Cape Tribulation

For a unique rainforest meets the beach experience, Cape Tribulation is the place. At the end of long winding paved road, it really feels like the end of the world. Here you can relax and enjoy one of the finest natural environments on the planet. With almost 17,000 hectares of virgin rainforest, Cape Tribulation National Park is definitely a world apart.

Thorton Beach

The drive up from Cairns is a joy, with the narrow road winding along the coast, skirting breathtaking beaches. The dense rainforest canopy covers the steep slopes, extending right down to the shore. Stopping along the way to take in the spectacular views up the coast is recommended.

Daintree River

At the Daintree river you must take a ferry across. It can be very busy at times, with a long wait to cross. Fortunately it runs everyday until around midnight, for late stragglers. Once past the river the road narrows and the jungle surrounds you. There are various attractions along the way including the Daintree National Forest, Cow Bay, Thorton Beach and various boardwalks through the rainforest.

Dubuji Rainforest Walk

At Cape Tribulation, trails and boardwalks allow visitors to explore the rainforest and its incredibly variety of flora and fauna, including ancient tree ferns, mangrove swamps and fan palms. The rainforest is the perfect backdrop for the Cape’s magnificent beaches, which remain pristine.

Scenic Daintree National Park

There is a range of accomodation available in the area, but it’s a good idea to call and make a reservation as they get fully booked in the high season. You can stay in jungle hostels as backpackers have for decades or opt for slightly more developed caravan parks, a farmstay, or a fully equiped resort.

Cape Tribulation Beach

You can ride a horse on the beach, paddle a kayak or just kick back and enjoy the sounds of life in the rainforest. There’s some coral right offshore to explore or you can take a diving trip to the Barrier Reef, which is closer to the mainland here than around Cairns.

You can take a four-wheel drive vehicle beyond Cape Tribulation to Bloomfield and Cooktown all the way to Cape York, the northern most part of Queensland if you choose, but that is where the real adventure begins. No matter what you do, Cape Tribulation is an amazing place you will never forget.