You will find Cape Tribulation 140km from Cairns. It is a beautiful drive and very scenic along the way as you follow the beach the whole way. Cape Tribulation is located in the Oldest rainforest in the world the Daintree which is estimated to be over 135 million years old. The Daintree is home to an amazing 65% of all of Australia’s bat and butterfly species, 28% of frogs, 40% of birds, 34% of mammals and 65% of ferns in Australia. I have put together a perfect 3 night and 2 days in the Daintree rainforest which highlights the best places to visit and where to spend time.
Where to stay
We spent 3 nights in a small town called Daintree which is located 10 minute drive from the ferry which takes you into the Daintree Rainforest. The RV park is $25 per night and there is water and public toilets down the road. If you don’t have a caravan or want to stay in the Daintree there is a number of places to stay. There is quite a steep hill and the road is narrow so i wouldn’t suggest taking big rigs into the Rainforest. Top tip before heading out to the Daintree make sure you stock up on food at Woolworths in Mossman before heading to your accommodation as there isn’t much food options besides restaurants and a couple of small connivence store in the Daintree.
Ferry
To get to the Daintree rainforest there is no bridge across the river, You will need to buy a ferry ticket. As this is 3 trips into the Daintree it is best to get a multi trip pass which is $120 (Nov. 2023). If you were to pay each time it is either $47 return or $27 single trip. Click Here for more information on the ferry ticket.
Day 1- First Glimpse into the Rainforest
On the way into the Daintree make a pit stop off at Mossman Gorge. Which is located in the southeast corner of the Daintree National Park. You can either take your bike, walk or take the bus into the Gorge. It is about 2km from the Mossman Gorge cultural Centre, If you take the bus it is $14 per adult (Nov 2023). There is a number or short walks around the Mossman Gorge and is a great place to take a cool dip in the river.
After the Gorge drive to your accommodation where you will be spending the next 3 nights. In the afternoon head out across the ferry to Jindalba Boardwalk. This will be your first glimpse of the oldest rainforest. Although the boardwalk here appears to be closed for a long time you can still wander along part of the boardwalk to see the rainforest. Next stop at Cow Bay it is a beautiful beach and maybe one of our favourite in the Daintree. On the way back to camp head past Alexandra lookout where you can see out to Port Douglas and out over the rainforest into the sea.
Day 2- Alexandra Falls
Today you will head out on an off-the-beaten-path adventure to Alexandra Falls. To access to Alexandra Creek is via Turpentine Road, approximately 20 minutes south of Cape Tribulation. Head to Heritage Lodge and Spa, Where you will park about 100m from the entrance to the lodge. We recommend bringing goggles as the water is crystal clear and there is lots of fish and we even saw a small turtle. The walk is along the creek for about 3.2km each way and allow 3-4 hours for this adventure. Click Here for more information.
Day 3- Cape Tribulation
Wake up nice and early and head out to Cape Tribulation. First head out to Emmagen Creek where there is a short 1km return walk to the creek. After your morning swim head out to Kulki boardwalk and lookout. On the way back stop past Cape Tribulation Beach.
Next stop past Myall beach and Dubuji Boardwalk which is 1.8km return. You can then cool off in Mason’s swimming hole. Before making your last stop at Madja Boardwalk. This was personally our favourite boardwalk. But well worth stopping past all 3 as they are all different and aren’t very long walks. You could also make a stop at the Daintree Ice Creamery before catching the ferry back. By the ferry there is also The Solar Whisper Croc cruise from $30 per adult. The tours goes for 1 hour or 2 hours.
