Do you have to catch a ferry to Cape Tribulation?

Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s most breathtaking locations.

Cape Tribulation is a stunning stretch of shoreline located along the Daintree Rainforest. The location perfectly encapsulates the dreamy beauty of tropical North Queensland. Its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant jungles draw in many visitors all year.

Getting to Cape Tribulation

To get to the Cape Tribulation region, you have to hop aboard the Daintree River ferry, which grants you access to Cape Tribulation and its wonders. The ferry runs throughout the day and is able to transport vehicles including 4WDs and buses.

Once you are across the river, the magic of Cape Tribulation awaits!

Things to do at Cape Tribulation and nearby

Not only is Cape Tribulation one of the most stunning beaches, but there are also plenty of fun activities that take place along the shoreline. Some of these activities include horseback rides, boardwalks, and nearby swimming holes.

Go horseback riding

This is truly one of the best ways to experience the World Heritage rainforest and beachfront. Riding on horseback, you will be taken through lush jungle, across ravines and onto the beachfront (where the horses sometimes like to get in the ocean and have a cheeky dip themselves!).

This is a truly memorable Cape Tribulation experience and one that you can’t pass up if you want to see the area for all its immaculate beauty.

Take a dip in the swimming Holes

Despite its charming allure, Cape Tribulation is actually not a place for swimming. The surrounding ocean water is full of saltwater crocodiles, so it’s best to visit one of the many swimming holes nearby.

There are plenty of swimming holes to check out nearby in the Daintree Rainforest. The swimming holes each have something different to offer. The closest area to swim near Cape Tribulation is Mason’s Swimming Hole. This swimming hole is filled with pristine, mesmerising blue waters. It’s a great spot to take a plunge and escape from the tropical heat.

Another nearby swimming hole is at Emmagen Creek. This swimming spot is located about 5 kilometres north of Cape Tribulation. You will have to embark on a short hike but it is completely worth it! There aren’t typically many visitors, so you will be able to relax in the quiet paradise and immerse yourself in nature.

Visit Alexandra Lookout

On the way up to Cape Tribulation is the most impressive Mount Alexandra Lookout. It is one of the most majestic beach views you can get in the whole of Oz! The expansive views are dramatically picturesque and truly worth the stop on the way to the beach.

From the lookout, you may be able to spot the Daintree River, Snapper Island, Shipwreck Bay, and more!

Just relax on the beach

After all, Cape Tribulation is easily one of Australia’s most gorgeous shorelines. At the end of the day, what else is there to do besides kick back, relax and enjoy the unbridled beauty that surrounds you?

This magnificent coastline is truly a sight to behold. Bring a beach towel to sit on and take in the warm tropical breeze. Maybe you enjoy sitting on the beach with a book, listening to the sound of waves. Or maybe you want to have an oceanside picnic while admiring the scenery around you.

Take a tour to Cape Tribulation

Save yourself the time of planning and join one of our tours to Cape Tribulation!

Our one-day Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest tour makes for a perfect day trip. The journey begins as we depart from Cairns and head to Rex Lookout and take in amazing views of Cape Tribulation. Then we continue to Port Douglas for some morning tea and a swim. We will cross the Daintree River via a crocodile spotting cruise as we make our way to Cape Tribulation. We will have lunch and enjoy a guided bushwalk before swimming in one of the rainforest’s plunge pools. After a full day of sightseeing, we will head back to Cairns.

If you have a little bit more time to spend in Queensland, join our two-day Cape Tribulation and Atherton Tablelands tour! The first day will include a visit to the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands. That means we will be spending a lot of time chasing waterfalls and swimming. The second day will take us to the Daintree Rainforest, where we will take the ferry to Cape Tribulation and explore the gorgeous beach.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to Cape Tribulation!

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.