For first time visitors to the tropical north, a guided tour is the best way to experience the magic of the rainforest. Considering that the World Heritage Wet Tropics Area is home to half of Australia's bird species and a third of the mammal species, having an interpretive guide on hand really helps rainforest novices appreciate the unique beauty and diversity of the area. There are several reputable tour companies who operate guided rainforest tours departing from both Cairns and Port Douglas. Passengers are picked up from their accommodation between 7am and 8am and are back home by 6pm. The majority of the tours go to Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation or further north to the Bloomfield River. Some tours also go to Mission Beach and Hinchinbrook Island. Most day tours take a maximum of 10 passengers and travel is in comfortable, air-conditioned, 4WD vehicles. Tour guides working in the far north are generally very knowledgeable, informative and all-round good blokes who want to make sure their passengers have a great day. A typical guided day tour consists of a lunch (usually a good ol' Aussie barbeque), morning tea, afternoon tea, an interpretive walk through the rainforest, the Daintree ferry crossing and usually a Daintree River 'croc spotting' cruise. Most tours also include a swim in a safe swimming area (eg Cooper's Creek or the Blue Pools) and a visit to the Daintree Environment Centre. Don't forget the camera! Take a squiz at the DestinationEX database for all the guff on guided tours.