Cape Tribulation

Introduction

Palm view

© moutallica

Cape Tribulation is the furthest point that most tours get into the rainforest of Far North Queensland. Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the rainforest here is thick, ancient and teems with wildlife. There is a range of activities here, including guided rainforest walks which are particularly recommended. Be aware that it is possible to get stuck in Cape Tribulation in summer, if the rain is particularly heavy, as the creeks rise up above the road. Be sure to give yourself a couple of days room to catch flights etc.

Opening Hours

The area usually is open year round, though as the name suggests wet conditions can cause temporary problems in reaching the area from November to March.

Getting There

By Train

Cairns is the closest city to reach the area. The following trains go to/from Cairns:

• The Kuranda Scenic Railway between Cairns and Kuranda
• The Savannahlander between Cairns an Forsayth
• The Sunlander between Brisbane and Cairns
• The Tilt Train between Brisbane and Cairns

By Car

If you have your own car, you can make your way north from Cairns and Port Douglas towards the Daintree National Park, where you cross a small river (small fee as well). The road north from here towards Cape Tribulation runs through a magnificent green patch of rainforest before reaching the cape and its great beaches. It is sealed all the way. If you want to go further north towards Cooktown, you will need a 4wd vehicle. Cooktown can also be reached by an inland road that is sealed all the way.

Eat

Try some native Australian cuisine at Julaymba Restaurant & Grill. Rainforest salad is great, with native ingredients.

Daintree Ice Cream Company has natural fruit ice creams which are delicious and made from fruit growing in the orchards just behind. Also, Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm runs tours and has local tropical fruit to buy (fresh passionfruit: delicious!)

Daintree tea is also available to buy at shops and restaurants in the village and at Cape Tribulation.

There are a number of small shops in the Daintree area. There is one at Wonga Beach, one at Daintree, one at Cow Bay and two at Cape Tribulation. Mason's Store at Cape Tribulation has takeaway alcohol, groceries, and even a cafe. Check out the swimming hole there too. Being a remote rainforest destination, there are no Coles or Woolworths, so if you require the services of a multinational, go there before you come to the area!

Sleep

There are a couple of hostels at Cape Tribulation (Cape Trib Beach House and PK's Jungle Village) as well as Crocodylus Lodge about 20 kilometres south of the Cape at Cow Bay.

Ferntree Backpackers Lodge and Jungle Lodge, Cape Tribulation is set back in the heart of a lush coastal rainforest. Ferntree Backpackers is an affordable tropical getaway for backpackers and travellers.

Located across the road from the Cape Tribulation ‘village’ - Jungle Lodge is a perfect option for backpackers & travellers on a budget. Safari tents, powered and unpowered camp sites are available for hire on a daily basis.

There is also Coconut Beach Resort at Cape Tribulation.

External Links