Excursion Daintree rainforest & river cruise tour at Port Douglas

Explore the Aboriginal culture and pristine natural beauty of Daintree National Park during this immersive, half-day rainforest walk and river cruise.

Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, River Cruise, Crocodiles, Mangrove Forests, Endemic Wildlife

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive north along the coast to Daintree National Park. Upon arrival, head to the Daintree River Cruise Centre. After receiving your safety and tour instructions, embark your awaiting boat and experience nature at its finest during a picturesque and informative cruise along the Daintree River. Relax and enjoy the spectacular natural splendour only the Daintree can offer, whilst learning about the crocodiles, mangrove forests, and endemic wildlife.

Mossman Gorge, Smoking Ceremony

Next, re-board your coach and head to Mossman Gorghe. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony, which is conducted by Aboriginal people to welcome you to their land. This ceremony of spiritual cleansing serves to ward off evil spirits, and to ensure that you are accepted and honoured whilst on the traditional land of the Kuku Yalanji people. In this beautiful, ancient rainforest, immerse yourself into this lovely corner of North Queensland with the people who have been its custodians for thousands of years. Following the smoking ceremony, journey along gentle trails and immerse yourself in the Aboriginal world on an enchanting Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk.

Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, Traditional Huts, Plant Uses, Bush Food Sources, Tea, Damper

A must for every visitor to Mossman Gorge, this experience introduces the Aboriginal spiritual belief of the Dreamtime, when mythic ancestors formed the earth, and which is manifested to this day in their land and dreams. Be captivated by Ngadiku legends and the traditions of the Kuku Yalanji culture that thrives here today, and pass by traditional huts, or 'humpies'. Your guide explains traditional plant use, identifies local bush tucker (food) sources, and demonstrates practices such as making bush soap and ochre-painting. Following your tour, proceed for some bush tea and damper (unleavened bread). At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, River Cruise, Crocodiles, Mangrove Forests, Endemic Wildlife, Mossman Gorge, Smoking Ceremony, Dreamtime Walk, Tea, Damper

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, sandy, muddy, slippery, and gravel surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, long-sleeve shirts and pants with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking or hiking shoes you won't mind getting dirty, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Sightings of wildlife is not guaranteed.