We are going first week of April-2 adults and 2 teens. We will have a rental car and staying in PD. Should we go on our own or take a tour like Tony's Tropical. I guess the benefit of the tour is its easy, you have a guide, and they take you to some secluded places, but is it worth the cost since we will have a car? Or should we self-drive ( i checked and rental company allows up to Cape trib) and take a 4x4 tour up there, ferry, etc....

That's a question only you can answer, IMO. We don't know you, your interests, the cost, duration or itinerary of the tour.

I'd research links to the area, involve the teens in what they want to see and decide whether you think the tour offers more than you could do on your own.

I usually drive myself, but occasionally take specialist tours which offer access and/ or information beyond what I could do on my own.

It depends on where you want to go. The bitumen ends at Cape Trib and the road from there on is very very rough and only suitable for 4WDs with experienced drivers.
We've taken a family sedan over on the ferry and driven to the end of the bitumen. There are fruit farms, rainforest lookouts etc that you can stop at and places to eat.
It will cost you very little to take your car and pay entrance fees where necessary. Compare that with the cost of tour costs for four people.

ok thanks.

Been to Cape Trib three times now. First trip was on such a tour, which in retrospect was not worth the extra $ - we could easily have driven there ourselves in our rental car.If you do take a tour, make sure you do part of the Bloomfield Track, at least as far as Wujal Wujal Falls and South Cowie Beach.

On our second trip north of Cairns in '08, we stopped at the Daintree village en route to Cape Trib and Cooktown. At the spur of the moment we decide to take this relatively short tour.

http://www.daintreeadventuretours.com.au/default.html

We all loved it, including our boys who were then 17, 20 and 23.

Good weather essential to enjoy the stunning views.

Ralph

Trip report and photos here, which you might find useful:

https://plus.google.com/photos/11552...625?banner=pwa

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...-08-part-1.cfm

Ralph

Thank you. Yes going back and forth with what to do. May just wait as we get closer. We will definitely have the rental car but I am afraid we won't see as many things if we do on our own.