Part One: Travelling from Sydney to Cairns
The previous evening we’d driven to the seaside resort of Cronulla so that we could be fairly close to Sydney airport for our late morning flight. Our final night in New South Wales couldn’t have been better as our accommodation there had a balcony overlooking Cronulla beach. We’d opted to stay in another Quest aparthotel which didn’t disappoint, with the suite being stylishly furnished and of a good size.
Our drive to Sydney Kingsford-Smith airport from Cronulla was mostly along the coast road and after returning our hire car we took the shuttle bus to the domestic terminal for our Virgin Australia flight up to Cairns. It was our first time with this airline and we were quite impressed with the appearance of the cabin and the fact that we’d been allocated extra legroom seats for the 2.45 hour flight.
It was 3.00 p.m. local time when we landed into Cairns airport and soon afterwards we were packing our luggage into our next hire car and setting off to our base for the next five nights in stylish Port Douglas. We’d arranged to stay at the Macrossan House Boutique Apartments which are tucked away in a quiet backwater accessed from the main street. We expected the apartment to be beautiful but it even exceeded our high expectations, our suite coming equipped with a lounge, spacious balcony, bedroom and well equipped kitchen corner.
It felt lovely to be back in tropical North Queensland after many years and after enjoying a stroll along the seafront we tucked in to a delicious meal watching the sun set out on the terrace of the Tin Shed restaurant.
Part Two: Exploring the Daintree Rainforest and Port Tribulation
The day got off to an early start with a 45 minute drive to Daintree. We’d arranged to take a one hour cruise with Solar Whisper, the only zero emission boat on the Daintree River. The booking office was easy to find as it is located next to the Daintree ferry. After checking in, we were offered complimentary tea and coffee which was very welcome, before boarding the boat.
David was to be our skipper and guide on the crocodile and wildlife spotting boat trip. The beauty of the Solar Whisper electric boat is that it can quietly glide up to crocodiles and other wildlife without scaring them or damaging their habitat. As we departed, David explained that as it was high tide and approaching summer the chances of spotting crocodiles would be slim but he said he would do his best to track them down for the 18 passengers on his boat that morning.
Starting off from the jetty close to the Daintree ferry the river was quite wide but after a short distance we moved along onto a narrow creek. Luck was to be on our side when it came to crocodile sightings as the first one we spotted was along this stretch of water. I doubt we would have noticed it if David hadn’t have pointed it out as it was extremely well camouflaged with only its head visible between the mangroves.
A little later when we had returned to the main river we spotted a 5 metre crocodile swimming along beside the boat which was a memorable end to our boat trip. If you plan to take one of these boat trips I suggest booking either the first or the last in the day as it was explained that there are more chances for spotting crocodiles then, as it proved to be for us.
Back in the car we crossed the Daintree River aboard the Daintree Ferry. The ferry is quite expensive at AUD $49 (£24.60) return per car for such a short journey but also includes admission to the Daintree National Park.
Our first stop after crossing the river was at the Daintree Discovery Centre, admission AUD $39 (£19.60) where we equipped ourselves with audio guides and information booklets before following the numerous boardwalk trails to learn about the rainforest’s flora and fauna.
One of the trails led us up 112 steps to the top of the viewing tower from where we had some splendid views above the rainforest canopy. Before leaving, we sipped cappuccinos in their rainforest cafe and looked around the gift shop for suitable souvenirs to take back home.
Moving on to Cape Tribulation we followed more boardwalk trails which were free to access and all benefitted from free parking. We enjoyed a stroll along the sandy beach before calling into the nearby Turtle Rock Cafe where we tucked into toasted sandwiches accompanied by refreshing glasses of ginger beer.
Next up was the Dubuji Boardwalk, a 1.3 km looped trail that winds through the rainforest with its multitude of tropical plants, trees and giant ferns ranging all the way from the forest floor to the dense canopy above. As we neared the end of the trail, large trees eventually gave way to pockets of mangroves that were partially flooded.
After yet another short hop in the car we arrived at the Kulki Boardwalk which is located at almost the furthest point north one can drive through Cape Tribulation on a sealed road. This boardwalk led us to another idyllic beach which had crocodile warning signs and reminders that it was stinger season clearly visible at the end of the path.
A safer place for swimming is at the popular Mason’s Swimming Hole where we were headed next. This swimming hole is fed by fresh water, doesn’t have any crocodiles and it’s totally safe to swim there. It’s a snip to take the plunge as it only costs AUD $1 (50p) and is free for those (like us) just wishing to take a look.
We were definitely getting our steps in that day as we then followed the Madja Boardwalk where we spotted a small crocodile resting in a shallow creek between the mangroves. We then rewarded ourselves with this find by calling in at the Daintree Ice Cream Company which is famed for its gelatos far and wide. As we were spoilt for choice on which flavour to select we opted for the mixed tubs that comprised coconut, strawberry, yellow sapote and wattle-seed which were all equally delicious so do call in if you are passing.
On our way back to the ferry we stopped at the Mt. Alexandra Lookout which was slightly awkward to reach as it was located within extensive roadworks where the road was washed away during the 2023 cyclone. Views were good so we were pleased we had made the effort. Back at the ferry we only had to wait a few minutes to board and within an hour we were back in Port Douglas after a fabulous day exploring the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation.
Our day was supported by Solar Whisper and the Daintree Discovery Centre and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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