Cairns Connect Overview
Cape Tribulation is one of the truly magnificent areas of Australia. Lush tropical rainforests, crystal clear swimming creeks, long sandy beaches and plenty of things to see and do. It can be busy at times but a visit to North Queensland would not be complete without spending at least a day in Cape Tribulation. Going for a horse ride along the beach at sunset is hard to beat.

Population
Part of the Port Douglas Shire, 3800 people in total.

Distance from closest major city
Approximately 140 km north of Cairns (well sign posted but does involve crossing the Daintree River by car ferry).

History
Cape Tribulation was named by Captain Cook as this was the area where his vessel, the Endeavour ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef. Other areas that reflected his despair at the time include Mt Sorrow and Weary Bay. This was obviously not a pleasant part of the Endeavour's journey.

Daintree River Crossing, Cape Tribulation

Feel of the town
Cape Tribulation is a National Park and there is no real centre. Cow Bay is just north of the Daintree Ferry and there are small pockets of settlement located along the main road. There are magnificent, wide beaches with very clear, blue water. The rainforest joins the sandy beaches making it unique as an area where two World Heritage areas meet. Cape Tribulation has a special feel to it and those people that love nature and the outdoors will really enjoy this National Park.

Things to see
Great beaches, great rainforest and stunning scenic lookouts sum up Cape Tribulation. There are freshwater creeks that are hidden in rainforest clad valleys. These are perfect for a cool swim and they are stinger and crocodile free (but always check for warning signs before swimming).

Things to do
Like most National Park areas, activities revolve around bush walking, swimming and exploring. There are a number of tour operators working in the area that provide diving and reef trips, fishing, horse riding and guided bush walks. The Marrdja Botanical Walk is an excellent 800m boardwalk at Noah Creek, which follows the Creek through the rainforest. There are numerous day tours available from Cairns and Port Douglas and Coral Coaches run scheduled services daily. If you are planning to hire a car make sure that you are allowed to take it across the Daintree Ferry to Cape Tribulation. If you are not allowed you can lose your deposit crossing the Ferry as it is considered off road.

» Visit Tours To Go’s extensive range of Cape Tribulation tours

Beach Horse Riding, Cape Tribulation

Places to Stay
Cape Tribulation has a good range of accommodation with most properties taking full advantage of the rainforest setting by providing light and airy rooms. Backpackers are very well catered for. Over the past five years there has also been an increase in the amount of three and four star resort style accommodation available. Due to the remoteness of Cape Tribulation it is advisable to book your accommodation beforehand from either Cairns or Port Douglas. There are plenty of locations where you can camp in Cape Tribulation generally with good facilities. You must camp in designated areas.

» Visit the Daintree Rainforest website’s Cape Tribulation accommodation

Places to Eat
There are a number of good restaurants, cafes and roadside takeaway stores. Most accommodation properties have a restaurant of some sort attached.

» Visit Cairns Dining’s Daintree and Cape Tribulation sections

Services
Services are generally quite limited in Cape Tribulation. If you need anything in particular it is better to buy it and take it with you. If you are planning to camp or cook your own meals the same recommendation applies, take it with you.