Cape Tribulation was one of my favorite places on my East Coast road trip. Located in tropical Far North Queensland, this is an unmissable destination in Australia. Discover the epic Daintree Rainforest, swim in refreshing swimming holes, and walk through mangroves on boardwalk trails – Cape Trib has something for everyone. Here are my top things to see and do in Cape Tribulation!
How to Get to Cape Tribulation
You’ll need a vehicle to get to Cape Tribulation. To cross the Daintree River, you’ll need to take the Daintree Ferry. The ferry costs $47 AUD for one vehicle return, and takes just 5 minutes to cross. Ferries run about every 10 minutes, from 5am to midnight. The road from the river to the main part of the village is very narrow and winding – take the turns slow and drive cautiously.
The Best Tours to Cape Tribulation
If you don’t have your own set of wheels, there are plenty of options to join a tour to discover Cape Tribulation. Tours from Cairns will mean an early start and a long day, while leaving from Port Douglas will save a bit of time – while still giving you a full day. To visit Cape Tribulation from Cairns, I recommend this highly rated tour (11 hours), or this tour (8 hours) if you want to explore on a 4WD. If you’re in Port Douglas, this is one of the best tours to take. You can find more tour options for exploring Cape Tribulation below!
The Best Places to Visit in Cape Tribulation
Cape Trib is so special – I had about two days here, but I really should have given myself more time. I loved it here. These are the top spots to visit in Cape Tribulation!
Mount Alexandra Lookout
This viewpoint is fairly close to the Daintree ferry. There’s a great panorama overlooking the rainforest, beach, and water. I recommend this as just a quick photo stop, there’s not much else to do here.
Thornton Beach
Thornton Beach is one of the first beaches, coming north from the Daintree ferry. And what a place! It’s a stunning spot – I just stopped for a quick walk and some photos, but I could have spent much more time here.
Mason’s Swimming Hole
We love a croc-free swim spot in Far North Queensland, and Mason’s Swimming Hole is no exception! It’s a short walk from the car park down to the swimming area – there’s not loads of room to spread out with your stuff, however. There’s a donation box at the trail entrance. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Mason’s Café while you’re here. The crocodile burger is delicious!
Madja Boardwalk
There are several boardwalk trails you can follow in Cape Tribulation. I really liked Madja Boardwalk, which is a short 1.2-km circuit through the mangroves. It took me 15 minutes to walk through at a pretty quick pace.
Myall Beach
This is one of the best beaches in Cape Tribulation. I came out of the trees onto the beach and my jaw dropped, it was just so beautiful. Huge palm trees, blue water, and stretches of sand as far as you can see – I loved it. As with all water areas in Cape Trib, be croc-wise while you’re here (and don’t go swimming!!).
Dubuji Boardwalk
This is another boardwalk trail you can do in Cape Tribulation. While I didn’t think it was incredible, it was a gentle stroll with lots of interesting flora. You can add this on as a loop to access Myall Beach. It took me about 30 minutes to do this walk, including the detour to Myall Beach.
Kulki Lookout
The view from Kulki Lookout has to be the best one in Cape Tribulation! Rugged mountains, rainforest and palm trees, the bright blue water of the ocean, and pristine sandy beaches – it’s peak Tropical North Queensland, and peak Australia. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park.
Emmagen Creek
Emmagen Creek is a wonderful spot for a swim in crystal clear water. It’s on the road to Cooktown, which is unsealed. The section to Emmagen Creek is accessible with 2WD until you reach the parking area. After that, you’ll need to cross the creek and will really need a 4WD. The Bloomfield Track is all unsealed and is meant to be tough.
Facing the creek (on the west side), follow the trail to the left – there is a small trail marker close to the road. Head through the bush, turn right at the first junction, and left at the next junction. You’ll reach a swimming hole, and it’s the perfect spot for a dip. Use the rope swing to jump in!
Mossman Gorge
While Mossman Gorge isn’t quite in Cape Tribulation itself, it’s in the Daintree Rainforest – so most people visit it together with Cape Trib. There’s a shuttle bus from the visitor center to the gorge itself, which costs $14 AUD per person. Or, you can walk for 20-25 minutes along the road, like I did – the visitor center does not recommend this, but it’s legal and fine to walk. You’ll just need to be aware of oncoming traffic from the shuttle buses.
Explore the trails here, cross Rex Creek Bridge, hike the circuit track, and go for a swim in the water. I loved the detour to Wurrmbu Creek! This is such a unique place to visit in the Daintree, so don’t miss it.
The drive north from Cairns to Port Douglas and beyond is simply spectacular. I cried as I drove the scenic Captain Cook Highway, following the bright blue ocean on one side. Palm Cove Beach and Ellis Beach were two of my favorite places – I spent the most relaxing, wonderful day at Ellis Beach. In Port Douglas, I loved Flagstaff Hill Lookout and – of course – Four Mile Beach. If you only do one drive in Queensland (or even Australia), it should be this one!
Planning Your Trip to Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is in a remote, isolated location on the other side of the Daintree Ferry. There are no supermarkets or big shops, although there are a few gas stations and general stores that stock the essentials. Be croc-wise when visiting Cape Tribulation, and only swim in safe spots. Be cass-o-wary, too – seeing these huge birds is so exciting, but they can be dangerous.
The closest main airport to Cape Tribulation is Cairns airport. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
If you’re wanting to join a tour to Cape Tribulation, check out the options below!
Where to Stay in Cape Tribulation
I stayed at Noah’s Beach campground on my visit to Cape Tribulation. This is a basic campsite, run by Queensland National Parks, and costs $7.25 AUD per person, per night. It’s one of the most affordable options in Cape Trib, but it books up quickly. Be sure to check availability and book in advance (at least one to two weeks). The campground is right on the beach, and it’s a wonderful place to see the sunrise.
If you don’t want to camp in Cape Tribulation, there’s a smattering of other accommodation available! Here are a few options for you.
- Budget: PK’s Jungle Village – while the facilities might need a bit of sprucing up, it’s your best bet for budget accommodation in Cape Trib
- Mid-range: Safari Lodge – cozy rooms with a tasty on-site cafe
- Mid-range: Cape Trib Beach House – comfortable cabins with a private beach and outdoor pool
- Mid-range: Noah Creek Eco Huts – eco-friendly lodges and glamping with easy access to trails
- Luxury: Black Palm Cape Tribulation – a private villa with a spa bath, nestled in the rainforest
Cape Tribulation is such a unique destination, and I loved my time there. The picturesque swim spots, tasty croc burgers, ubiquitous palm trees, and empty sandy beaches were the perfect recipe for a Queensland adventure. Please, don’t skip Cape Trib on your trip to Far North Queensland. I hope this guide helps planning your visit to Cape Tribulation!
Have you been to Cape Tribulation before? Is it on your bucket list?
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