If you want to slow down, feel wild and free and explore ancient rainforest, spot Jurassic-like wildlife and snorkel in incredibly clear water on the Great Barrier Reef then you will love a visit to Cape Tribulation in Queensland, Australia– where two World Heritage listed natural treasures meet – the ancient rainforest of the Daintree National Park and the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Cape Trib is fabulous for families and perfect for anyone who is keen to get back to nature and enjoy this gorgeous wild land.
How to get to Cape Tribulation.
Cape Tribulation is only two and a half hours from Cairns, and just under two hours from Port Douglas. We hired a JUCY Condo campervan and just loved it. The roads are easy and well maintained. You’ll need to cross the Daintree River by ferry (so fun) between 6.00am and 12 midnight on the way in – just get your return ticket there.
When to visit Cape Tribulation.
The best time to visit is the dry season from May to September. The weather is better and the stingers aren’t in the water yet, so you can snorkel on the reef without a suit. Do NOT swim at the beach – there are crocs around. Over summer and the wet season everything closes or reduces activities so it’s best not to travel here then – it’s also raining a lot and there are cyclones so plan your trip for the dry.
Warning: Crocodiles.
Don’t swim at the beach. Crocs hang around here and live in the rivers. We saw a huge one laying on the banks when we went for our horse ride. There are signs at all the beaches warning you not to swim, and be careful at rivers too. There are two waterholes at the Cape that people swim in, and we swam in too – I’ll list them below.
Where to stay at Cape Tribulation.
We were in our JUCY van so we stayed at Safari Lodge on a little campsite up the back in the bush. It was divine, we extended a few days because we were just loving it so much. There are clean toilets and showers, a fine communal cooking area, a pool and a small café. You can also book your trips here at the front desk if you want to add something last minute. You can find a list of all the accommodation at Cape Tribulation here.
There are some beautiful luxury retreats and wild getaways, as well as campsites and more basic accommodation.
What to take to Cape Tribulation.
Make sure to take the food you’ll need, as while there is a burger café and a few small shops, there’s not an actual supermarket or anywhere you can buy groceries.
Add: mossie spray, sunscreen, hat, cossie, hiking shoes and the usual gear for exploring. Bring a GoPro or underwater camera if you’re heading out to the reef, and while snorkels are included in the Ocean Safari reef excursion, you can also bring your own.
What to do at Cape Tribulation.
There were many highlights of this trip for us – and everything we did here was just awesome. Try and do the activities listed below, and for the more adventurous there are some amazing Cape Tribulation hikes and walks up the mountains, through the rainforest and along the beaches, as well as the Boardwalks listed below.
If you don’t have the time or don’t want to go by yourself there are a bunch of small group full day and half day tours at Get Your Guide to choose from.
Support the traditional custodians of the land by booking a tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures – it’s 100% Indigenous owned and operated. They conduct amazing tours of the Port Douglas and Daintree region. Check out their full day and half day cultural adventures.
Visit the Great Barrier Reef on an Ocean Safari
One of the most amazing half-day experiences we had, and well worth the cost (if you’ve been with Ocean Safari before you will get 20% off your booking price) this is an incredible trip – choose morning or afternoon – to snorkel out at Mackay and Undine Reefs and the most beautiful sandbar in pristine water with beautiful corals and marine life.
It was super bumpy on the way out and Emmie loved it, the water was the clearest I’ve ever seen and it is just not to me missed. We give this 10 out of 10. And we love Ocean Safari so much we did their cruise at Airlie Beach a few months later. Book your snorkel safari here.
Horse riding on the beach.
Emmie desperately wanted to do this one, and so I joined it and we both loved it – apart from a sore bum unused to sitting in a saddle. But it was just beautiful meandering through the rainforest and down to Myall Beach, and we spotted a big mama saltwater crocodile sunning herself on Myall Creek as we strolled past. The guides are really helpful and take photos for you down on the beach too. Another 10 out of 10! You can book your Cape Tribulation horse-riding trip here.
Daintree Discovery Centre
Don’t miss stopping here! I suggest doing it when you arrive if you get in before lunch or early afternoon, we went here as we were leaving and it would be better to not have a deadline as there is so much here to learn and see and it’s just an amazing place. From canopy walks to dinosaur exhibitions, five self guided tours, information about Indigenous culture and use of plants, wildlife and insects – you may even spot a cassowary! You’ll need at least a few hours at the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Cape Tribulation Boardwalks
The five boardwalks in Cape Tribulation take you on a journey through the Daintree Rainforest where you get up close with nature – and possibly wildlife, keep an eye out for those elusive cassowaries. The walks are signposted with information about the trees, ferns, and environment and are so amazingly fascinating. Our favourites were the Dubuji and Marrdja Walks. The walks are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs and there are toilets and seating at the start/finish.
Daintree Entomological (Insect) Museum
You’ll find incredible collection of butterflies, moths and beetles from around Australia and the world at this museum on Turpentine Road, just 17 kilometres from the ferry. Enjoy interactive live insect displays, self guided and interpretive tours. The Daintree Entomological Museum is another must do while you’re here.
Masons Cafe
Along the Cape Trib Road, a bit before the Safari Lodge is a fabulous café serving up great meals including hamburgers and steak sandwiches – our choice, we loved them –crocodile burgers, seafood and fresh produce grown in their garden. Eat up and then wander down behind the café to their own swimming hole. It’s chilly but gorgeous.
Float at Masons waterhole
Just behind Masons café this waterhole is croc and stinger free and perfect for a dip.
Swim and swing at Emmagen Creek
When we parked at the start of the small track to this swimming hole and saw the chickens it was reassuring – if crocs were around surely they wouldn’t be? Just a short stroll before the water crossing down near Cape Trib beach, this waterhole and rope swing is a beautiful way to cool off. Bring your snorkel and have a look around at the fish too. Drive along Cape Tribulation Road, past Cape Tribulation and stop at the parking just before the causeway. Follow the track to your left and you’ll find the swimming hole.
Ice cream at the Daintree Icecream Company
Stop off for a delicious ice cream made from home grown fruit at the Daintree Icecream Company. You can stroll around the grounds and take a self-guided tour of the orchard too. It’s open from 11am to 5pm daily.
Crocodile spotting tours
Seeing a croc on the banks of the Myall Creek was enough for us, but if you’re up for a tour there’s a few you can do here and get up close if that tickles your fancy. Tours run from near the ferry or in Daintree Village – there’s a really good list here.
The swing at Cow Bay + Cape Tribulation
The beach at Cow Bay is picturesque and has a swing that’s a popular photo op for many. Make sure to stop at Cape Tribulation beach for a wander and a photo of the Cape.
Full and half day tours.
If you don’t have the time or don’t want to go by yourself there are a bunch of small group full day and half day tours at Get Your Guide to choose from.