Planning your journey to Daintree Siesta
in the heart of the ancient Daintree Rainforest
Current Access Status - Cape Tribulation & the Daintree Rainforest (north of the Daintree River)
Last updated: 14 March 2026
Current Daintree Ferry status:
The Daintree River Ferry is temporarily out of service while repair works are underway following recent flooding. This page provides the latest visitor information about access to Daintree Siesta and the surrounding Daintree Coast north of the river, including Cape Tribulation.
Daintree River Ferry
Temporarily out of service while repair works are underway following a recent flooding event.
Access to Cape Tribulation & the Daintree Rainforest (north of the river)
Vehicle access via the ferry is currently unavailable for visitors travelling to Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Coast and Daintree Siesta.
Alternative access
The Bloomfield Track from Cooktown is currently open to suitable 4WD vehicles. Conditions may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
Experiencing the Daintree in the meantime
Visitors can still experience parts of the rainforest south of the river, including Mossman Gorge and crocodile cruises departing from Daintree Village.
Official updates
Douglas Shire Council updates are available here:
https://douglas.qld.gov.au/council-services-updates-and-advice-post-weather-event/
(Please note this page is primarily written for local residents, although it provides the most current official information.)
Daintree River Ferry Travel Update – Access to the Daintree Rainforest, Daintree Coast and Cape Tribulation (March 2026)
You may have heard about the recent flooding event in the Daintree region. The Daintree River Ferry, which provides the main vehicle crossing for visitors travelling to the Daintree Rainforest north of the river, is currently undergoing repair works following this event.
Daintree Siesta is located north of the Daintree River on Cape Tribulation Road in the Daintree Rainforest, and access to the property normally requires crossing the Daintree River Ferry.
Crews have been working steadily on inspections and repairs and are progressing through the steps required to return the ferry to service. While there is not yet a confirmed reopening date, work is continuing and updates are being provided regularly by Douglas Shire Council.
Life north of the river is continuing, although a little differently at the moment. We continue to live and work here at Daintree Siesta, and local children are crossing the river each day to attend school.
After the recent rains the rainforest is incredibly green and peaceful, and with fewer visitors around it can be a particularly special time to slow down and experience the forest.
Experiencing the Daintree in the meantime
While vehicle access north of the river is currently limited, visitors can still enjoy parts of the Daintree Rainforest south of the river.
Mossman Gorge remains open and offers a beautiful introduction to the rainforest environment, including guided Dreamtime Walks with local Indigenous guides.
Wildlife experiences on the Daintree River also continue to operate from Daintree Village, where several operators offer crocodile cruises exploring the lower river and its unique ecosystem.
These experiences provide a wonderful taste of the rainforest environment while repair work on the ferry continues.
Alternative access via the Bloomfield Track
Access to Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Coast and Daintree Siesta is currently possible via the Bloomfield Track from Cooktown.
This route is open to suitable 4WD vehicles only and conditions may vary depending on weather and road conditions. This route is generally recommended for experienced drivers with appropriate vehicles.
Guests considering this option are welcome to contact us to discuss current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Daintree River Ferry currently operating?
No. The Daintree River Ferry is currently undergoing repair works following a recent flooding event and is temporarily out of service.
Is the Daintree Rainforest open to visitors?
Yes. Businesses and communities north of the river continue to operate. However, vehicle access for visitors across the Daintree River Ferry is currently unavailable while repair works are underway, so tourist access to Cape Tribulation, the Daintree Coast and Daintree Siesta north of the river is temporarily limited.
Visitors can still experience parts of the Daintree Rainforest south of the river, including Mossman Gorge and crocodile cruises from Daintree Village.
Can you still reach Cape Tribulation right now?
Vehicle access via the Daintree River Ferry is currently unavailable. Access via the Bloomfield Track from Cooktown is possible for suitable 4WD vehicles.
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Daintree Siesta is located north of the Daintree River, in the heart of the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland.
Distances to Daintree Siesta
Cairns: approx. 2.5 hours drive
Port Douglas: approx. 1 hour drive
Daintree River Ferry: less than 30 minutes drive
Cape Tribulation: approx. 30 minutes drive north
Reaching us is part of the experience.
The scenic drive from Cairns follows the spectacular coastal road past Port Douglas and Mossman, before crossing the Daintree River ferry — the only vehicle access point into the northern Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Once across the river, it’s less than a 30 minute drive through the rainforest to reach Daintree Siesta.
Below you’ll find directions and helpful information to prepare for your journey.
The scenic drive will give you an insight into the area and glimpses of the amazing landscape – so take it slow and enjoy.
Directions to our UNIQUE RAINFOREST PLACE
Below information provides information on access to Daintree Siesta under regular ferry arrangements:
Once you arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest we are centrally located to all attractions on the north side of the Daintree River between the ferry and Cape Tribulation – half an hour north of the car ferry and half an hour south of Cape Tribulation on fully sealed road.
There are only two ways to reach us by road. Both of which include their own adventure
Crossing the Daintree River Ferry
Heading north from Cairns – approximately two and a half hours drive along Great Barrier Reef Drive – also known as Captain Cook Highway.
Glimpse the sea as you weave along the coastline. Possible stops along the way include Ellis Beach and other beachside locations, Rex Lookout, Hartley’s Crocodiles, Port Douglas and Mossman including Mossman Gorge and Woolworths or Scomazons for any last minute groceries.
Any dump point needs can also be met as you pass through Mossman (there are no dump points north of the river). We are approximately one hour north of Mossman – although this may vary if you have to wait during peak car ferry times or during low tides.
For ferry ticket pricing and online bookings visit the Daintree Ferry website.
4WD (four wheel drive) only Bloomfield Track
Heading south from Cooktown – approximately two and a half hours drive. We do not recommend towing on this road.
For road condition updates check Douglas Dashboard website and https://douglas.qld.gov.au/cyclone-jasper/daintree-coast-road-update/
Alternatively you can drive the sealed inland road south from Cooktown and turn left just before Mt Molloy to drive down to Mossman through Julatten and then north to the Daintree River Car Ferry.
