There are a number of attractions in which you can self drive and pay the entrance fee on the day. Wildlife and cultural attractions are the most popular.

Daintree Discovery Centre
In the north we have the Daintree Discovery Centre situated in the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree Discovery Centre is an award-winning world class interpretive facility that allows visitors easy access to unique rainforest wilderness via boardwalk tours, a 23 metre high Canopy Tower, Aerial Walkway and comprehensive Display Centre.

The Discovery Centre offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and explore one of the few remaining unspoiled pockets of lowland rainforest in Far North Queensland. The Centre also offers a number of interactive information kiosks with touch screen displays to allow easy access to a variety of information suitable for all ages. The walkway enables wheelchair access to both the Interpretive Display Centre and the base of the Tower.

Daintree Mangroves Wildlife Sanctuary
Travelling south, the Daintree Mangroves Wildlife Sanctuary is a locally owned and operated where you can get up close with native wildlife and view the amazing collection of birds. Make sure you can get on a tour of the park and then you will be able to witness the giant saltwater croc. Overnight accommodation is available here also.

Rainforest Habitat
The Rainforest Habitat located on the corner of Port Douglas Road and the Cook Highway is an excellent half day attraction and well worth visiting if you want a wildlife experience. I highly recommend Breakfast with the Birds as it is so entertaining. The breakfast is delicious and caters for all dietary requirements; meanwhile the birdlife provides its own show as they are free to air their wings within the same area. Some birds may even perch down beside you as you eat, but watch out as they can be cheeky and steal a sausage if your back is turned! Make sure you pick up a bag of $2 Kangaroo food; the ducks will love it too.

Hartleys Croc Park
Hartley’s Croc Park is located on the Cook Highway just north of Ellis Beach. It’s great for a half day of entertainment with animal shows and displays conducted throughout the day. Boat cruises operate 3 times a day and I recommend visiting in the afternoon to witness the croc attack show, its not to be missed! Hartley’s is also a great option for lunch. The restaurant is located in a beautiful setting overlooking Hartley’s lagoon.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park prides itself on being the most awarded Aboriginal cultural attraction in Australia and is credited with enhancing reconciliation locally, nationally and internationally. Tjapukai showcases the culture of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland. Situated next door to the Skyrail terminal, this attraction is a popular option to combine with a day trip to Kuranda. Visitors can experience every facet of the rainforest people's culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, and the original Dance Theatre and the interactive Camp Village, where visitors can learn didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing.

Rainforestation
Rainforeststation is located just outside the Kuranda Village and offers a little piece of something for everyone. Take a guided rainforest tour on an amphibious army duck, pat kangaroos and koalas at the wildlife park, taste strange tropical icecream at the fruit orchard such as dragon fruit and sour sop, or get involved in the Aboriginal culture and throw a boomerang.

Kuranda Village Attractions
Within Kuranda Village there are also a number of attractions to fill your day and easy fun for all the family. The Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Koala Gardens are the most popular. The newest addition is the Australia Venom Zoo for those who aren't squeamish of creepy crawlies!

Cairns Tropical Zoo
The Cairns Tropical Zoo is another family favourite located at Palm Cove. It features displays and demonstrations throughout the day, making it highly entertaining.

Cable Ski Park
The Cairns Cable Ski Park is great for wakeboard enthusiasts open all week.

Paronella Park
Paronella Park is a must do south of the Tablelands. This multi award winning heritage and culture park is built on 5 acres of rainforest beside Mena Creek Falls. Created in the 1930s by a Spanish immigrant José Paronella the remains of a Spanish style castle are set within beautiful gardens surrounded by, paths, terraces and waterways that decorate the landscape. There is a truly magical feeling to Paronella Park and you can enjoy the surroundings with a Devonshire Tea and take in an informative guided history or botanical tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Johnstone River Croc Park
Nearby to Paronella Park is the Johnstone River Croc Farm which is locally owned and operated by an Innisfail couple. The park is not as commercialised as other wildlife parks and the best time to visit is when the guided tours take place at 11:00am and 3:00pm. Its great fun and really gets you up close to the crocs, don’t forget to bring your camera!