Remote ecotourism destination and stunning headland in Tropical North Queensland
Table of Contents
Welcome to my tourist visitor review of Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland! Here is how the post is structured.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Cape Tribulation?
3. Best time to visit Cape Tribulation
4. How to Get to Cape Tribulation
5. Cape Tribulation Beaches
6. Things To Do At Cape Tribulation
7. Cape Tribulation Tours and Excursion
8. Cape Tribulation Accommodation
9. Cape Tribulation Restaurants
10. Final Thought
11. FAQs
My aim is to provide you with the information you need to enjoy your time at this fantastic Queensland tourist attraction. Hopefully, once you have read this article, you will be inspired to go there!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
Visiting Cape Tribulation should be on the itinerary of every tourist to Tropical North Queensland. If you don’t believe me, consider the words of David Attenborough. He labelled it ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’.
Remote and beautiful, this idyllic headland is where two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest – spectacularly combine. The rainforest tumbles all the way down to the coastline, where only a thin sliver of sand separates it from the sparkling azure waters.
Entering the sand from the rainforest in this part of the Daintree National Park is an extraordinary feeling that will break you out in goosebumps. It is from there, where you can take a boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef or kayak to one of the islands nearby.
Situated about 35 km beyond the Daintree River crossing, Cape Tribulation is popular with day trippers from Cairns and backpackers.
It is full of amazing beaches where shells and driftwood form captivating natural sculptures after washing ashore. It’s also a place where you can ride a horse, go bush walking, hike to up to Mount Sorrow for sensational views or simply pitch a tent and enjoy the most relaxing of city detoxes.
To reach this beautiful remote area, visitors travelling from Cairns to Cape Tribulation must take the Daintree Ferry across the Daintree River.
Where is Cape Tribulation?
Located north of the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation is a remote headland that forms a coastal part of the Daintree Rainforest within the Daintree National Park in north east Queensland.
The region is characterised by a rugged coastline, dense rainforest and pristine beaches. It also features a tropical rainforest that is the oldest continually surviving one in the world.
Cape Tribulation lies about 85 km north of Port Douglas and about 140 km up from Cairns. It resides on land traditionally owned by the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and is known as Kulki in their indigenous language.
Its more common name was derived from Lieutenant James Cook. As the story goes, his vessel ran into the Endeavour Reef – just to the north-northeast of the headland – while he was trying to navigate his way through what he referred to as an ‘insane labyrinth’. Cook claimed that he named the point Cape Tribulation, as that is where most of his problems began.
Approx Distance from Cape Tribulation to Other Queensland Destinations
Best time to visit Cape Tribulation
Conventional wisdom will tell you that the best time to visit Cape Tribulation is during the months of May and November, which constitutes the dry season.
At this time you’ll find the temperatures much more pleasant than in other months of the year. The sky is also clearer, which makes for excellent photos and the various Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland and Cape Tribulation tours you can do are more enjoyable.
However, locals often refer to the wet season months of December to April as the ‘green season’, because the rainforest and bushland is a lot more lusher. It can get very hot and humid at this time of the year, with the mercury regularly topping 30 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity.
That said, as most of the rainfall takes place at night, you can witness the sheer beauty of Cape Tribulation Queensland at its most verdant.
How to Get to Cape Tribulation National Park
To reach this beautiful remote area, visitors travelling from Cairns to Cape Tribulation must take the Daintree Ferry across the Daintree River.
This ferry service is also the gateway to access communities like Kimberley and Diwan and beach destinations such as Thornton Beach and Cow Bay.
Crossings start at 5 am and stop at midnight every day of the year, including Christmas Day. You can find out more about ticket information here.
The ferry crossing is on Cape Tribulation Road. If you are coming up from Cairns Cape Tribulation Road, it is about a 90-minute drive, much of which takes place on the Captain Cook Highway.
You will need to make your way to Mossman Daintree Road, where you should see signage next to the Crossroads Cafe, advising to turn on to the 3.8 km stretch of road that leads to the tollbooth and ferry boarding ramp.
Driving is the best way to get to and around Cape Tribulation. However, if you don’t have your own vehicle you can hire one at various car rental places in the Cairns CBD and at the airport.
Once you have crossed the Daintree River, the main road is bitumen. Some minor roads may be unsealed, but they should be suitable for regular cars. Generally, you would only require a 4WD if you intend to head up towards Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track – which is not recommended for regular cars – or the CREB Track which extends beyond the Daintree Village. The latter of which should not be attempted by inexperienced 4WD drivers. You will need to be mindful that if the Cape Tribulation weather is bad, both of these tracks could be closed.
It is worth noting that you can still get to Cape Tribulation via Trans North Bus. If the conditions of the Bloomfield Track are good, this service comes from Cairns on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and goes all the way up to Cooktown. As it returns on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you will need to find somewhere suitable to stay overnight
Typically this service leaves Cairns at 7.30 am and Port Douglas sometime around 8.30 am. You can click here to see its timetable.
The best way to enjoy Cape Tribulation and the rest of the Daintree National Park is to spend a good few days there taking in as much of its incredible natural beauty as you possibly can.
Cape Tribulation Beaches
One of the principle drawcards of this fabulous Queensland tourist destination are the five main Cape Tribulation beaches that lie within it. They are as follows:
All of them offer something different, so you should make a point of visiting them if you can. However, Cape Tribulation Beach (aka Kulki) is the most popular (though it is never too busy).
It is located just north of the cape and features a fantastic lookout which showcases stunning views of the Coral Sea and surrounding coastal area. It is also a decent spot for kayaking.
Just before the cape, on its southern side, is Myall Beach. Its worth coming here to see the spectacular convergence of the two World Heritage sites, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. It really is a magnificent site.
Whichever beach you visit, you are not recommended to swim at any of them due to the presence of crocodile and marine stingers. It is also not a good idea to be on them before sunrise or after sunset, because that’s often when the crocs come out.
Approx Distance from Cape Tribulation to Other Australia Destinations
Things To Do At Cape Tribulation
Truth be told, there are so many things to do in Cape Tribulation that you could spend months there and still not experience the half of it. However, if you only have a few days or even hours at your disposal, you are going to need to prioritise your activities.
One of the first things you should do is check out the Daintree Rainforest. The world’s oldest continuously living rainforest is a fascinating place, and it contravenes Queensland law not to come here – or at least it should do.
Once there, make your way to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where a local Kuku Yalanji guide can take you on a fascinating Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. It begins with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony that will rid you of bad spirits before taking you through a lush rainforest where you will see traditional humpies (huts).
You should definitely take out one of the many boat tours that will take you to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Great Barrier Reef, and while you can’t swim on any of the beaches, you can enjoy a dip at Mason’s swimming hole or Emmagen Creek.
What you can do on the beach is photograph the scenery and take in a magnificent sunset. If you make your way over to Myall Beach you can even ride a horse. Alternatively, you can choose to hike up Mt Sorrow for spectacular views of the coastline.
If that sounds a bit too energetic for you, a fruit tasting tour of Cape Trib Farm might be a bit more appealing.
Cape Tribulation Tours and Excursion
When visiting Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park, you can choose to do so via an organised sightseeing tour or independently at your own pace.
If you decide to go on a sightseeing tour, your best best is to check out what is available at Get Your Guide and Viator.
Outlined below are some of the tours and excursions offered by Get Your Guide.
Likewise, here are some tours and excursions offered by Viator.
Whichever company you plan to use, their day trips and activities are very popular with tourists, so you would be well advised to book early to secure you spot.
Cape Tribulation truly is a special place, which everyone should make the effort to visit at least once in their lives.
Cape Tribulation Accommodation
The best way to enjoy Cape Tribulation and the rest of the Daintree National Park is to spend a good few days there taking in as much of its incredible natural beauty as you possibly can.
Despite being a remote area, there are several Cape Tribulation accommodation options you can book, which range from resorts and holiday houses to camping grounds and bed and breakfasts.
One of the most impressive is the Alkira Resort House and Rainforest Retreat. Powered by renewable energy, this award-winning, carbon-neutral, off-grid property was created by the acclaimed architect Charles Wright. It features six cantilevered wings that appear to almost hover above a lake.
The great thing about staying here is that it has been designated as a cyclone-proof Category 5 dwelling. So, it will offer you fantastic protection against whatever the elements will throw at you.
Another good choice is the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. This environmentally friendly, family-owned resort features five different room types, which range from a standard room option to a deluxe garden loft. All of them have en suite bathrooms and an excellent selection of amenities designed to make your stay a wonderful one.
If you are looking for a place with a pool, restaurant, and on-site bar, then you’ll want to stay at the Cape Tribulation Beach House. You won’t get Wi-Fi or internet service here, but it is the perfect place for those who want to be at one with nature – albeit with a few little luxuries.
For those wanting to enjoy Cape Tribulation camping, your best bet is Cape Trib Camping. Situated on the absolute beachfront, you’ll be able to see the sunrise every morning over the Coral Sea from your tent virtually in the sand.
Other Restaurants in Tropical North Queensland
Cape Tribulation Restaurants
There aren’t that many Cape Tribulation restaurants to choose from and even less that are open all year round. However, the ones which are, provide an excellent standard of meal.
One of the best venues to try is The Cassowary Restaurant. It’s relaxed atmosphere sets a wonderful mood in which to enjoy a delicious range of international dishes. The menu has strong Italian and Asian influences and features everything from crocodile and mussels to kangaroo and various seafood. If you are feeling hungry and dining with a mate, I would recommend the mixed grilled platter for two. It has kangaroo, chicken, crocodile and scotch fillet and comes with a healthy side of chips and salad.
Elsewhere, Masons Café is another good option. It is located next to a crocodile and stinger-free swimming hole, so it is a good place to visit after a swim. Once there, you’ll find a menu of delicious dishes and sweet treats, created, as much as possible, with locally sourced ingredients such as Mungalli Yoghurt, Misty Mountains milk, and fish snared right off the coast of the Daintree.
Another good option is the Turtle Rock Cafe. You’ll find this funky little cafe at the end of Cape Tribulation Drive and it is a terrific place to go for burgers, as well as healthy salads and baked goods like muffins and cakes.
As well as decent food, all of these places also serve up decent coffee. So, you will be able to get your caffeine fix as well as a good feed.
Final Thought
Cape Tribulation truly is a special place, which everyone should make the effort to visit at least once in their lives. Consisting of incredible landscapes including the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, it has a ‘time has stood still feel’ about it.
The great thing about coming here is that it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Cairns and other more popular tourist areas of Northeast Queensland. In fact, you won’t see many tourists at all. And therein lies its real beauty.
No wonder Sir David Attenborough gets so excited about it. No matter where you go, you pretty much have it to yourself.
FAQs
How Far Is Cape Tribulation from Cairns?
Cape Tribulation is approximately 140 km north of Cairns. It will take you about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive there via Cape Tribulation Road and the Captain Cook Highway. Although you should take the opportunity to stop off at other places along the way like Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Mosman.
What is the road from Cape Tribulation to Cairns like?
Both Cape Tribulation Road and The Captain Cook Highway are sealed roads that are well maintained. So you should have no problem driving on them, although you should exercise caution on their twists and turns. The Captain Cook Highway is an especially compelling drive as it showcases fantastic tropical beaches and rugged cliffs.
Can you drive a normal car to Cape Tribulation?
Yes you can drive a normal car to Cape Tribulation. The Daintree Ferry takes you over to the area and it can be accessed via regular vehicles all year round - except for when it has been raining heavily. The ferry takes you across the Daintree River and is an experience you should not miss.
Can you swim at Cape Tribulation National Park?
Swimming in the Coral Sea is not recommended at Cape Tribulation. While beaches and stoic waters are tempting marine stingers and estuarine crocodiles are present in these waters. There are also no lifeguards patrolling the area.
Can you go to Cape Tribulation with a guided tour?
Cape Tribulation is an easy area to explore on your own, so you don't need to book onto a tour. That said, if you do book a tour you will be able to take more of the scenery in as someone else is doing the driving. Additionally, an expert local guide will give more insight and facts about the area than you might otherwise get if you visited it independently.
