Marrdja Boardwalk, Queensland: Cape Tribulation rainforest walk
The Marrdja Boardwalk near Cape Tribulation, Queensland, is a short boardwalk that shows off the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
What is the Marrdja Boardwalk?
The Marrdja Boadwalk is a 1.2km boardwalk in Daintree National Park, Queensland. It is designed to show off two eco-systems – the lowland rainforest and the muddy mangroves.
In the past, this rainforest walk has been known as the Madja Boardwalk.
7 Cape Tribulation experiences you should book in advance
- ▶️ An attraction-packed Cape Tribulation day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas.
- ▶️ (Highly recommended ✅) Small group reef snorkelling – on the Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef tour.
- ▶️ See the Daintree come to life – on a guided rainforest night walk.
- ▶️ Uncover jungle secrets – on a small group rainforest trekking adventure.
- ▶️ Whizz through the trees – on a thrill-a-minute zipline adventure course.
- ▶️ Saddle up, and go horse-riding along the beach.
- ▶️ Stretch those legs on a full day waterfall hike.
Where is the Marrdja Boardwalk?
The Marrdja Boardwalk is in the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park. It is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
The drive from the Daintree River to the Marrdja Boardwalk takes around 35 minutes to cover the 27km distance. This is measured from the north bank, where the Daintree River Ferry lands.
The walk is near Noah Beach, 7.5km south of Cape Tribulation.
Marrdja Boardwalk tours
The easiest way to get to the Marrdja Boardwalk is on a tour from Cairns or Port Douglas.
Active Tropics Explorer runs a full day trip from both Cairns and Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation. This tour visits Mossman Gorge, includes a Daintree River cruise and stops at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and Mount Alexandra Lookout, as well as incorporating the Marrdja Boardwalk. The tour costs $169 and should be booked online.
5 Daintree experiences worth booking in advance
- Daintree Discovery Centre tickets.
- Hour-long Daintree River cruise.
- Mossman River drift snorkelling.
- Daintree River late afternoon cruise.
- Barramundi fishing experience.
How long is the Marrdja Boardwalk?
The Marrdja Boardwalk is a 1.2km circuit. It is rated as a Grade 1 walk, and should take around 45 minutes to complete.
This Daintree rainforest boardwalk is accessible to wheelchair users if they have assistance.
The boardwalk is lined with explanatory signs explaining this ancient rainforest and its eco-systems. There’s also a good chance of seeing wildlife – both fish and eels in Noah Creek, and crabs in the mangroves.
Cassowaries are also sometimes spotted in this area.
Cape Tribulation attractions
Other attractions on the scenic Cairns to Cape Tribulation drive include the Daintree Discovery Centre, Jindalba Boardwalk and Floravilla Ice Cream Factory in Cow Bay. There’s also the Daintree Ice Cream Company and Daintree Tea Company in Diwan.
Further north at Cape Tribulation, you can enjoy horse-riding tours, Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation Beach and Mason’s Swimming Hole.
Other Cape Tribulation day tours that visit the Marrdja Boardwalk include the $240 small group trip with Discovery Tours Australia and the $176 tour with Cape Trib Connections.
All prices are correct at time of writing, but are subject to change in future.
Best Cape Tribulation accommodation
There are more than a dozen Cape Tribulation accommodation options. Search for the best deals here.
However, the best bets are…
- For an effectively private beach: Cape Trib Beach House.
- For backpackers after a good time: PK’s Jungle Village.
- For couple-friendly tropical bungalows: Cape Trib Farm.
- For self-catering and green credentials: Noah Creek Eco Huts.
More Queensland travel
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Brisbane to 1770 road trip guide.
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What to do on the Cloncurry to Normanton drive.
Go for a soak at Talaroo Hot Springs.