Things to See and Do
What a Location!
You're coming to a truly unique part of Australia, the meeting place of two UNESCO World Heritage areas – The Wet Tropics (Daintree Rainforest) and The Great Barrier Reef. There are many opportunities for an adventure holiday of a lifetime for nature lovers. David Attenborough called North Queensland an extraordinary place to visit - see his video clip below!
Reef Cottage Wonga Beach is 30 mins north of Port Douglas, 15 mins north east of Mossman, 15 mins south east of Daintree Village, 45 mins south of Cape Tribulation and 45 mins north east of Mount Molloy, where all of the sights, leisure pursuits and adventures listed below can be accessed conveniently.
We have an exceptional library with natural history and science books that relate directly to our region. There is an iPad loaded with expert material and up-to-date research files that cover inhabitants, land, fresh water and reef experiences. A Saxon scouter binocular will assist field visits and there are also some local nature videos for dedicated viewing. Our coffee table books will further enrich your discovery. Using resources on hand, you'll be able to plan your itineraries with accurate expectation and experience the beauty of this beckoning area with much ease. Additionally, we're able to arrange small group private boat charter for exclusive touring of the Great Barrier Reef.
For the beach, we have deluxe canopy chairs, beach chairs, camp stools, umbrella, ice box and also a picnic cooler bag for your enjoyment.
See Activities list below. -> Click Resources to find out more about driving distances.
ACTIVITIES
4WD SAFARIS – tours to the Outback or beyond Cape Tribulation, spectacular views
ART GALLERIES – Mossman Gorge Centre, Janbal in Mossman, Ngarru in Port Douglas and Bana Yirriji in Wujal Wujal
BEACH WALKS & EXPLORATION - Wonga Beach is the longest beach, many smaller isolated beaches along the Daintree coast, Four Mile at Port Douglas
BIRDWATCHING – tours from Wonga Beach, Mossman, Mount Molloy/Julatten and Daintree Village
BOARDWALKS – Jindalba, Marrdja, Dubuji, Kulki; from Cow Bay to Cape Tribulation, look out for Cassowaries
BUSHWALKING – self guided nature trails in Mossman, Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation
DAINTREE DISCOVERY CENTRE – discover the Daintree in this award winning facility offering amazing study of the canopy and rainforest habitat, at Cow Bay
DAINTREE STATION – an outback cattle muster show in Whyanbeel. Horses also used for riding at Rocky Point.
DIVING AND SNORKELLING – a variety of boats depart from Port Douglas. Single operator at Cape Tribulation. Mid-section to Outer Great Barrier Reef visits.
EXOTIC FRUIT FARM- taste sensational flavours, at Mossman or Cape Tribulation
EXOTIC AND GOURMET FOODS – discover crocodile and kangaroo meat and sausages. Food tasting trail from Cape Tribulation to Mareeba and Atherton Tablelands e.g. gourmet dairy products, tea, coffee, chocolates. Also see tropical fruit winery below.
FISHING – Hook-A-Barra fish farm near Wonga Beach, estuary fishing along Daintree River, sport fishing in the Great Barrier Reef
HARTLEY CREEK CROCODILE FARM – a crocodile and wildlife park with up close experiences, at Wangetti halfway between Port Douglas and Cairns
HORSE RIDING – along Rocky Point (head of Wonga Beach) and Cape Tribulation
JUNGLE SURFING CANOPY – view the Daintree forest ziplining through the rainforest top at Cape Tribulation
KAYAKING –Wonga Beach, Cape Kimberley, Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas
KITE SURFING – Wonga Beach is great because of broad beachfront, flat water and gentle sea breezes. Well known kite-surf school at Port Douglas 4 Mile Beach
KUKU YALANJI CULTURAL HABITAT TOURS – learn aboriginal practices on coastal food gathering walk, then cook your collection at Cooya Beach
MARKETS – savour local produce and specialties e.g. exotic fruits, organic chocolate, ice cream at Mossman on Saturdays. Local art, crafts and tropical themes at Port Douglas on Sundays.
MOSSMAN GORGE NATIONAL PARK- go to Mossman Gorge Centre to visit traditional aboriginal land, gain insight into indigenous life and rainforest wildlife
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS – most operate from Port Douglas from day dive trips to liveaboards for a few nights. Private boat hire for small groups to go to unvisited places can be arranged by Reef Cottage.
RAINFOREST INTERPRETIVE TOURS – tour guides often pick up visitors from accommodation to Mossman Gorge, Mt Lewis, Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Learn about Wet Tropics flora and fauna.
RIVER DRIFT SNORKELLING – enjoy aquatic sights in crystal clear water of Mossman River
SPA TREATMENTS – in-house massage treatments are available at Reef Cottage or there are renowned luxury spas in Daintree and Port Douglas
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING (SUP) – the best outdoor sport for non-sportspeople, at Mossman River or secluded locations via private charter boat
SUGAR CANE AND COCOA FARM TOURS - personalised tour of the workings of sugar cane and cocoa farm (free chocolate tasting), at Miallo
SWIMMING HOLES & STREAMS – Daintree Drainage Basin has numerous rivers and creeks, most famous being Mossman Gorge/River, we provide GPS co-ordinates for swimming sites
TROPICAL FRUIT WINERY – wine tasting, variety of single organic fruit wines at Shannonvale, fruit wineries and distillery in Mareeba
WATERFALLS - at Upper Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Wujal Wujal, Whyanbeel and Mowbray
WILDLIFE RIVER CRUISES – spot crocodiles, frogs, flying foxes, snakes, birds etc, cruises depart from Daintree Ferry Wharf or along the Daintree River on the way to Daintree Village
ZOOS – Daintree Wild Zoo is sanctuary and petting zoo 10 mins from Wonga Beach. Wildlife Habitat is wildlife enclosure with well-known “Breakfast with the Birds” at Port Douglas.
SIGHT SEEING TOURS AUSTRALIA - operating one of Tropical North Queensland's best value Cape Tribulation & Daintree Tours -> FIND OUT
The QUICKSILVER GROUP - Australia's leading Great Barrier Reef cruise company offering a wide range of options to reef visitors -> FIND OUT
