Nestled within the lush rainforest of Far North Queensland, Cape Tribulation is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for travellers brave enough to venture this far North.
For travellers wondering what to do in Cape Tribulation, you won’t be disappointed! From exploring pristine beaches to embarking on thrilling jungle adventures, this remote paradise has something to offer everyone.
Whether you’re looking to unwind in a tranquil setting or seeking out adrenaline fuelled activities, Cape Tribulation promises an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Incredible things to do in Cape Tribulation.
The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is worthy of a road trip in its own right, so the following Cape Tribulation itinerary includes things to do before you get there, as well as once you arrive:
Stop Off At Port Douglas
A great spot to stop at either on your way from Cairns to Cape tribulation, or on your way back.
This small little fishing village is a popular spot for Aussie families looking for a coastal break and I can see why!
Not only is it stunning but its streets are lined with little boutique shops and hip cafes, almost too many to choose from.
We wished we’d given it a full day of its own, instead of just nipping in for lunch on the way back to Cairns so if you have the time, add a day to your trip for Port Douglas.
Want to know more about this cute little town? Here’s your essential guide to Port Douglas!
Alexandra Lookout
Our first official stop of the trip was at Alexandra Lookout.
On the way up there was a real sense of wonder around us. The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest continuously surviving rainforests in the world which is part of the reason it has UNESCO world heritage status.
Being in amongst these giant fig trees, knowing they were likely around in the times of dinosaurs was a feeling like no other. Once you get to Alexandra Lookout, that feeling is only amplified.
It’s like looking into a snow globe, only there’s no snow. You know, like you’re looking in on a whole new world that doesn’t know you’re there?
Through the trees you can see the islands scattered out in the ocean, the patches of reef as they crawl their way to shore and of course, you can see where the rainforest meets the ocean.
Here’s another of our favourite UNESCO sites; Fraser Island
Jindalba Boardwalk
If there’s one thing Cape Tribulation has plenty of, besides beaches, it’s boardwalks!
The Jindalba Boardwalk is near the Daintree Discovery Centre and has two different walks, a short 700m one that’s great if you’re in a rush but still want a taste of the forest, or the 2.7km loop walk.
We chose to go all in this time and we’re so glad we did. While we didn’t see Cassowary at any point during our weekend trip to Cape Tribulation, we’ve spoken to a few people who did and this boardwalk has been a popular sighting spot.
The 2.7km Jindalba Boardwalk took us about an hour at a steady pace and lots of photo stops.
To find out where we did see wild cassowary, read our Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary
Cape Tribulation Beach
Reaching Cape Trib Beach felt like an achievement in our little old camper van.
Having been all over the east coast many times before, it no doubt felt like familiar ground for him while we were lost in the magic that is the rainforest.
Like with all beaches in the Far North, it’s not advised you go near the water due to saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish, so we were surprised to see a few ‘just paddling’.
The Cape Tribulation Beach is a long sweeping one, bookmarked by a tall cliff at one end and mangrove forest at the other with the Daintree Rainforest skirting around the back – it really is like something straight out of Jurassic park.
If you want to feel lost on a deserted island; this is where you come – if you can ignore the busload of tourists that might join you.
This is the furthest north you can get in a 2WD as the road from here to Cooktown is a dirt track and corrugated. Anyone with a 4wd can make it all the way north to Cape York
From the carpark for Cape Tribulation Beach, you can take a short walk up the cliff to Kulki Lookout for a view out over the bay.
After Alexandra Lookout, this vantage point left us a little underwhelmed though. However, I imagine it has a whole different feel to it at high tide when the mangroves below the platform are flooded.
Dubuji Boardwalk
As I said, Cape Trib has its fair share of Boardwalks. This one loops through the mangrove forests and down to Myall Beach, from here there’s a straight track back to the car park.
If you’re stealthy enough, the Dubuji Boardwalk will show you freshwater turtles, mud crabs and a whole host of birdlife. There are information boards scattered along the path that gives you a bit of history about the mangroves and explains how they’re formed as well as who you might see along the way.
Pebble Beach
There are so many beaches on the North Peninsular that almost every little road leads to another beautiful beach at Cape Tribulation.
Make sure Pebble Beach is one you don’t miss. I’ve seen stone beaches, Coral beaches, beaches that are almost gravel like and of course pure white sand beaches but I’ve never seen a beach that is completely made up of pebbles.
What makes Cape Tribulations Pebble Beach even more unique though is the bays that sit either side of it are just normal sand beaches… mind. BLOWN.
If you appreciate the small things in life, you’ll love pebble beach.
Visit The Great Barrier Reef
Most people visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, but there are plenty of tours that launch from Cape Tribulation too.
The reef is much closer to the mainland in this part of tropical North Queensland so many of the tour operators use high speed boats for their ocean safari.
Not only does this mean you get there quicker, but it means you also get longer snorkelling at the reef when compared to the slower trips from Cairns.
If you haven’t done a snorkelling trip in Queensland yet, we highly recommend doing one from this iconic rainforest.
Get Lost In Mossman Gorge
Located in the heart of the world heritage listed Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is home to a network of walking tracks and boardwalks, depending on how much time you have, will depend on which one you choose. Do one longer one, or connect a few smaller ones to create a unique route of your own.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially close to the water. There’s plenty hiding around Mossman Gorge!
If you want to make your trip extra special, book a dreamtime walk at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre where a local Kuku Yalanji guide will open up a whole different side to this beautiful location. You’ll learn about the different ways tribes use local plants, discover traditional huts and listen to mesmerising stories about the spiritual connections they have to this land.
Brave A River Cruise
The Daintree river is teeming with wildlife, and what better way to experience that than with a river cruise?
Hope on a small tour boat and head out onto this croc-infested river in search of the prehistoric locals. This particular river cruise offers a 30 day ticket with unlimited cruises so you’re almost guaranteed to see exotic wildlife while you’re there.
Go Off Road With The Bloomfield Track
If you’re travelling from Cairns to Cape Tribulation in your own 4wd, the Bloomfield Track is a must if you don’t mind getting your wheels muddy. Cross creaks, reach secluded beaches and experience a hidden side to the Daintree Rainforest that not many tourists get to see.
For those, like us, who have 2wds, you can still experience this off-road activity through a 4×4 Cape Tribulation group tour. Of course this means you’re restricted to someone else’s itinerary but it also means you have a pro-driver and reduced risk of getting stuck!
Best Cape Tribulation Tour Operators From Cairns
If you’re wondering how to see Cape Tribulation from Cairns if you don’t have your own vehicle, you’re in luck!
There are so many amazing tour options for every time & money budget. Here are some of the best Cape Tribulations tour operators from Cairns and Port Douglass, according to their star rating!
Camping at Cape Tribulation
There’s a limited amount of options when it comes to camping at Cape Tribulation and unfortunately, there are no free camp spots this far north, which is understandable. There are, however, some really beautiful places to camp at Cape Tribulation including two spots that are right on the beach!
PK’S Jungle Village
Unpowered; $30 per night (2 people)
Drinking water, toilets, shower, kitchen area, laundry room, no free wifi, Telstra signal
Pk’s Jungle Village camping is the most popular choice for camping at Cape Tribulation. It’s a hive of activity as it’s not only a campsite but an information centre, cafe, bar and fuel station.
It’s pretty central to most things to do in Cape Tribulation too and if you’re planning on doing any guided tours while you’re up there, this is likely where they start from.
Due to the bar on site, it does tend to get a little noisy at night here. Something to consider if you’re looking for a quiet night in the rainforest
Safari Lodge
$35 per night or unpowered $16 per person.
Drinking water, toilets, pool, shower, kitchen area, laundry room, no free wifi, Telstra signal, check for wikicamps discount
Just over the road from PK’s is Safari Lodge campsite. This is more set up for RV’s and bigger rigs with bigger camping pitches and more facilities.
It’s a little more out of ‘town’ but that offers a more peaceful night’s sleep and possibly a more authentic jungle experience.
Noah’s Beach Camping – Cape Trib NP.
$7.25 pp+pn all unpowered
Toilets, no wifi, no phone signal.
Noah’s Beach is by far the most budget friendly of all the options for camping at Cape Tribulation. Because of its extremely low price, you’ll not be surprised to hear that this is a pretty basic site with very limited facilities (just toilets).
The sites here are right near the beach and rival the views of other campsites in the area.Like with all National Park campsites, you’ll need to book online (if it’s peak season, you’ll have to do this in advance, if it’s not you could risk booking it the day you arrive) and keep hold of your booking reference then get there early to find a nice spot!
Noah’s Beach Camping – Cape Trib NP.
$7.25 pp+pn all unpowered
Toilets, no wifi, no phone signal.
Noah’s Beach is by far the most budget friendly of all the options for camping at Cape Tribulation. Because of its extremely low price, you’ll not be surprised to hear that this is a pretty basic site with very limited facilities (just toilets).
The sites here are right near the beach and rival the views of other campsites in the area.Like with all National Park campsites, you’ll need to book online (if it’s peak season, you’ll have to do this in advance, if it’s not you could risk booking it the day you arrive) and keep hold of your booking reference then get there early to find a nice spot!
Where To Stay At Cape Tribulation
If you don’t feel like jungle camping at Cape Tribulation, there are plenty of other options when it comes to accommodation. Use the map below to browse hotels, hostels and boutique lodges for your dates!
Cape Tribulation Ferry River Crossing
Since the Daintree River almost splits the north peninsula off from the mainland, the only way to get to Cape Tribulation from Cairns, without a massive detour, is via the Cape Tribulation ferry
The ferry across is $26 one way or $47 for an open-ended return. It’s only a tiny crossing that doesn’t take long so you’re not allowed to exit your vehicle.
Oh, and the Daintree River is full of saltwater crocodiles, so we’ve officially crossed a croc-infested river in our camper.
Best Time To Visit Cape Tribulation
Dry season (July – December) is the best time to visit Cape Tribulation due to the decreased risk of extreme weather. Temperatures tend to be more enjoyable and the jellyfish population is smaller (but still a risk).
Is Cape Tribulation Dangerous
Yes, and no. That depends entirely on what you do while you’re there.
The Cape Tribulation dangers are mostly its wildlife, and the weather. With a huge salt crocodile population, toxic jellyfish, wild cassowary and a handful of dangerous plant life, wandering off into the jungle or swimming in the ocean shouldn’t be high on your priority of things to do in Cape Tribulation.
How Long Do You Need In Cape Tribulation?
One of our biggest questions before we set off from Cairns to Cape Tribulation was ‘can you do Cape Tribulation In A Day?’. With all the amazing things to do there, we weren’t sure it was possible, and in reality, it’s not.
Sure, you can do Cape Tribulation as a day trip and see the main highlights but you won’t get to fully experience it.
If we were to go again, we’d set aside 2 full days minimum (we stayed one night but really only had a half day either side of that to explore) so we could spend longer at Mossman Gorge, and if we include Port Douglas I would add another day onto that
Final Thoughts; Is Cape Tribulation Worth It?
Absolutely. We spent 2 years travelling around Australia and Far North Queensland, including Cape Trib, will always be a highlight for us. It’s so different to the rest of Australia, even other rainforests in the country don’t compare.
If your time in Cairns is limited, you won’t regret squeezing in a day trip to Cape Tribulation.
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