CAPE TRIBULATION
If you don't appreciate nature, don't come here. It's simple. There's no department stores here, no Burger King or Pizza Hut. In fact, just a few years ago, the only road north of the Daintree was a rutted dirt track, and rental cars were prohibited from being driven on it. Today, it is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. Welcome to Cape Tribulation, where the Rainforest meets the Reef!
REACHING CAPE TRIBULATION FROM CAIRNS IS NOT DIFFICULT, BUT BE AWARE THAT THE DAINTREE RIVER FERRY ONLY OPERATES FROM 6:00am TILL MIDNIGHT, AND REMEMBER THAT THE ROAD NORTH OF CAPE TRIBULATION IS SUITABLE FOR 4WD VEHICLES ONLY.
The coast of Cape Tribulation, about two and a half hours north of Cairns, is where the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef... the only place in the world where two such areas exist side by side, and you should feel privileged to be a visitor in this magnificent region.Cape Tribulation is actually a National Park, and has no real 'town centre'. If you're driving from Cairns, you'll pass through the area known as The Daintree, and cross the Daintree River by vehicle ferry (crossing the river takes just a few minutes and it's operational between 6am and midnight). North of the Daintree River, there is no grid-connected electrical power to the Daintree - Cape Tribulation area. Over 200 households function with renewable energy systems, making it the largest non-intentional renewable energy community in Australia, if not the world.
You've probably already read our DAINTREE page, and marvelled at the thought of wandering through the 135 million year old rainforest. Well, here's a few more rainforest facts for you. The Wet Tropics region represents just one-tenth of one percent of the land surface of the Australian continent, but it is home to:
* over 3,500 vascular plant species;
* Australia's largest range of ferns;
* the world's largest concentration of ancient flowering plants;
* nearly a quarter of Australia's frog species;
* the highest number of endemic mammals of any region in Australia;
* almost half of Australia's bird species;
* a greater diversity of freshwater fish than any other region in Australia;
* over 60% of Australia's butterflies
Cape Tribulation is a popular destination, but is not heavily developed. There is a general store, but if you have any specific needs, or you're planning to camp or cook your own meals, best you bring your supplies with you. The area is, however, well serviced as far as accommodation options, although you wouldn't know it as you drive through. Most are low key eco-lodges, tucked discretely into the rainforest. It's common for them to have their own restaurants.* Australia's largest range of ferns;
* the world's largest concentration of ancient flowering plants;
* nearly a quarter of Australia's frog species;
* the highest number of endemic mammals of any region in Australia;
* almost half of Australia's bird species;
* a greater diversity of freshwater fish than any other region in Australia;
* over 60% of Australia's butterflies
Cape Tribulation is nature itself, so everywhere you wander you will be rewarded with fantastic scenery, amazing flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, and breathtaking views of the area. If you feel energetic, you could try climbing Mount Sorrow. It will take a whole day but the views all the way to the Great Barrier Reef are well worth the trek.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - CAPE TRIBULATION
TOURS
OCEAN SAFARI
Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation
Phone (07) 4098 0006
www.oceansafari.com.au
The Great Barrier Reef in just 25 minutes!
Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating 25 minute ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.
This half day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations, Mackay and Undine Reefs, each with an extraordinary array of marine life, turtles and coral species.
A maximum of 25 passengers allows you to experience tropical paradise in the pleasure of a small group.
Often the coastal rainforest of the Daintree can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, two world heritage areas side by side.
Phone (07) 4098 0006
www.oceansafari.com.au
The Great Barrier Reef in just 25 minutes!
Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating 25 minute ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.
This half day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations, Mackay and Undine Reefs, each with an extraordinary array of marine life, turtles and coral species.
A maximum of 25 passengers allows you to experience tropical paradise in the pleasure of a small group.
Often the coastal rainforest of the Daintree can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, two world heritage areas side by side.
THE ADVENTURE COMPANY
287 Draper Street, Cairns
Phone (07) 4052 8300 / Fax (07) 4031 1373
Tollfree 1800 079 099
www.adventures.com.au
Cape Trib day tours AND overnight packages!
Enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure explore the majestic rainforest, pristine rivers and white sandy beaches of the World Heritage Listed Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Parks with The Adventure Company's professional, friendly and experienced guides.
Visit Port Douglas and Alexandra Lookout with magnificent views of the Daintree River and the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time at Mossman Gorge; enjoy a relaxed visit to Cape Tribulation Beach, and a delicious lunch at Cape Tribulation Beach House. Tour includes a Daintree River Wildlife Cruise.
You can even extend your Cape Tribulation experience and stay overnight to experience some of the exciting and adventurous activities and tours to do in this World Heritage area.
Phone (07) 4052 8300 / Fax (07) 4031 1373
Tollfree 1800 079 099
www.adventures.com.au
Cape Trib day tours AND overnight packages!
Enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure explore the majestic rainforest, pristine rivers and white sandy beaches of the World Heritage Listed Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Parks with The Adventure Company's professional, friendly and experienced guides.
Visit Port Douglas and Alexandra Lookout with magnificent views of the Daintree River and the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time at Mossman Gorge; enjoy a relaxed visit to Cape Tribulation Beach, and a delicious lunch at Cape Tribulation Beach House. Tour includes a Daintree River Wildlife Cruise.
You can even extend your Cape Tribulation experience and stay overnight to experience some of the exciting and adventurous activities and tours to do in this World Heritage area.
BILLY TEA SAFARIS
Phone (07) 4032 0077
Fax (07) 4032 0055
www.billytea.com.au
We carry travellers..... not tourists!!
Billy Tea Safaris is an Advanced Eco Accredited Operator specialising in small tours *maximum SIXTEEN passengers* per custom built high clearance 4WD vehicle with extra-large viewing windows.
Family owned business for 36 years which runs 4WD personalised day tours to the World Heritage Rainforest of Cape Tribulation, Daintree and part of the Bloomfield 4WD Track.
Enjoy a one hour Daintree River Cruise, guided Board Walk, BBQ lunch, hand feed wallabies, a refreshing freshwater swim, tropical fruits and Billy Tea and Damper, ancient forest and flora and fauna. Visit Cape Tribulation Beach.
Billy Tea Safaris also operates an Outback tour to the town of Chillagoe, this historical tour will step back in time to explore the 400 million years old Chillagoe Caves on a 1.5 hour tour with your National Park Ranger. Including a cruise at Mareeba Wetlands, Aussie Pub Lunch, agriculture land, historic mining towns, and viewing of Aboriginal rock art, flora and fauna.
Fax (07) 4032 0055
www.billytea.com.au
We carry travellers..... not tourists!!
Billy Tea Safaris is an Advanced Eco Accredited Operator specialising in small tours *maximum SIXTEEN passengers* per custom built high clearance 4WD vehicle with extra-large viewing windows.
Family owned business for 36 years which runs 4WD personalised day tours to the World Heritage Rainforest of Cape Tribulation, Daintree and part of the Bloomfield 4WD Track.
Enjoy a one hour Daintree River Cruise, guided Board Walk, BBQ lunch, hand feed wallabies, a refreshing freshwater swim, tropical fruits and Billy Tea and Damper, ancient forest and flora and fauna. Visit Cape Tribulation Beach.
Billy Tea Safaris also operates an Outback tour to the town of Chillagoe, this historical tour will step back in time to explore the 400 million years old Chillagoe Caves on a 1.5 hour tour with your National Park Ranger. Including a cruise at Mareeba Wetlands, Aussie Pub Lunch, agriculture land, historic mining towns, and viewing of Aboriginal rock art, flora and fauna.
DISCOVERY TOURS AUSTRALIA
Phone 1300 32 10 19
www.discoverytours.com.au
Premium personalised tours in small group comfort!
Discovery Tours Australia is a family owned and operated touring company with over 30 years of touring experience here in beautiful Far Northern Queensland and beyond.
EScape the crowds and immersing yourself in the beauty and vastness of what Australia truly has to offer, with scheduled and private tours for families, groups of friends, individuals and businesses who want to experience Far Northern Queensland or the Northern Territory.
Discovery Tours Australia specialise in small group tours leaving no rocks unturned in this expansive country with exclusive permits to breathtaking locations! We can personalise any charter and offer private tours! Anything from 1/2, Full or Multi Day touring options.
Driver guides are passionate and the best in the business, with an excellent safety record and a proven history with countless happy customers. We supply an experienced Guide to ensure your trip goes smoothly, utilising their bush skills and imparting their wealth of knowledge. As well as being fun and informative, these tours will introduce you to the wonders of indigenous culture, fauna, flora, botany, geology and history of our totally amazing continent.
www.discoverytours.com.au
Premium personalised tours in small group comfort!
Discovery Tours Australia is a family owned and operated touring company with over 30 years of touring experience here in beautiful Far Northern Queensland and beyond.
EScape the crowds and immersing yourself in the beauty and vastness of what Australia truly has to offer, with scheduled and private tours for families, groups of friends, individuals and businesses who want to experience Far Northern Queensland or the Northern Territory.
Discovery Tours Australia specialise in small group tours leaving no rocks unturned in this expansive country with exclusive permits to breathtaking locations! We can personalise any charter and offer private tours! Anything from 1/2, Full or Multi Day touring options.
Driver guides are passionate and the best in the business, with an excellent safety record and a proven history with countless happy customers. We supply an experienced Guide to ensure your trip goes smoothly, utilising their bush skills and imparting their wealth of knowledge. As well as being fun and informative, these tours will introduce you to the wonders of indigenous culture, fauna, flora, botany, geology and history of our totally amazing continent.
DOWN UNDER TOURS
Cairns
Phone (07) 4047 9097
www.downundertours.com
A huge selection of Cairns day tours and charter services!
Nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour just to the west of Cairns, Kuranda has been enchanting visitors for years. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' presents a bevy of tropical delights.
From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafes and restaurants, Kuranda has something to suit everybody.
Soar above the rainforest canopy in your Skyrail Gondola, be initiated into the ancient world of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people, or go back in time on the historic Kuranda Railway.
Step into the colour and excitement of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, be smitten by the Koalas in Koala Gardens, meander through local art galleries and Aboriginal Artefacts, or simply savour a locally made tropical fruit ice cream.
Down Under Tours offers a large variety of Kuranda Tours catering to every schedule and incorporating the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park and Rainforestation.
Phone (07) 4047 9097
www.downundertours.com
A huge selection of Cairns day tours and charter services!
Nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour just to the west of Cairns, Kuranda has been enchanting visitors for years. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' presents a bevy of tropical delights.
From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafes and restaurants, Kuranda has something to suit everybody.
Soar above the rainforest canopy in your Skyrail Gondola, be initiated into the ancient world of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people, or go back in time on the historic Kuranda Railway.
Step into the colour and excitement of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, be smitten by the Koalas in Koala Gardens, meander through local art galleries and Aboriginal Artefacts, or simply savour a locally made tropical fruit ice cream.
Down Under Tours offers a large variety of Kuranda Tours catering to every schedule and incorporating the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park and Rainforestation.
TURTLE ROCK CAFE
Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation
Phone (07) 4098 0185
www.turtlerockcafe.com.au
Dont miss the daily specials!
Situated 400m from the beach, the Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar offers fresh wholesome food, great coffee and outdoor dining, with a casual friendly atmosphere in the heart of Cape Tribulation. With a menu offering healthy sandwiches, burgers, cakes, muffins and delicious meals made to order, the Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar is also known for its great locally grown coffee and healthier food options for guests, including wraps and smoothies made from local exotic fruit.
The Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar showcases the wide variety of delicious produce the Tropical North Queensland region has to offer. Using Malanda milk, farm fresh eggs and cheese from the Southern Tablelands, Mareeba grown coffee, fresh produce from the Atherton Tablelands and locally grown exotic fruits (seasonal) you can experience the best of North Queensland produce in one place.
The Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar also offers a range of beer, wine and ciders which can be enjoyed on the tropical outdoor deck under the canopy of the rainforest. The cafe also caters for private events and functions.
Given the delicate, pristine environment in which Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar operates, the team are extremely environmentally conscious, using biodegradable and compostable packaging, cutlery, plates and coffee cups, which also feature the story of the traditional owners.
Phone (07) 4098 0185
www.turtlerockcafe.com.au
Dont miss the daily specials!
Situated 400m from the beach, the Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar offers fresh wholesome food, great coffee and outdoor dining, with a casual friendly atmosphere in the heart of Cape Tribulation. With a menu offering healthy sandwiches, burgers, cakes, muffins and delicious meals made to order, the Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar is also known for its great locally grown coffee and healthier food options for guests, including wraps and smoothies made from local exotic fruit.
The Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar showcases the wide variety of delicious produce the Tropical North Queensland region has to offer. Using Malanda milk, farm fresh eggs and cheese from the Southern Tablelands, Mareeba grown coffee, fresh produce from the Atherton Tablelands and locally grown exotic fruits (seasonal) you can experience the best of North Queensland produce in one place.
The Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar also offers a range of beer, wine and ciders which can be enjoyed on the tropical outdoor deck under the canopy of the rainforest. The cafe also caters for private events and functions.
Given the delicate, pristine environment in which Turtle Rock Cafe and Bar operates, the team are extremely environmentally conscious, using biodegradable and compostable packaging, cutlery, plates and coffee cups, which also feature the story of the traditional owners.
CAPE TRIB HORSE RIDES
Cape Tribulation
Phone 1800 111 124
www.capetribhorserides.com.au
Meandering through the rainforest, to the beautiful golden sands of Myall Beach!
Cape Trib Horse Rides is a locally owned and managed company located in one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. Cape Tribulation is the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. We provide a unique travel experience that will enrich you with a greater understanding of the cultural and environmental importance of our location.
Tours cater to all levels from beginners to experienced riders.
After being paired with a suitable horse, you will be introduced to your guide who will give you instructions and lead your tour. You will have the opportunity to walk your horse into the shallow waters of the ocean (clarity permitting and only at the discretion of the guide), providing great photo opportunities to capture your experience.
Phone 1800 111 124
www.capetribhorserides.com.au
Meandering through the rainforest, to the beautiful golden sands of Myall Beach!
Cape Trib Horse Rides is a locally owned and managed company located in one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. Cape Tribulation is the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. We provide a unique travel experience that will enrich you with a greater understanding of the cultural and environmental importance of our location.
Tours cater to all levels from beginners to experienced riders.
After being paired with a suitable horse, you will be introduced to your guide who will give you instructions and lead your tour. You will have the opportunity to walk your horse into the shallow waters of the ocean (clarity permitting and only at the discretion of the guide), providing great photo opportunities to capture your experience.
OTHER CAPE TRIBULATION TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
BEACHES
Have you ever dreamt of watching the sunset relaxing in one of those fabulous beaches you see in movies? Cape Tribulation and the whole area is well known world wide for its magnificent
deserted pristine beaches. Just one little tip: during the summer months, marine
stingers make of these waters their home and can be dangerous. COCONUT BEACH
Located only two kilometres south of Cape Tribulation it is Coconut Beach. To access this beach you will have to do it through the resort or from a bit further south where the road touches the beach. Right there there is a large fringing reef with a steep drop off, making the place a good fishing location. If you feel like walking, go north to the river mouth of Myall Creek but do not cross it or have a swim, it is an area inhabited by large crocs.
CAPE TRIBULATION BEACH
Only one kilometre south, it lies Cape Tribulation Beach, the showcase beach of the area. This beach, with its almost always calm and crystal clear waters, it is ideal for the kids. Although it may get a bit crowded by visitors.
EMMAGEN BEACHEmmagen Beach is situated eight kilometres to the north and it is easily accessible by driving, walking or cycling. If you happen to be there on low tide, you can make your way back to Cape Tribulation along the beach. Do not miss the turn off, located at Strangler Fig just before Emmagen Creek.
DONOVANS BEACH
Four kilometres further north there is Donovans Beach, recommended for the intrepid explorer looking for solitude. Make sure you are equipped with a four-while drive car or a mountain bike. And watch out for crocs, they seem to like the area a lot.
NOAHS BEACH
Also south of Cape Tribulation there is Noahs Beach, with a camping ground which is frequently occupied. Visitors must self-register themselves in the booth located at the entrance to the National Park where the beach is.
THORNTON BEACH
Thornton Beach is a charming and pleasant small beachside communitiy south of Cape Tribulation, with a very relaxed lifestyle. It features a golden pristine beach, with white sand and translucid waters.
This community has a very important meaning for the women of the Kuku Yananji people. They have a tribal believe that Thornton Beach is a place that can stimulate fertility. Some time ago, these women used to spend time in this beach before going to Struck Island where they received their tribal scards and other marks of womanhood.
COW BAY
Cow Bay is located further south of Cape Trib. Boasting a pristine beach with three palm fringed bays and beautiful inshore reefs Cow Bay is named after the Sea Cows or Dugongs that graze on the sea grass meadows in the bay. It really is a amazing part of the Daintree, rich in rare flora and fauna.
There are some fine restaurants and cafes, some of which will even cook your catch for dinner. If this is your option, Cow Bay provides a wide range of environments from where to fish: off the beach or the rocks, fishing on the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree River.
WALKING TRACKS
The area is also fabulous for hiking enthusiasts, it provides a wilderness experience that it is considered as one of the most challenging and exotic in the world. There is a hiking track for everybody, but whichever you choose, there are a few things to remember: bring always with you enough supplies of drinking water, wear long pants, even a long sleeve shirt in order to repel leaches and protect your skin from brushes, tell at least one person where you intend to go, do not take any shortcut through the rainforest and stick to elevated boardwalks and marked tracks. And last, but not least, do not leave anything behind you, only your footprints. And take nothing with your but photographs!!!.MYALL BEACH WALK
The Myall Beach to Cape Tribulation Beach walk is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Access Myall Beach from Cape Tribulation village and from there walk for a kilometre heading towards the cape until you get to a little creek. It is advisable to cross the creek at low tide, when it is not so deep, or you will get your boots completely soaked. Walk another 200 metres until you reach a sign pointing to Cape Trib beach. You will be guided through the rainforest and over the Cape Trib headland to Cape Trib beach car park. To go back to Myall Beach you only have to retrace your steps through the rainforest or follow the road to the village. the whole walk shouldn't take you longer than 90 minutes.
DUBIJI BOARDWALK
The Dubiji Boardwalk is 1.8 kilometres long and takes you through the rainforest and mangroves. The informative signs along the way are a great way to discover stories about the plants and animals living in the area. Keep following the boardwalk and you will return to the Dibuji car park, the place where you started. Allow one hour for the round trip.
MARDJA BOTANICAL WALK
South of Cape Tribulation there is a path that meanders its way through the rainforest until it reaches Oliver Creek. It is the Mardja Botanical Walk. Informative signs along the way are very interesting. It is a walk popular with tourists, so, to experience the hiking at its best, we highly recommend hiking early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it will not take you longer than half an hour.
And only for fit keen bushwalkers, the Mount Sorrow Ridge hike is the most challenging one in the area. The walking trail starts at the National Park Office at Cape Tribulation, where you can get detailed maps of the area. Athough it is a strenuos trail, it leads high into the mountains located behing Cape Tribulation. And the views of the whole area from this point are just amazing, and definetely worh the six hour return walk.
JINDALBA BOARDWALK
On the Daintree-Cape Tribulation Road you can find and enjoy the Jindalba Boardwalk. Jindalba is the name the Kuku Yalanji people have traditionally given to this area. The walk is no longer than 700 metres and the signposts along the way will give you a very good idea of the complexities of the rainforest structure and how different species have evolved to survive in the different environments. There is a possibility to spot one of the elusive cassowaries that inhabit the area. It is a beautiful walk that you shouldn't miss if you are in the area.
There is also the Jindalba Circuit Track which begins near the entrance of the Jindalba boardwalk. It is 3 kilometres - takes 2-3 hours
BIRDWATCHING
Have we told you before that the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, and contains the richest variety of fauna in Australia? Well, if you are a birdwatching enthusiast, you ought to be congratulated; you have come to one of the best spots on earth. Birdwatching can be done at your leisure, because every single square metre of the area is inhabited by our little, or not so little, feathered friends. But if you would like to get a better insight in the birdwatching possibilities in the area, there is a huge number of companies running birdwatching tours. It is up to you to choose whether you want to embark on a tour at sunset, at dawn or in the middle of the day. Leave the rest to the real specialists on birdwatching, sit back and enjoy a world like no other.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
DAINTREE DISCOVERY CENTRE Cnr Cape Tribulation Road and Tulip Oak Road, Cow Bay, Phone/Fax (07) 4098 9171. Open every day except Christmas Day, from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
While in the area, if you want to expand your knowledge about the rainforest, visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, establised in 1989, for a in-depth introduction to the fabulous Daintree Forest. This award-winning world class interpretive facility, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and explore the rainforest in Far North Queensland, one of the few remaining unspoiled stretches of lowland through boardwalk tours, a 23 metre high Canopy Tower, Aerial Walkway and comprehensive Display Centre.
THE BAT HOUSE
Phone (07) 4098 0063, Fax (07) 4098 0063.
NOT OPERATING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Besides giving visitors the opportunity to meet a flying fox, the Bat House provides environmental and tourist information on the region, and the research activities of the Station are highlighted. During the evenings, the Bat House serves as a meeting place and as a small lecture theatre.
SPA/MASSAGES
Daintree Natural Therapies and Spa, Heritage Lodge, Turpentine Road, Cape Tribulation, Phone/ Fax (07) 4098 9133.
Daintree Natural Therapies and Spa specialises in Aromatherapy Clay and Mud wraps, salt glows and body brushing. Using the vichy shower to reviatalise your skin and creating a detox with the energising mountain spring water from this ancient resource. Other specialties are treatment including aroma facials, a variety of massages and the Traditional treatment of ear candling.
Regenerate yourself in the tranquill setting of one of the worlds oldest living relies of Nature, the beautiful Daintree Rainforest.
ACCOMMODATION - CAPE TRIBULATION
Cape Tribulation accommodation is remarkably low key, but there is a wide choice. There are self contained apartments and luxurious holiday homes for the travelling family or group, and backpackers hostels and campgrounds for those seeking budget accommodation. There is bed and breakfast accommodation in Cape Tribulation, as well as resorts, eco lodges and spas. For a comprehensive list of all the holiday accommodation options available in Cape Tribulation use the buttons on the right to choose your style of Cape Tribulation holiday accommodation or please visit our CAPE TRIBULATION HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION page.