Where to stay in Cape Tribulation
Where Is Cape Tribulation?
A remote and sparsely populated tropical area in the far northeast of Queensland, Cape Tribulation makes up a section of Daintree National Park, which also includes Mossman Gorge. It is almost three hours north of Cairns and Cairns Airport. Busses are available from Cairns or Port Douglas. Cape Tribulation is usually the farthest that rental cars are allowed to travel due to the poor road quality further north. The town itself is highly walkable, but outside access is not easy without a tour or bus.
What Is Cape Tribulation Known For?
Visitors are drawn to Cape Tribulation for either rainforest or Great Barrier Reef adventures. This is the place where the rainforest mountains of the Macdowell Range rise up from the beach. It is most often a day trip destination due to the lack of amenities, though it is a fantastic place to catch sunrise over the water surrounded by nothing but wildlife. The Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park formally includes the narrow strip along the coast, some 40 miles from the Bloomfield River south to the Daintree River. Lemon myrtle essential oil is a significant cottage industry in the region. It is less expensive in Cape Tribulation compared to other areas and features heavily in locally made bath and body products.
Places to Visit in Cape Tribulation
- Cape Tribulation: The eponymous cape at the north end of town is a nice place to walk along the beach and spot sea life in the clear blue waters. Just slightly south, Myall Beach is the main beach in town. It is walkable from most, if not, all accommodations. A short drive north of the Cape, Emmagen Creek offers a cool dip and a shady spot to relax. Dubuji Boardwalk is an easy rainforest stroll along boardwalks that begins in town and leads to the beach. Thornton Beach and Cow Bay Beach are other popular, but remote beaches south of town. Bloomfield Track is a 4WD road at the northern boundary of Cape Tribulation best seen by guided tour or personal vehicle. Horseback rides, ziplining jungle adventures, reef charters, and 4WD tours can be booked with tour operators in town.
- Lower Daintree: The communities surrounding the Daintree River at the southern border of Cape Tribulation offer many river cruises with crocodile sightings as a major highlight. Other local finds in Lower Daintree include Daintree Discovery Center and Floraville Ice Cream Factory. The community of Cow Bay offers a few more accomodation options to add to offerings in Cape Tribulation.
Popular Destinations Near Cape Tribulation
- Mossman Gorge: The area of Daintree National Park closest to Port Douglas is 20 minutes northwest of town at Mossman Gorge. A must-do for many visitors is take the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, led by an indigenous storyteller. The guide will take you past traditional huts and significant cultural sites while taking in the gentle beauty of the rainforest. Guided night walks are also available for the brave or enjoy the jungle waterfalls at the river gorge.
- Port Douglas: A former fishing village turned chic tourist hub, Port Douglas is nearly two hours south of Cape Tribulation. Port Douglas is filled with boutiques, restaurants, resorts, and tour operators. It is the most developed town with the most amenities this far north along the Gold Coast.
- Cairns: A small city nearly three hours south of Cape Tribulation, Cairns is known best as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is a launch point for adventures in the far northeast of Queensland. The Cairns Airport, with both domestic and international terminals, is within city limits. The most popular outdoor adventures include skydiving, scuba diving, hot air balloon rides, and rainforest walks. There is no beach in town, though there is a vibrant nightlife.
Best Neighborhoods in Cape Tribulation
The town of Cape Tribulation is one main road with a few side streets. Most of the accommodations are in the north half of town and include some dining options. There are a few cafes and bars, in addition to only one convenience store.
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in Cape Tribulation
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