Two World Heritage sites intersect at this remote beach destination: the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Swim, spot wildlife, or hike through dense tropical forest.
Cape Tribulation sits 110 kilometers north of Cairns in Queensland, within the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. You can walk among fan palms and ancient ferns on the Dubuji Boardwalk, watch 4-meter saltwater crocodiles from solar-powered boats on the Daintree River, or swim in the clear waters of Mason's Creek. The area's walking trails lead to coastal viewpoints, while Mackay Reef's coral gardens teem with angelfish and parrotfish just offshore.
Getting to Cape Tribulation
To reach Cape Tribulation from Cairns, drive north along the Great Barrier Reef Drive through Port Douglas to the Daintree River. Cross the river by ferry ($39 return for cars) and continue on a winding sealed road for 35 kilometers. The bitumen road ends at The Beach House, 1.5 kilometers north of the Kulki turnoff, beyond which only 4WD vehicles can continue on the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown.
Walking Trails and Lookouts
Three main boardwalks wind through different sections of rainforest. Walk the 1.8-kilometer Dubuji Boardwalk past giant fan palms and through mangrove swamps, or take the Marrja Botanical Walk to see the transition from rainforest to coastal vegetation. The Kulki Boardwalk ends at a viewing platform overlooking the coral reefs. For a challenging hike, climb the Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail to 850 meters - you'll need good fitness and 6-8 hours for the return journey.
Swimming and Beach Safety
Cape Tribulation's beaches have white sand and clear water, but don't swim here - saltwater crocodiles inhabit these waters, and dangerous box jellyfish appear between October and June. Cool off instead at Mason's Swimming Hole or Emmagen Creek, two freshwater pools surrounded by towering rainforest trees. Check local signs and ask locals about current conditions before swimming.
Wildlife and Nature
Walk through the Daintree Rainforest to spot cassowaries - flightless birds up to 2 meters tall with distinctive blue necks. Join a night walk to see possums, tree kangaroos, and glowing fungi. The area's 3,900mm annual rainfall sustains plant species that existed when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent, including primitive flowering plants like the Idiospermum.
Activities Around Cape Tribulation
Join a solar-powered boat cruise on the Daintree River to see crocodiles basking on mudbanks. Ride horses along the beach or through rainforest trails. Take half-day snorkeling trips to see brain coral and giant clams at Mackay Reef. Stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company to taste ice cream made from black sapote, soursop, and other tropical fruits grown on-site.
Historical Background
James Cook named the area in 1770 after his ship struck nearby reefs. The first road didn't reach Cape Tribulation until 1962, when Marion Swenson drove an army carrier through the forest. Environmental protests against the Bloomfield Track construction in 1983 brought national attention to the area, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1988.
