Water levels at the Daintree River have exceeded nine metres as major flooding hits Queensland's far north.

Residents along the Daintree River and its tributaries, the Mossman River and other waterways in the shire have been asked to prepare as waters continue to rise.

Ferry services have been shut down as the river reached major flood level on Saturday night.

The last time the river reached major flood level was in 2014, when it hit 10.5 metres.

Heavy rain and strong winds have been forecast for the state's far north in coming days, although communities were spared a cyclone which fizzled out after crossing land.

Some Australia Day activities were cancelled or changed in Cairns, where the airport was hit with 99mm of rain from 9am.

Further south at Peet's Bridge, 229mm of rain bucketed down in the 24 hours prior, and 170mm was recorded at nearby Gordonvale for the same period.

Warnings of flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds remain for the area stretching from Lockhart River to Ingham and across to the western side of the peninsula.

Meteorologist Mark Trenorden said those conditions can be expected for a few days.

Authorities are warning people to avoid flooded waterways.

Queensland police's far north district acting chief superintendent Glen Pointing said two cyclone systems in recent months had already drenched the area.

"So it is not going to take much for river and creek heights along with other water courses to rise rapidly, creating significant risks to the many motorists travelling for the long weekend," he said.

"We are also mindful that it is still school holidays, and we ask parents to be mindful of where their children are playing, particularly with the temptations that increased water flows can bring."

Australian Associated Press

The story Major flooding along the Daintree River first appeared on North Queensland Register.