After finalizing our itinerary for Aus., my wife and I have to decide whether to take a tour of the tablelands or go up to the rainforest during our time in Cairns. We both love the outdoors and nature. which would be better for us to see?

We found the Daintree Rainforest to be the more interesting of these two. We did a walk with an aboriginal guide in the Mossman Gorge area, took two boat trips on the Daintree river (with Dan Irby and Chris Dahlburg), and enjoyed the relatively new Insect Museum.

langrobe,
If you want to take bus tours with others then probably the Daintree is the way to go but if you want to get around by yourself or with your own guide then I would suggest the Tablelands. Both are really special places and it is an extreme shame that you have to choose.

If driving yourself - and it is easy up there - you can do both . We drove up to Mossman Gorge via Port Douglas , walked the Gorge and then drove back via the tablelands stopping at Youngaburra etc along the way or you can do it in the reverse .

Please be aware that Daintree is not the only rainforest easily accessible from Cairns. With your limited time, and as you'll apparently be based in Cairns would be very tempted not to spend too much time travelling - and you don't have to. Check www.cairnswildernesswalks.com - most who post here have no idea there is pristine rainforest on Cairns' doorstep.

What a good option shown on that web site . I went to Crystal Cascades on your advice and it was lovely and virtually deserted .Also good because of made paths for anyone who might have trouble otherwise walking .

JohnFitz,
that's a lot to try and cover in one day! It can be done but ...
To see the rainforests of the Tablelands with a really knowledgeable guide try Alan at www.alanswildlifetours.com.au