • Restaurant dining area with round tables set for a meal, large window reveals lush green forest outside, creating an inviting atmosphere that echoes the natural beauty of Mossman Gorge. Experience unforgettable dining surrounded by the tranquil ambience inspired by the nearby Daintree River.
  • Experience pure indulgence with a slice of cheesecake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of cream on a white plate, dusted with icing sugar—perfect after a day exploring Mossman Gorge or cruising the Daintree River.
  • A bottle of red wine and a plated meal are set on an outdoor table with glasses, cutlery, and a green forest background, evoking the experience of dining amidst the lush beauty of Mossman Gorge.
  • A lizard with spiky scales clings to a tree trunk in a forest near Mossman Gorge, whilst a person in the background captures the unique experience with their camera.
  • A large crocodile lies on muddy ground with its mouth open, displaying sharp teeth and rough textured skin—a sight often encountered along the Daintree River.
  • Five people pose together on a grassy hill overlooking a coastline with mountains, sea, and a partly cloudy sky in the background, capturing the spirit of adventure as they experience the breathtaking beauty reminiscent of Mossman Gorge and the nearby Daintree River.
  • A crocodile lies on muddy ground with its eyes half closed and mouth slightly open, showing its teeth—a scene you might experience along the banks of the Daintree River.
  • A person wearing a blue rucksack crouches on rocks by the flowing Daintree River, surrounded by dense trees and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, capturing the essence of an unforgettable Mossman Gorge experience.
  • Experience the clear river with large rocks and stones, surrounded by dense green trees and vegetation, under a canopy of leafy branches in the heart of Mossman Gorge.
  • Four people with rucksacks hike up a rocky path surrounded by dense green forest and tall trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves—an experience reminiscent of exploring the lush landscapes near Mossman Gorge.
  • Four people with rucksacks stand on rocks and look at a shallow, rocky river—reminiscent of Mossman Gorge—surrounded by dense green trees and foliage in daylight, capturing the essence of an unforgettable experience in nature.
  • A group of people experience a scenic ride on a white motorboat with a canopy, travelling along the Daintree River surrounded by mountains and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Quick read before you book.

  • Quiet, fume free cruising on a solar electric boat
  • Crocodile spotting with a near perfect success rate
  • A freshwater swim at Mossman Gorge
  • Barramundi is the Tea House chef's specialty
  • Coastal views from Rex Lookout on the way home

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.9 Stars|41 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom so you don't miss a thing.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Interpretive guide
  • One hour Daintree River wildlife cruise aboard the Solar Whisper
  • Morning tea
  • Two course tropical lunch at the Daintree Tea House
  • Exotic fruit presentation and tasting
  • Guided rainforest walk at Mossman Gorge
  • Binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent and a first aid kit
  • Umbrellas on rainy days

Commonly asked questions.

Pickups are at 7:30am in Cairns and 8:30am in Port Douglas, with Palm Cove and Thala Beach also on the route. You are back in Port Douglas around 4:30pm and Cairns around 5:30pm.

From April to October saltwater crocodiles bask on the banks to warm up, while from November to March they are more active in the water during breeding season, so you may see them swimming instead. Our local guide to the Daintree explains more about the river and rainforest.

Yes, children aged 7 and over are welcome.

Morning tea is served before the cruise, and lunch is two courses at the Daintree Tea House with a tropical fruit tasting and local tea and coffee. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if you mention them when booking.

Tours are not cancelled for rain. The boat has a roof and extended awnings, umbrellas are provided, and a tour may only be cancelled if a tropical cyclone cuts access to the National Park.

Cancel more than 7 days before departure at no charge. Between 7 days and 48 hours before, a 25% fee applies, and within 48 hours or for a no show the full price is kept.

The Mossman Gorge walk is an easy to moderate 2.4 km return through rainforest, with swimming holes along the river. The vehicles are not ramped and have a step to get in, so they are not suited to wheelchairs or guests with very limited mobility, and most stops do not have an accessible bathroom. Call the team before booking to talk through your needs.

Pack a hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, a camera, a water bottle, a day pack, and a towel and spare clothes for swimming. Our Daintree packing checklist covers the rest.

More about this tour.

This day pairs two sides of the southern Daintree: crocodiles on the river in the morning and cool, clear water at Mossman Gorge in the afternoon. Pickups start at 7:30am in Cairns and 8:30am in Port Douglas, then it is north along the Great Barrier Reef Drive with a small group of no more than 11.After morning tea you board the Solar Whisper for an hour on the Daintree River. The boat runs on solar electric power, so it glides quietly, with no fumes, giving you a better chance of spotting saltwater crocodiles, which bask on the banks from April to October and are more active in the water through the warmer months, along with birds, snakes and frogs.Lunch is two courses at the Daintree Tea House, the longest established restaurant in Daintree Village, with a tropical fruit presentation and tasting and locally grown tea and coffee. In the afternoon your guide leads you through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge, with time for a swim in the river if you have packed a towel, before a stop at Rex Lookout on the drive home.Want to stay out after dark? The Daintree Afternoon and Nocturnal Tour adds Cape Tribulation and a guided night walk. Explore the itinerary, check availability for your date, then book.

Additional info.

  • Pickups at 7:30am in Cairns and 8:30am in Port Douglas, back around 5:30pm and 4:30pm.
  • Minimum age is 7.
  • Pack a towel and spare clothes for swimming.
  • Mention any dietary needs when you book.