Daintree River Ferry

The Daintree River Ferry carries vehicles between Lower Daintree and Forest Creek, linking the Cape Tribulation side of the rainforest with the road south. It’s the only sealed-road access to the northern section of the park, so this is part of the journey north, not a detour. From Mossman, the crossing is about 30 km up the road.

The crossing itself takes about five minutes and the ferry carries up to 27 vehicles. That’s sailing time, not a reliable estimate of your full stop: you may need to queue, pay and load before departure. Visitors often praise the crew and quick service, but reports of waiting time vary, so leave a little slack in your drive plan. It’s a ticketed crossing, fares change each year, and river conditions or repairs can interrupt service. Check the current fare and service status before setting out.

The vessel is about 43 m long, and a 38 mm steel cable runs between fixed points on the banks. An onboard hydraulic winch hauls the ferry across, and the cable is replaced each year. The current vessel took over in 2006, replacing an older ferry that carried at most 16 vehicles. It’s a short ride, but a genuinely unusual way to get into the rainforest.

A conventional 2WD can reach Cape Tribulation, though extra clearance is useful and caravans aren’t recommended; the road is narrow and winding. Beyond Cape Tribulation, the unsealed Bloomfield Track is 4WD-only, with steep grades and creek crossings.