Daintree National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

Gaze out over the mangrove-lined creek at the lookout on the Madja boardwalk at Cape Tribulation. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

The Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park (CYPAL) is where the rainforest meets the reef. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Plans for a new Indigenous cultural tourism hub

Celebrating and sharing the unique and diverse culture of the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra people, who are proudly caring for Jalun (reef) and Madja (rainforest). Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Madja boardwalk, Cape Tribulation

Explore dense lowland rainforest as it merges into mangrove-lined creek habitat, all from the comfort of a boardwalk.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.2km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 45min walking time.
Grade
Grade 1 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Walking

Meander along Madja (meaning ‘rainforest’ or ‘jungle’) boardwalk and immerse yourself in dense lowland rainforest. Marvel at the change in sights, sounds and smells as it merges into a muddy mangrove habitat when you cross Noah Creek.

Daintree is home to most of the world's 19 primitive plant families. As you walk, look for signs along the boardwalk that label various plants and trace the evolutionary journey of plants. Spend time peering into the creek to look for fish and possibly eels. At low tide pause to listen to the bustling of crabs and other crustaceans on the muddy banks.

This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of the record of life, evolutionary history and remarkable diversity.

Getting there and getting around

The Madja boardwalk is in the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park (CYPAL), about 130km north of Cairns.

  • From the Daintree ferry, drive 27km north along the Cape Tribulation road and pull into the Madja car park, 6km past Thornton Beach.

Cape Tribulation walking tracks map (PDF, 169.0KB) .

Wheelchair access

Madja boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible with assistance.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Madja boardwalk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Daintree safely and Walk with care.