Daintree and Cape Tribulation in Australia are the place where the rainforest meets the reef, the mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly.
Made up of not one but two World Heritage-listed sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation is the ideal destination for epic adventures. See the reef and rainforest from high above; dive deep underneath or swing right through the jungle canopy; go on a mountain bike ride through rainforest tracks and explore the rugged terrain by 4WD. Ancient stories whisper through the leaves of Cape Tribulation, just as they have for centuries. Stepping straight onto the beach from the rainforest with the fringing Great Barrier Reef only a toe-dip away is a very special experience that promises to bring you closer to Mother Nature than ever before.
Courtesy Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
The Daintree Rainforest is the place to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the modern world. It’s a raw, wild, ancient environment that resembles a real-life Jurassic Park, where it looks entirely possible that dinosaurs could emerge from the lush undergrowth.
Covering 1200sq k between the Mossman Gorge and Bloomfield River, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth. An estimated 180 million years old, it is tens of millions of years older than the Amazon and contains living examples of unique ancient plants as well as thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles.
The Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this region for 50,000 years and have a deep connection with the land. Take a tour with a local indigenous guide to learn about the history of the rainforest, bush tucker and traditional medicine.
Time for adventure
Despite its rugged, untouched nature, the Daintree is easily accessible on a day-trip. Walk through the forest on hiking trails and wooden boardwalks, climb high above the canopy on ziplines, take a dip in the Emmagen Creek swimming hole or paddleboard along the still waters of the Mossman River. Huge cassowary birds peck their way through the undergrowth and one of the best places in Tropical North Queensland to spot crocodiles is along the Daintree River.
Courtesy Tourism Australia
If you want to wander where the Wi-Fi is weak, hiking in these parts means losing your phone signal, but finding your inner peace. For a walk that’s short and sweet, the Dubuji Boardwalk wanders 1200m through tropical lowland forest. For a little more challenge, set aside five hours to walk Emmagen Creek Beach and Creek back (in low tide only) to Cape Tribulation Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries, best spotted in the rainforest by a glimpse of blue on their head and neck. For a longer hike, only suitable for serious adventurers, Mount Sorrow takes three hours (one way) to reach the lookout, which has sweeping views thanks to its 680m elevation. It’s not for the faint-hearted, so you’ll need to advise your hotel before you set off as a precautionary measure.
Courtesy Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
Whichever Cape Tribulation adventure you choose, one thing is guaranteed; scenic landscapes, remote beaches and rocky headlands will punctuate your Tropical North Queensland plot line.
If you’ve ever wondered what Australia looked like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, Cape Tribulation is where you’ll find out.
TIPS
- Phone reception is limited in the Daintree, so take the opportunity for a digital detox.
- There are backpacker and budget accommodation options in the Daintree, but also a handful of places that offer a unique brand of sustainable eco luxury. There’s little contact with the outside world and many produce their own power on-site.
- Pay attention to crocodile warning signs posted around rivers, swimming holes and the ocean. While crocodile attacks are unlikely, you need to be sensible and respect the advice of park rangers.
- It’s a good idea to stock up on food and essential supplies in Mossman and Port Douglas before heading north.
Courtesy Tourism Australia
