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At Cassowary Falls, you’re not just staying in luxury, you’re putting yourself right in the heart of one of the most spectacular areas in Queensland. Surrounded by ancient tropical rainforest, beautiful waterfalls and rare and endangered wildlife, you’re perfectly placed to explore everything this incredible destination has to offer. We’ve prepared a range of self-drive itineraries for our guests, to help you unlock the other secrets, attractions and tours that deliver the best of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation area – from Reef & Rainforest to Rainforest Indulgence, Meet The Makers and Crocs & Barras With Bite. From iconic natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef, to immersive wildlife encounters, river cruises and hands-on cultural experiences, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re wanting to climb canopy towers, taste tropical local produce, spot crocs, or cast a line for barramundi, unforgettable moments are right here on our doorstep – scroll down for all the information. Or simply stay in, soak up the views and let the peace of the rainforest work its magic. Your time is yours, let us help you fill it with something truly special.
The Daintree River is a pristine waterway winding through the heart of the rainforest, before spilling into the Coral Sea. It’s home to saltwater crocodiles, freshwater turtles and an incredible array of colourful birdlife. The best way to experience it, and have the opportunity to come face-to-face with one of Australia’s most iconic predators – the salties – is on a guided river cruise. With expert commentary and a near-guaranteed chance of spotting crocs in the wild, it’s a must-do for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike. Peaceful and unforgettable, with a side serve of living on the wild side. See our Rainforest Indulgence itinerary for details.
When you’re staying with us, you have a front row seat to the Daintree Rainforest. Our all action tours bring it to life with energy and excitement and a swim at the gorgeous Cassowary Falls, but if you want to see the forest from all its levels, then we can suggest a visit to the Daintree Discovery Centre. This award-winning experience offers aerial walkways and a 23 metre canopy tower, providing views over the treetops. It also has interactive exhibits and displays to further reveal some of the forest’s evolutionary secrets, from giant cassowaries to delicate ferns. A brilliant stop for curious minds and nature lovers. You’ll need to catch the Daintree Ferry to reach the Discovery Centre – see our Rainforest Indulgence itinerary for details.
The iconic and legendary Cape Tribulation Beach – where the Rainforest quite literally meets the Reef. This is the only place on earth where 2 naturally listed World Heritage areas sit side by side. You can walk along the soft sand and gaze out towards the Coral Sea, soaking in the untouched beauty and peaceful ambience that makes this place so special. Explore more on the Kulki Lookout, just a short walk from the beach, with the soundtrack of the forest all around. This place is only lightly touched by the hands of man, but you can write your names in its sand. See our Rainforest Indulgence itinerary for details.
The Great Barrier Reef is closer than you think, just a short drive and boat ride from Cassowary Falls. There’s epic half-day tours departing from Cape Tribulation in the mornings and afternoons, they whisk you from the beach to the reef in just 25 minutes. Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and giant clams – if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle. Passionate local crews guide you to the best spots and share their reef knowledge along the way. The Ocean Safari experience is fast, fun and eco-conscious. We’ll show you the rainforest – but you must check out the reef – to see why these two natural assets are so noteworthy! See our Reef & Rainforest itinerary for details.
Experience the thrill of catching one of Australia’s most legendary sportfish, the big, bad Barramundi on a guided tour of the Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Farm. This award winning local business produces a sustainable, premium supply of barramundi. If catching and eating amazing fresh fish sounds good to you, then add Hook-A-Barra to your list. Here you can cast a line into purpose-built Barra Ponds that are stocked with fish that fight like champions. You can learn the secrets of sustainable aquaculture on a farm tour and then sit back and enjoy a tasting platter of barra done three ways. See our Crocs & Barra With Bite itinerary for details.
Seeking a fine dining experience in the rainforest? Julaymba Restaurant at the nearby Daintree Ecolodge delivers a unique blend of tropical surrounds and contemporary cuisine, fusing modern Australian dishes with Indigenous flavours. Think Daintree Barramundi and Davidson Plum, paperbark smoke and seasonal local produce, fused and served with finesse and creativity. The setting is just as memorable, with the restaurant perched above a peaceful lagoon and framed by lush greenery. Open for dinner nightly, this is fine dining Daintree-style, with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients, it’s sophisticated, sustainable and utterly delicious. It’s just an 11-minute drive from here – reservations recommended.
Our luxury chalets come fully equipped for self-catering, giving you the freedom to cook your own meals and indulge your tastes at your own pace. But if you’re after a casual pub meal in a laid-back rainforest setting, the nearby Daintree Village Hotel is a great choice for lunch or dinner. This classic country pub serves hearty, no-fuss fare, think chicken parmi, burgers, steaks, seafood and pasta, all rustic with generous serves. The Daintree Village Hotel offers dine-in and takeaway options and is a friendly, casual spot to refuel after a day of exploring. No fuss, no frills and no washing up. It’s just a 7-minute drive from here – see their socials for latest specials.
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. The Australian Chocolate Farm is nestled in the hills of Shannonvale and offers a sweet escape into the world of ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate making. You can enjoy a relaxed lunch, or morning or afternoon tea, at the café or extend your experience to include a guided farm tour. The tours take you through the cacao orchard to learn how chocolate is grown, picked, processed and crafted right here in the Daintree. From raw cacao to finished bar, it’s a hands-on, flavour-filled journey through one of life’s greatest indulgences. The Australian Chocolate Farm is a 45 minute drive from Cassowary Falls, see our Meet the Makers itinerary for more information.
The Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery is just down the road from the chocolate farm, and offers a truly unique cellar door experience where you can sip your way through the unexpected. Their collections of wines are handmade with organic local produce, think mangoes, passionfruit, lychees, black sapote, kaffir lime, ginger and more, crafting and creating a truly local taste of the tropics. The rainforest-fringed cellar door offers tastings by appointment, with friendly hosts guiding you through the range. Light, refreshing and wonderfully different, these fruit wines are perfect for those looking to try something new, and you can bring home a bottle or two. The Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery is a 45 minute drive from Cassowary Falls, see our Meet the Makers itinerary for more information.
Mossman Gorge is another well-known Daintree destination and provides you with the opportunity to connect with the rainforest and see it through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. Your visit begins with a visit to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where you can join a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by local Kuku Yalanji guides. These 90 minute tours include a traditional smoking ceremony and provide insights into bush medicine, food and spiritual connections to the land; they conclude with bush tea and damper. You might also choose to do self-guided walks and of course, enjoy a cool swim in the clear waters of the Gorge. Mossman Gorge is a 40 minute drive from Cassowary Falls. Tours should be pre-booked; see their website for more information.
Port Douglas is a vibrant coastal town where tropical style meets laid-back charm. Satisfy your retail needs by exploring the local boutiques and galleries, and grab a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants along Macrossan Street. Other Port Douglas highlights include the iconic palm-lined sands of Four Mile Beach, or you can join one of the many reef tours departing from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina – we recommend ABC Snorkel Charters for a small group, premium reef experience. Whilst you’re in Port Douglas you can stock up for your self-contained stay with us, grab gourmet groceries, fresh produce and beverages from the bottle shops. Whether you’re shopping, swimming, dining or diving, Port Douglas offers a great day tour destination from Cassowary Falls. Port Douglas is around a 1 hour drive from Cassowary Falls.
© Gateway to Cassowary Falls 2025
