Daintree Ferry ticket sales across the past two months were down about 7.5 per cent on sales for the same period in 2025, as tour operators have had to deal with roadworks at the ferry terminal, price increases, petrol-price hikes and an unusually wet July and August.

In August this year, about 24,500 tickets were sold, down about 1800 on the 26,300 the year before - a 6.8 per cent decrease.

And in July, about 25,500 were sold, down 2300 on about 27,800 in 2025 - an 8.3 per cent drop. 

The 2026 ticket sales are still better than those of 2023 and 2024, when the Daintree Rainforest tourism industry was dealing with the effects of Covid-19 from 2020-23 and Tropical Cyclone Jasper from late 2023.

Tourism operator Lawrence Mason this week said the busy season had been “disappointing”.

“The lack of traffic is noticeable,” Mr Mason said.

Mr Mason said he believed the terminal roadworks were the biggest factor affecting ticket sales, but weather, and increased travel costs, also played a part.

“When you add in those roadworks it's been devastating.

“I don’t think anyone up here’s having a good time.”

From July, long line-ups have been reported at the Daintree Ferry as ongoing roadworks have caused delays for drivers heading across the river.