Originally from South Australia, he hadn’t planned to stay, but the rainforest had other plans. The environment, lifestyle, and climate drew him in.

He soon decided to become a tour guide, and after completing a six-month Heritage and Interpretive Tourism course at TAFE, he gained work experience with a local tour operator.

But a pivotal moment came when his former boss told Grant he’d never be able to run his own business. 

“He said I couldn’t do it, and I thought, well, yes I can,” Grant said. That drive to prove himself led to the birth of Daintree Discovery Tours.

Grant started the business from scratch: one vehicle, one guide, and running tours every day. As demand grew, so did the operation, as well as the tour offerings.

Today, Daintree Discovery Tours runs half-day and full-day options, all small-group and focused on spending quality time in the rainforest.

“We believe the best way to experience the Daintree is up close and personal,” Grant said. 

“That’s why we limit our tours to 10 guests on full-day trips and 16 on half-day ones. 

“We also spend more time in the rainforest than most operators, which makes for an unrushed and immersive experience.”

People first approach

Guest experience remains the centre of Grant’s approach. His main goal has always been to create days that are not only enjoyable, but genuinely memorable.

“We try to make it the best day of someone’s holiday,” he said. “And if we can tailor it to what people are interested in, even better.

“I’m always thinking about how to make the day better for guests. That’s what matters most.”

The company employs six guides, all of whom have been trained to deliver tours that feel personal and unforced. 

“I tell our guides, treat every day like you’re taking out a bunch of friends and showing them the best of our stunning backyard,” he said.

But the experience goes beyond sightseeing. With deep local knowledge, the guides help guests connect with the Daintree on a meaningful level.

Education is central to every tour, with guides providing context about how the rainforest functions, from its connection to the Great Barrier Reef to the importance of mangrove systems and the role of seasonal rain.

By blending local knowledge with genuine hospitality, Daintree Discovery Tours aims to leave guests with not only an unforgettable experience, but also a deeper understanding of why the Daintree needs to be protected for future generations.