An extensive region in Tropical North Queensland stretching from Mossman Gorge to the Bloomfield River, getting to the Daintree Rainforest is a rewarding journey reached by air, road and ferry. Situated north of Cairns, getting to the Daintree Rainforest is an easy drive along the Captain Cook Highway passing through Port Douglas and Mossman all the way to the Daintree River ferry. Crossing the Daintree River via regular trips from 6am until midnight, the ferry is the gateway to one of the world’s most scenic drives, the journey to Cape Tribulation.
North of the Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown is another popular holiday destination from which this region is accessed, however a 4WD is required in order to travel along this coast road. From Cooktown, it’s a 75km drive to the Bloomfield River. Getting to the Daintree Rainforest from here is possible in any kind of car as the road is surfaced by gravel. Crossing the Bloomfield River, continue on 32km to Cooktown and an additional two to three hours onto Cape Tribulation.
Those familiar with the area and some of its history may recognise this road as being the focus of the famous Daintree Blockade of 1983. Now known as the Bloomfield Track, the road was originally opposed by an army of protesters however council orders allows bulldozers through to carve out the road from Cape Tribulation heading north all the way to the Bloomfield River. Once a world class walking track, the road now allows vehicles to pass through the region for getting to the Daintree Rainforest while enjoying the spectacular scenery.
If you wish to drive along this track and the coastal roads its recommended that you check road conditions before setting out as some creek crossings can be quite dangerous after heavy rain. Caution is also advised for the descents down the Cowie and Donovan Ranges as they are particularly steep.
