Although only a small area, there are plenty of things to do in Cape Tribulation and the Daintree both paid and free.
There’s only a tiny community at Cape Tribulation (Cape Trib), but with activities like camping, and exploring the rainforest, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.
Location – Where Is Cape Tribulation?
Located in Far North Queensland, Cape Tribulation is a beautiful coastal section of the Daintree National Park. With tropical rainforests inland and coastal reefs offshore, Cape Tribulation is an area of Australia like no other. It’s where the rainforest meets the reef.
Cape Tribulation Map
Cape Tribulation And The Daintree At A Glance
Here are some quick stats about Cape Tribulations
| Population | 123 (2021) |
| Location | Brisbane to Cape Tribulation 1847 km Townsville to Cape Tribulation 485 km Cairns to Cape Tribulation 140 km Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation 85 km Mossman To Cape Tribulation 64.2 km Cooktown To Cape Tribulation 102 km |
| Main Economy | Tourism and Hospitality |
| Climate | Wet Tropics |
| Summer Temperature | 32℃ |
| Winter Temperature | 25℃ |
| Average Rainy Days | 136 days per year |
Cape Tribulation Weather
The weather in Cape Tribulation shows two very different seasons: the wet season falls between November and March, and the dry season is from April to October. While the dry season is the best time to visit, you’ll still enjoy Cape Tribulation no matter what the weather is like when you’re there.
And…sometimes the weather makes you realise there are no set rules. It poured for our first 4 days in Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation in August when we visited!
Things to Do In Cape Tribulation And The Daintree
Cape Tribulation, QLD, is famous for the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park rainforest Here, you’ll find incredible scenery, friendly people, and many ways to have fun.
There’s so much to see and do, and the most challenging thing is going to be working out what to do in Cape Tribulation with the amount of time you have there.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience, or you’re travelling on a budget, there’s a range of activities to suit everyone. To help you plan your Cape Tribulation trip, we’ve put together a list of the best 19 things to do, and so much more.
First, we’ll start with the paid things to do.
1. Zipline Through The Rainforest
One of the best ways to see the Daintree Rainforest is by ziplining through it! Treetops Adventure offers an exciting zipline tour that takes you 15m above the ground, on several different ziplines, and along boardwalks and suspension bridges. No matter what your age or ability, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rainforest.
Hot Tip: Book early or you will either miss out on your ideal time and have to wait or miss out altogether.
Click here for more information and to book for ziplining in Cape Tribulation
2. Horseback Ride On The Beach
Horseback riding is a different way to explore Mayall Beach, and the Daintree Rainforest, and this is one of the best activities in the area.
Whether you’re an experienced rider, or this is your first time on a horse, you’ll be able to find a tour that suits you and helps you explore this magical part of Australia.
Click here for more information and to book your horse riding tour in Cape Tribulation
3. Explore The Forest In A Four Wheel Drive
You don’t need a 4WD to explore the Upper Daintree and some parts of Cape Tribulation as the main road is bitumen. North of PK’s Jungle you will need a 4WD as it’s a dirt/gravel road.
It’s the start of the famous Bloomfield Track heading north. We will cover driving Bloomfield later in this article.
If you visit Cape Trib and don’t have a 4WD there are plenty of 4WD tours you can take. It is a comfortable, and very fun way to see some of the highlights of the forest, without getting too sweaty on a hike.
Click here for more information and to book your 4wd Tour in Cape Tribulation
4. Kayak At Cape Tribulation Beach
To explore the shoreline of Cape Tribulation Beach, and get a great view of the rainforest from a new perspective, rent some kayaks and head out onto the water. Kayaking is fun and easy, and it’s the perfect addition to your perfect day at the beach.
Click here for more information and to book your kayaking Cape Tribulation Tour
5. Visit The Daintree Discovery Centre
A visit to the Discovery Centre is a must when visiting Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
It’s easily accessible via a bitumen road, and although the car park is dirt, you’ll have no problems parking as the dirt is compacted and hard.
The day we visited a couple had a medium-sized hybrid
Parking a 4WD and
Here is a fraction of the things to do and see at the Discovery Centre
Climb the canopy tower
Walk the Ariel walkways
Read the history of the Daintree
Watch a few documentaries
Read the themed interactive displays
Walk the boardwalks
Climbing the canopy tower and wandering the walkways takes around an hour and a half. However, we recommend you allow half a day for your visit as there is so much to see and do!
Click here for more information and to book the Discovery Centre
Low Coast And Free Things To Do In Cape Tribulation And The Daintree
If you are travelling on a budget, don’t worry, there are a lot of free things to do in Cape Tribulation too.
6. Relax at Cape Tribulation Beach
The main beach here, and the most popular one, is Cape Tribulation Beach. It has golden sands and beautiful blue waters, making it the perfect place to sunbathe or just wander the shoreline.
7. Wander Along The Dubuji Boardwalk
You can’t visit Cape Tribulation without exploring the Daintree Rainforest, and one of the best places to do that is along the Dubuji Boardwalk. it is simply stunning!
There are several boardwalks in the area, including the Madja Boardwalk and the Kulki Boardwalk, however Dubuji is our favourite because it’s easy to get to, it’s a short 1.3km loop, and it showcases some of the best of the Daintree Rainforest.
8. Swim at Emmagen Creek
You might have heard about the Blue Hole at Cape Tribulation, but that’s not a spot we recommend swimming at. It’s sacred to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People, and you shouldn’t enter without permission.
However, there are other great places to swim in Cape Trib. To cool off on a hot day, take a trip to Emmagen Creek, and jump into the water hole. This swimming spot is one of our favourites, and the cool clean water under the shady trees will leave you feeling very refreshed.
There’s an unsealed road leading to Emmagen Creek, but most 2WD vehicles don’t have a problem getting there. On the way, you’ll also be able to stop and look at the Giant Cape Tribulation Stranger Fig Tree, it’s an old massive tree stretching high into the sky.
9. Visit Myall Beach
Myall Beach is located in the south of Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the ocean.
Here, you’ll find palm trees, and more golden sand and turquoise waters. Myall Beach can’t be reached directly by car, instead, it’s a short walk over the Cape Tribulation headland ridge, and through the forest, which makes it feel all the more remote and magical.
10. hike the Mount Sorrow Ridge
For a more technical hiking trip, try the day walk out on the Mount Sorry Right Trail. It’s just over 7km out and back, and it involves some steep climbs up approximately 700m, but the view absolutely makes it worth it.
On this trail, you hike up through the rainforest to a lookout platform, where you can enjoy expansive views out along the Cape Tribulation coastline, and out to the ocean. This is one of the most popular day hikes in Cape Tribulation.
11. Drive To Alexandra Lookout
Another great way to explore Cape Tribulation for free is by driving to the Alexandra Lookout.
This lookout is just a short drive north of the Daintree River, and from the viewing platform, you’ll get incredible views of the rainforest, as well as views out to the ocean.
12. Picnic At Thornton Beach
Thornton Beach is another hidden gem in Cape Tribulation, and it’s a beautiful place to spend the day.
It’s easily accessible by car, with picnic tables and public toilets, which makes it a convenient spot to bring the whole family. Just offshore from Thornton Beach is the tiny but picturesque Struck Island, with a rocky shore and a few trees.
13. Swim At The Swimming Hole Behind Masons Cafe
When visiting either the grocery store or cafe at Mason’s, you can access a swimming hole, just a short few minutes walk, and you will find Thompsons Creek. It’s safe to swim there as there are no Crocs.
We didn’t swim the day we visited as it was pouring rain, and like most of the water in creeks in Cape Trib and the Daintree, the water was freezing!
14. Drive The Bloomfield Track
Whilst staying in the Daintree and Cape Trib, we drove the Bloomfield track from south to north, then back again. It was a great day trip from Cape Tribulation.
You will need a 4WD to drive the track as there are 31-degree inclines. There are also a few inclines and declines of 24 degrees.
Whether to drive the Bloomfield track towing a
There are many parts of the track where the canopy of the trees meets each other. It feels like you are driving through a tunnel in areas. Also, there are a few low-hanging tree branches growing out at an angle towards the track. Our van wouldn’t pass under these trees. Like this one, for example…
Plus, in some areas of the track it narrows to one tight lane. We’re unsure what would happen if you drove up one of the many sharp inclines on the dirt track and met an oncoming 4WD towing a
Call us chicken. We are glad about our decision to town the
If you tow a hybrid van, small van or camper trailer you could probably drive the track. We spoke with a guy where we camped and he had come down the track with his family. He drove a Chevie and towed a large Lotus off-road
15. Visit Daintree Tea Plantation
Did you know there is a tea plantation in the Daintree? It surprised me to see tea growing in the area, although thinking about it, the area is wet enough as the average rainfall days suggest in the table above.
The plantation was established in 1978 by the Nicholas family, who still run it today. The 100% Australian-owned and grown tea is available in Australia and shipped worldwide.
There is no official tour of the plantation with a tour guide. Instead, you can read the information boards and even by some tea (honour system) and see some old farm implements used on the farm.
16. Eat An Organic Ice Cream
I had the delicious chai ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Kev sampled the strawberry and enjoyed it too. The ice creams are pre-assembled in tubs so no waiting around.
Set in a beautiful rainforest you can also grab a coffee, sit at one of the many tables and chairs and kick back and enjoy your ice cream and gardens.
Cape Tribulation Tours
One of the best ways to make the most of your time in Cape Tribulation is by taking a tour. There are many different tours that you can take here, including:
17. Ocean Safari Tour
Ocean Safari tour is one of the best tours you can take in Cape Tribulation.
While the Daintree Rainforest attracts much attention, the Great Barrier Reef, just offshore from Cape Tribulation, also gets much attention. The reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s one of our favourite places to explore.
Booking into an Ocean Safari tour will allow you to go snorkelling in several different areas and see a wide range of incredible marine life and corals.
Click here for more information and to book your Ocean Safari Tour
18. Crocodile Spotting Tour
Cape Tribulation is incredibly beautiful, and it’s also home to many of Australia’s fiercest animals, the Crocodile. While you wouldn’t want to get up close and personal with one of these creatures on your own, joining a crocodile spotting tour is the perfect way to see them.
There are several different companies that offer crocodile tours, and they all give you the opportunity to see not just crocodiles but other incredible wildlife and nature as well.
Click here For More Information and To Book Your Crocodile Tour
19. Cairns to Cape Tribulation
If you’re short on time, we can recommend taking a day trip to Cape Tribulation as part of a 1-day tour from Cairns.
Companies like Daintree Rainforest Tours offer these packages, transporting you up to Cape Tribulation, allowing you to enjoy a range of activities once you’re there, and then bringing you back to Cairns.
Click Here For More Information and To Book Your Cairns To Cape Tribulation Tour
20. Exotic Fruit Farm Tour
Many of the farms around Cape Tribulation grow incredible, exotic fruit. Places like Cape Trib Farm offer exotic fruit tasting tours, where you can inspect, smell, and taste some of the 70 unusual fruits that grow there.
These fruit include Chocolate Pudding Fruit, and Mamey Sapote… as well as many others you’ll never have heard of or seen!
Click Here For More Information And To Book Your Exotic Fruit Tour
21. Jungle Surfing Tours
Jungle Surfing Tour was a ziplining company. If you are looking for Jungle Surfing Tours in Cape Trib or the Daintree, unfortunately, this company is closed.
As mentioned above you can still go ziplining or jungle surfing with this company.
Click here to find more information and to book your zipling tour
Cape Tribulation Camping
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of Cape Tribulation is to camp. There is no free camping in Cape Tribulation, and wild camping is strictly prohibited.
The Daintree National Park is a protected area, so it’s important that you only park your
While there’s no free camping, there are still some fantastic sites to camp that are cheap and will make your time in Cape Tribulation very memorable.
1. Noah Beach Camping
The Noah Beach Camping area is run by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, and it’s the only national park camping area around.
It has simple facilities, including non-flushing toilets and spaces to park your campervan or car, or just set up your tent. It’s only open in the dry season, however, so make sure you check the opening dates before you plan your trip here.
While you do still have to pay a fee, camping at Noah’s Beach is the cheapest accommodation option you’ll find in Cape Tribulation.
There isn’t an exact address for Noah Beach Camping, however, you can download a handy map here.
2. Daintree Rainforest Village
The Daintree Rainforest Village is the only place to camp if you want to be totally immersed in the rainforest. This campsite boasts rolling green hills, sheltered campsites (great for the rainy season), and a range of different powered and unpowered options.
The Daintree Rainforest Village also has laundry and cooking facilities, a campfire, and wifi. This is also a great place to consider if you’re looking for a
| Address | 2094 Cape Tribulation Rd, Diwan QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| stay@daintreerainforestvillage.com.au | |
| Phone | 0466 658 399 |
3. Cape Tribulation Camping
Cape Tribulation Camping, also known as Cape Trib Camping, is a beautiful beachfront campground with a range of accommodation options.
This is a good campsite to choose if you’re planning to bring your
| Address | 3812 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| stay@capetribcamping.com.au | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 0077 |
4. Daintree Siesta
This
The amenities are lovely and clean and there is a restaurant in the main building housing reception where you check in. Lunch and dinner are served daily. They are closed for dinner on Saturday evenings.
On Wednesday and Sunday evenings, there is live music for a couple of hours.
You can also hike on the walking tracks in the rainforest where the
We enjoyed our stay at Daintree Siesta even though we didn’t spy a Cassawary!
| Address | 1973 Cape Tribulation Rd, Diwan QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| welcome@daintreesiesta.com.au | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 9155 |
Cape Tribulation Shops
Cape Tribulation certainly isn’t the destination to choose if you want to go on a shopping spree. There are several shops here, though, and for food, personal items, and other essentials, the two local stores have you covered.
Don’t expect to pay the prices you do at Woolies and Coles, though. Given the remoteness of the Upper Daintree and Cape Trib the prices you’ll pay will be higher than you are used to.
1. Mason’s Store
Mason’s Store is located near the centre of Cape Tribulation, on Cape Tribulation Road and is one of the shops in Cape Trib to pick up your supplies.
Here you can supplement your grocery shop, picking up fresh fruit, vegetables and other food. There’s a bottle store attached, so you can buy alcohol, including beer and wine. And that’s not all, as Mason’s Store also stocks clothing, beach equipment and interesting local products.
| Address | 3781 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| lawrence@masonstours.com.au | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 0070 |
2. Friendly Grocer Convenience Store
Right in the middle of Cape Tribulation, Friendly Grocer is another excellent place to pick up your supplies. it is the largest of all the stores and has a great offering of groceries and fresh fruit and veg.
Here you can find your daily essentials such as bread, milk and meat, but you’ll also be able to buy extras for your day out, including fishing supplies and ice creams.
Plus, at Friendly Grocer Convenience Store, you can get some Cape Tribulation souvenirs to take home, including postcards and t-shirts.
| Address | 3910 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| fgcapetrib@westnet.com.au | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 0100 |
3. Daintree Rainforest Village Shop And Fuel
This little shop is a great place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables from local growers. Depending when you visit will depend on what is stocked due to the season.
Their cyovaced meat is supplied from the local Mossman butcher and Tableland farms.
Other dry groceries are also available. The store also has camping gear, a bit of hardware, a post office box, a public telephone, ATM and is the only place where you can fill up with either, premium, unleaded petrol and diesel north of the Daintree River.
| Address | 2094 Cape Tribulation Rd, Diwan QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| stay@daintreerainforestvillage.com.au | |
| Phone | 0466 658 399 |
Cafes and Restaurants In Cape Tribulation
While Cape Tribulation is refreshingly remote, you can still get excellent coffee and good food here. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are several cafes and restaurants to visit, including:
1. Thornton’s Cafe
Located right on Thornton’s beach, Thornton’s Cafe was our favourite place to eat when visiting Cape Tribulation.
You’ll find some of the best fish and chips in town. You can’t beat fresh fish, eaten with an ocean view. We ate at Thornton’s a few times and also bought 2 of the housemade sourdough bread.
With only 3 in the team, they were undoubtedly under the pump some days. However, the food and service were excellent and the team happy and cheerful.
| Address | 2588 Cape Tribulation Rd, Thornton Beach QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| Phone | 0421 094 791 |
2. WHET Cafe, Bar & Restaurant
Whet Cafe, Bar & Restaurant is located in the Daintree Rainforest, and it’s a great place to visit for lunch and dinner. WHET also grows its own fruit and sources other products locally.
The menu here offers something for everyone, especially vegans, vegetarians, or those looking for gluten-free choices.
We ate lunch at Whet, and what was promised to be a fantastic dish was a bit disappointing. We ordered the special of the day, Barramundi. The sauce accompanying the dish was delicious. However, the broccoli was cold, and the fish was raw in the middle. Even when the dish was returned, the broccoli was still cold! And the bottle of wine we ordered was warm.
The owner apologised when she returned our meals to the table. She also said one of the meals would be complimentary. However, when we paid the bill, it wasn’t adjusted, and if we hadn’t mentioned that there was no charge for one of the meals, we would have paid the full price.
We arrived about half an hour before the kitchen closed, so perhaps that’s why the dish wasn’t up to scratch.
| Address | LOT 1 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| whetcbr@gmail.com | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 0007 |
3. The Cassowary Restaurant
Located in the Daintree Rainforest, as part of the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, The Cassoway Restaurant is another special place to visit to enjoy food in Cape Tribulation. Or even to enjoy your favourite beverage with a rainforest view. They have a good range of drinks, and the menu showcases excellent Australian wines.
| Address | 36 Camelot Cl, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| Bookings@cassowaryrestaurant.com | |
| Phone | (07) 4212 4058 |
4. Mason’s Cafe
You can’t miss visiting Mason’s Cafe while you’re in Cape Tribulation because this fantastic spot never disappoints.
Mason’s Cafe specialises in using produce grown on the farm next door or other locally sourced products. They’re known for making a great burger, excellent fish and chips, and being one of the best places to try eating Crocodile!
| Address | 3781 Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873 |
|---|---|
| lawrence@masonstours.com.au | |
| Phone | (07) 4098 0070 |
Places to Stay In Cape Tribulation
If you are not into camping and caravanning, there are other types of accommodation in Cape Trib and the Daintree.
Finding accommodation in Cape Tribulation is easy, no matter what style you’re looking for or the budget you’re working with. We’ve covered some of the best camping above, but here are some of our top picks for other places to stay.
1. Wildwood
Wildwood Cape Tribulation is a hidden gem regarding accommodation in Cape Tribulation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the main beach and houses up to 12 guests on 15 acres of private rainforest.
This special place to stay has a large house, self-contained cabins, a private swimming pool, and even a sizeable exotic orchard to wander around.
Click here for more information and to book Wildwood
2. Mist At Cape Tribulation
Mist is another special place to stay in Cape Tribulation, and it’s also set in the Daintree Rainforest.
This is true luxury accommodation, and it’s a peaceful, calm environment with beautiful expansive views and a focus on sustainability.
Click here for more information and to book Mist At Cape Tribulation
3. Cape Trib Beach House
You can’t beat the Cape Trib Beach House for something closer to the ocean. This accommodation is set on a private part of the Cape Tribulation Beach and also includes an onsite bar and restaurant and a pool.
Click here for more information and to book the Cape Trib Beach House
4. Coconut Beach House
The Coconut Beach House sleeps eight people and is a luxurious private property you can rent. It’s set on 17 acres, and the house is just 500m away from the beach, set in the Daintree Rainforest.
This property has a two-night minimum stay, but you wouldn’t want to stay any less!
Click here for more information and to book the Coconut Beach House
5. Rainforest Hideaway
Rainforest Hideaway has been called Cape Tribulation’s “most unique accommodation”, and we can see why. You’ll find independent cabins, almost like treehouses, tucked away in the rainforest.
It is a hideaway. You certainly won’t be bored here with a sculpture garden to wander, exotic fruit tasting and crocodile spotting opportunities.
Click here for more information and to book the Rainforest Hideaway
6. Ferntree Rainforest Hotel
For a luxury hotel experience, the Ferntree Rainforest Hotel is the perfect place to stay. You can book individual rooms or entire cabins and lofts to house you and your family.
There’s a brilliant restaurant on site and lots of exciting activities to do, so this is another great choice for your accommodation at Cape Tribulation.
Click here for more information and to book Ferntree Rainforest Hotel
Getting To Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is in Far North Queensland. While it’s a remote location, you can still drive there, take a bus, or even get on a ferry. To help you plan your trip, here are some tips on how to get to Cape Tribulation.
1. Driving From Port Douglas
Port Douglas is one of the closest major towns to Cape Tribulation, and it’s just over an 80km drive to get there.
This drive is along a very scenic road, and there’s a lot to see and stop at on the way. We suggest taking the time to have a break at the Mossman Gorge, Cape Kimberley, and Cooya Beach.
2. Driving From Cairns
Another good starting place for your trip to Cape Tribulation is Cairns.
It’s a 140km drive from Cairns, and it will take around 3 hours. A lot of the road is the same as the trip from Port Douglas, so again, we recommend planning a few breaks and stopping to check out some of the beautiful spots you’ll find along the way.
3. Catching the Daintree Ferry
If you’re driving to Cape Tribulation from Mossman, you must catch the car ferry.
The Daintree Ferry helps cars and passengers to cross the wide Daintree River up to Cape Tribulation. The ferry operates daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year. Yes, even on Christmas Day!
4. Buses To Cape Tribulation
While no public transport buses take you to Cape Tribulation, you’ll still be able to hop on board a bus from Cairns or Port Douglas and head up there.
If this is your preferred way of travelling, you’ll need to book with a tour company, and they can help arrange a trip to Cape Tribulation for you too. Many packages include tour guides, or extra activities, so this can be a great way to make the most out of your time in Cape Tribulation.
Cape Tribulation FAQs
What Is Cape Tribulation?
Cape Tribulation sits within the Daintree National Park and is renowned for being a point where two World Heritage Sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. You’ve got lush, tropical rainforest one minute and stunning coral reefs the next — it’s a nature lover’s dream.
Where Is Cape Tribulation Located?
Located in Far North Queensland, Cape Tribulation is a beautiful coastal section of the Daintree National Park. With tropical rainforests inland and coastal reefs offshore, Cape Tribulation is an area of Australia like no other. It’s where the rainforest meets the reef.
How Far Is Cape Tribulation From Cairns?
140 km
How to Get To Cape Tribulation?
You can drive yourself or take a tour of Cairns or Port Douglas.
Can You Drive To Cape Tribulation
Yes, you can. You will have to cross the Daintree River on the ferry to reach the Daintree and Cape Trib
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
