Cape Tribulation

Most of the surrounding areas are national parks that feature an array of unique and native plant and wildlife. The path along Cape Tribulation Rd is dotted with places to stay, eateries, rainforest boardwalks and turn-offs to the coastal beaches.

Cape Tribulation represents one of the very few places in Australia where tropical rainforest meets the sea. From here, two World Heritage listed sites are accessible with the area being part of the Wet Tropics, and located just next to the Great Barrier Reef.

See our detailed Cape Tribulation map.

Things to See and Do

Many of the attractions in the area are found along the route from the Daintree River Crossing to Cape Tribulation itself.

About 4km past the crossing, east down Cape Kimberley Rd is Cape Kimberley with its quiet beach located at the mouth of the Daintree River. Just offshore is Snapper Island, a national and marine park where visitors can go camping, fishing or boating.

Just north is Cow Bay with its beautiful and relaxing beach. Deeper inland is the Walu Wugirriga lookout with spectacular views of the Alexandra Range and the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre which provides access to the inner sanctums of the rainforest via a series of aerial walkways, boardwalks and a canopy tower.

Further north is Cooper Creek where visitors can go for a scenic cruise down the mangroves in search of estuarine crocodiles or guided walks through the rainforest with its diverse range of flora and fauna. Nearby Thornton Beach is great for beach walks or for a snack at the beachfront kiosk.

The Marrdja Botanical Walk is an interesting interpretive walk through a unique section of the rainforest with exotic plants representing various stages in the land's evolution. The boardwalk runs for over a kilometre into the banks of Noah Creek.

The Bat House is located just before the Cape Tribulation hub and is a nursery for flying-foxes run by a group of volunteers. Visitors to the centre can learn more about and interact with the friendly and intelligent fruit bats being cared for here.

Cape Tribulation Hotels and Accommodation

The secluded Heritage Lodge lies inland on Turpentine Rd and provides comfortable timber cabins as well as its own pool and swimming hole.

More affordable motels can be found along Cape Tribulation Rd while in Cape Tribulation itself are several cosy bed & breakfasts and cottages tucked away nicely in the rainforests.

Budget accommodation such as campsites, cabins and hostels are also available for those looking for a cheaper stay.

Places to Eat

For those with a sweet tooth, the Daintree Ice Cream Company serves delicious exotic ice cream made from local fruit such as wattle seed, black sapote and jackfruit.

Various other cafes and takeaways can be found along Cape Tribulation Rd including the Dragonfly Gallery Cafe with its garden views and art displays, the Fan Palm Cafe in Cooper Creek with its own rainforest boardwalk and the beachfront Cafe on Sea kiosk in Thornton Beach.

Getting to Cape Tribulation

From Cairns or Port Douglas, head north up the Captain Cook Highway that connects to Daintree Road. About 11km before the village hub of Daintree is the turn-off to the Daintree River Ferry Crossing.

The ferry trip across the river takes approximately two minutes and is followed by a scenic 34km route to the tourist hub of Cape Tribulation.

Organised tours can also be organised from Cairns and Port Douglas while Coral Coaches operate twice-daily services from the local transit centre in Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

Tourist Information

Part of the Tropical Research Station, The Bat House is an accredited Wet Tropics Visitor Centre who can provide visitors with information on the Daintree and Cape Tribulation region as can the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre. Alternatively, you can Contact Us regarding any queries you may have about your trip.