Your guide to Cape Tribulation
Kulki, Daintree Rainforest, Douglas Shire
Cape Tribulation - Daintree Coast
Cape Tribulation, affectionately known as Cape Trib, is a popular destination in the Daintree Rainforest, with incredible natural beauty, a rich history and plenty to discover and explore.
Renowned for being where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef – it’s truly a special place.
This unique ecotourism destination offers rainforest wilderness experiences, remote tropical beaches, snorkeling trips to the incredible reef and much more.
A nature immersion experience of a lifetime.
Public Toilets
Picnic AreaS
Explore
North of Thornton beach on the way to Cape Trib, you’ll pass the Noah Beach camping area and Coconut Beach.
Coming from the south into Cape Trib, there is Mason’s store and cafe on the left and Cape Trib Camping and Dubuji boardwalk on your right, before arriving in the small township centre of Cape Tribulation.
There are a couple of small general stores, several cafés and restaurants and a number of accommodation options with lots to do, see and experience.
Discover
- Stroll along the Kulki Boardwalk to Kulki Lookout providing a spectacular panorama across Cape Tribulation beach and rainforest-clad mountains
- Take a walk along the Dubuji boardwalk through diverse Daintree Rainforest ecosystems.
- Enjoy a picnic at the Myall Beach picnic area or at the picnic tables at Cape Tribulation Beach.
- There are two small general stores to top up on supplies during your stay.
- Cool down by taking a swim at one of the crocodile free waterholes.
- Public toilets can be found at Dubuji boardwalk entrance and a short distance from the Friendly Grocer store.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the local cafés and restaurants.
- Other activities include guided rainforest tours, tropical fruit tasting, horse rides on the beach, treetop adventures and Great Barrier Reef snorkelling trips.
Cape Tribulation FAQ
No, you do not need a 4WD to visit Cape Tribulation.
The roads here are mostly sealed with some gravel residential streets. Daintree Coast roads are suitable for hire cars of all types.
However if you are coming from, or continuing north over the Bloomfield Track, a 4WD is required as it can be steep, slippery and rough in some areas.
The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation will take you around 2.5 hours.
You can read our guide on getting to Cape Tribulation for more information.
If coming south from Cairns and Port Douglas, you will need to catch the Daintree Ferry to continue on to Cape Tribulation.
The only other road access to Cape Tribulation is north from Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track which is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
Daintree Ferry Tickets can be pre-purchased online, or can be purchased onsite at the ticket booth on the south side of the river (before 5pm), or on board the ferry itself.
There is plenty of Cape Tribulation accommodation options to base yourself and explore this spectacular region. From self-contained chalets to holiday houses, campgrounds and cabins.
Browse our guide on where to stay to find your ideal accommodation.
Yes, there are some really great cafes and restaurants in Cape Tribulation and surrounding areas to suit all tastes. View our guide on where to eat.
You’ll find something for everyone here. From boardwalks through the ancient Daintree Rainforest to coral reef snorkeling trips, local guided tours to zip lining through the treetops.
View our guide on things to do in Cape Tribulation to plan your activities during your visit here.
History
The name Cape Tribulation can be traced back to 10th June 1770 where Lieutenant James Cook was trying to find a way through the reef offshore, what he described as ‘the insane labyrinth’. His ship struck the Endeavour Reef, north-northeast of Cape Tribulation headland. He wrote: “I name this point Cape Tribulation, because here began all my troubles.” (source)
The Mason family were the first white people to settle in the valley having previously had an unsuccessful farming venture at Cow Bay. They arrived in 1932 and tried many things, including farming fruit and vegetables, timber cutting and cattle.
For many years Hayles’ boat was the only real transport in and out of the area, passing along the coast on the way to Cooktown, and then returning, later in the week, on the way back to Cairns.
Only 123 people currently reside in Cape Tribulation (2021 Census).
Getting to Cape Tribulation
Considered to be one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal drives, the journey from Cairns to Cape Trib is around 3 hours drive. 2 hours from Port Doulgas via Mossman.
You’ll need to follow the Captain Cook Hwy/State Route 44 until you see the Cape Tribulation turnoff to the Daintree Ferry crossing.
Here is where your Daintree Coast adventures begin. After catching the ferry across the Daintree River, follow along Cape Tribulation Rd for approx 50 mins until you reach your destination.
For more information on catching the Daintree Ferry and how to get to the Daintree Coast visit our Getting Here page.