The Daintree Rainforest begins at the Daintree River, about 30 km north of Port Douglas, and continues north to the coast. It is the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth and contains extraordinary biodiversity: 30 percent of Australia's frog species, 65 percent of its bat and butterfly species, and 20 percent of its bird species inhabit this relatively small area. The forest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation — the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage areas directly adjoin.
Most visitors from Port Douglas take an organised tour that crosses the Daintree River on the cable ferry and heads north into the forest. Crocodile-spotting river cruises are popular and reliable — saltwater crocodiles are genuinely present and visible from the water. Self-drive is possible: the road is unsealed in sections north of the ferry but passable in a standard 2WD vehicle in dry conditions. Allow a full day. Swimming at Cape Tribulation beach in summer requires care because of stingers; in winter it's safer and the beach is stunning.