It may be small but what it lacks in size, Daintree Village makes up for in charm. It’s a place where time slows down and nature takes centre stage and despite sitting on the banks of the oldest living rainforest in the world, this quaint little town has managed to keep a relatively low profile maintaining its old world charm to this day.
With First Nations Eastern Kuku Yalanji culture dating back tens of thousands of years, the Daintree is renowned and celebrated as having the oldest living culture in the world.
In the 1870s the village was established as a base for timber cutters, and nowadays, the village is home to under 100 people - but the place is anything but quiet. In fact it’s quite the opposite. With 300 mammals and more than 400 species of birds inhabiting the area, the village is quite literally buzzing with life.
The locals themselves are a friendly bunch and a quick visit to the Croc Xpresso Cafe will prove it. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, offered a selection of delicious treats and if you get them on the right day, the opportunity to hear the stories from those who have called this remote part of the world home for more than 50 years. They’ll happily share what it’s like to co-inhabit with some of the world’s deadliest creatures and how the landscape has evolved over the years.
The best way to get to Daintree Village is to self-drive. This gives you the freedom to stop along the way and spend as long as you like soaking up the lifestyle. From Port Douglas, head north around 50km and you’ll find yourself entering the small town. There’s no need to cross the ferry however, we do recommend stopping at the ferry intersection to grab some fresh, local fruit from the roadside stall.
With all of that aforementioned life, the best thing to do in Daintree Village? Go and see it! The Daintree River is known for being home to one of the world’s most dangerous apex predators - the saltwater crocodile - and if you want to (safely) see one, you’ll want to hop on a croc cruise on the Crocodile Express. The river is home to more than 70 adult crocodiles and the crew are experts in spotting these masters of disguise.
A trip with Murray from Daintree River Tours is a must for keen bird watchers and even for those who don’t think they are. Murray’s knowledge and passion for our feathered friends is unmatched and he will impart his wisdom as you cruise down the river searching for the weird, wonderful and rare birdlife that call the Daintree home.
It’s no secret that you need to be careful when choosing a spot to swim in the rainforest and that being Croc Wise is of utmost importance. So, when you find a waterfall that is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also safe to swim in, you waste no time diving right in. Cassowary Falls is a private cascade that can only be accessed by an arranged tour meaning when you do visit, you’ll have the whole place to yourself.
So, you’ve decided to spend a night or two - great! That’s exactly what we’d recommend. You’ve got a few options depending on your style of travel and your budget and you can rest easy knowing all lodging in Daintree Village prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and minimising any impact on the delicate ecosystem.
Campers can enjoy the serenity from the Daintree Riverview Van Park which overlooks the tranquil town jetty. Those looking for something a bit more opulent can enjoy a luxurious treehouse at the Daintree Eco Lodge (pictured below), who also have an onsite waterfall, restaurant and spa.
Cassowary Falls also offer lavish chalets perched hillside overlooking the valley below and shadowed by the mountains of the rainforest.
Daintree Village is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s the tranquil river cruises, the rich history, the breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality that weave together to create an experience like no other. It’s a place where time has stood still, unaffected by the advances of modern day and a place where you can truly escape the worries of modern life and surrender to nature.
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Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
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