To the north of Cairns (where I had the most amazing first scuba experience) lies the small, trendy town of Port Douglas, the gateway to the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Although it felt at times like a retirement village for millionaires, there are plenty of backpackers and a buzzing night life in the town. Along with a beautiful beach and gorgeous cafes, you’ll have no trouble finding something to occupy a few days (HINT – if you’re in town on a Monday night, between June and October head to the Central Hotel at 7pm for their free outdoor big screen movie showing. And if you look sad and lonely enough, they might even give you some free popcorn!). When on a visit to Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas is the perfect jumping off point.
But the real treat lies even further north again. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!
Pit Stop: Mossman Gorge
Daintree National Park is the largest continuous stretch of rainforest in Australia, and has some really beautiful scenery. Before you even get to Cape Tribulation, stop in at Mossman Gorge. Here, a 2.4km track runs along the Mossman River, across a suspension bridge and then in a loop through some beautiful rainforest.
At times I felt like I was the only person for miles, just me and the great tall trees around me. ‘Dreamtime Walks’ are also available to visitors, with local indigenous Kuku Yalanji guides showing you traditional plant uses and explaining the history and myths of their people. The visitor centre also has a café and free hot showers (absolute heaven when you’re living in your car). I also managed to almost step on a small snake on the walk back along the road – I don’t know who got a bigger fright, me or the snake!
Arriving at Cape Tribulation
Continuing north, the only way to visit Cape Tribulation is via the ferry across the Daintree River. The day I chose to explore the Cape Tribulation area, it was the first real rainy day I’d had all trip. But I struggled on nonetheless, determined to make the best of it. And for the most part, the weather was cooperative – raining while I drove and brightening when I ventured out onto the beautiful beaches.
Once you’re across the river, I’d recommend driving straight up to Cape Tribulation itself, then spending the day wandering back down towards the ferry. Many people stay a few days in the area, and there’s certainly enough to keep you amused if you do decide to stay. But it’s also a great day trip and you can fit a surprising amount into your limited time.
Cape Tribulation itself is a beautiful beach right at the end of the sealed road. From here, only 4WD vehicles should continue north. The curving arc of golden sand is the only gap between the rainforest and the blue ocean. A short walk through mangroves brings you to a lookout over the beach. On the other side of the peninsula is yet another gorgeous beach to wander – Myall Beach. In the Cape Tribulation village is the Turtle Rock Café, a nice place to stop for lunch (or hide from the rain, in my case).
Activities in Cape Tribulation
When visiting Cape Tribulation, if you’re not on a very tight budget (like I was), there’s a huge amount of activities to do – horse riding along the beach, zip lining, ocean safaris out to the Great Barrier Reef, farmstays, etc. The famous Daintree Discovery Centre is an interactive rainforest experience, with a tall lookout tower and cassowaries commonly spotted (one of the animal species that was on my unique Australian wildlife bucket list).
The Jindalba boardwalk right next to the Discovery Centre is definitely worth doing. I started this short walk in my flip-flops and a string top; within minutes it was pouring! Luckily the canopy above kept most of the deluge off me. And I have to say, I loved it all the more for the rain! The colours of the forest were so much more vibrant, the smells more real, everything just felt more ALIVE. And anyway, what’s the rainforest without some rain?
Daintree Ice Cream – don’t miss it!
Another thing to mention – do not, I repeat, DO NOT get on that ferry without stopping for some ice cream, weather be damned! You’ve got two options. One, the Floravilla Ice Cream Factory, which offers a gazillion flavours, including Guinness, Honey, and Sweet Potato and Ginger, as well the usuals like Chocolate and Strawberry. The second option is the famed Daintree Ice Cream Company, known for using unusual fruits grown on the property. Just four flavours are created at any one time, and you get all four in one pot. I’m a total scaredy-cat when it comes to trying new foods, so the Jackfruit, Yellow Sapote, and other strange flavours unfortunately went untasted that day. If you’re more adventurous than me (and you probably are), grab a pot and eat it at the nearby Cow Bay Beach, a really nice spot.
So that was the most northerly part of my journey up the Queensland Coast. From here it was south again for a short while, then straight west across to the Northern Territory and Uluru. I wouldn’t be seeing the ocean again for a while. Goodbye mountains and rainforest, hello flat outback!
Have you ever had the Daintree Ice Cream? Was I missing out? I was totally missing out…
Want to stay longer in the Daintree area? Check out some of the available accommodation in Cape Tribulation here.
Between the amazing views, the beautiful landscapes, the activities and the ice cream, you just have to visit Cape Tribulation. It’s pretty easy to see why it’s one of my top Australia experiences. Add it to that Australia bucket list of yours, now!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
[…] Wet Tropics of Queensland. Driving north along the Queensland coast to the Daintree area, you see thick, lush rainforest […]
[…] Visit Cape Tribulation: From The Rainforest To The Ocean […]