Not a Tribulation

By Danielle Chenery // 2 November 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: adventure, rainforest, Traveller blog

Cape Tribulation, located in Far North Queensland, lies within the Daintree National Park. Known as the magical spot where lush tropical rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation is a highlight of North Queensland's amazing World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. Covering around 17,000 hectares, Cape Tribulation extends from the Daintree River in the south all the way up to the Bloomfield River in the north. It also stretches west out to the McDowall Range. Its striking landscape slopes steeply from its coastal fringe and up to the 1374 metre Thornton Peak, which is found just a few kilometres inland. A variety of accommodation options, including hostels and campsites, ensure budget travellers are well catered to in the Daintree - Cape Tribulation area.

History
Cape Tribulation was named by Captain Cook after his ship ran aground on the Endeavour Reef. He thought Cape Tribulation marked the spot where all his troubles began, which is not an association many who have visited this beautiful area can relate to. The Kuku Yalanji are the traditional owners of the area extending from near Cooktown, to Mossman and west to the Palmer River. Many areas including Wundu (Thornton Peak) and Kulki (Cape Tribulation), have special meaning to the Kuku Yalanji people. Their rich and interesting culture provides a fascinating insight into the wonders of the region.

Things To Do
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the Cape Tribulation region, including guided rainforest walks, 4WD safaris, reef trips, mangrove and crocodile watching tours, ocean kayaking, fishing (except for in Cooper Creek) and horse riding.

Visits to the area's environmental centres are well worth adding to your itinerary. The Daintree Rainforest Environmental Centre is one example, containing a 23 metre high canopy tower and display centre, within which you can take interpretive walks. The Bat House is another popular option. An education and environmental interpretative centre, it is named after its resident flying fox.

Cape Trib - Daintree National Park
With rainforest meeting the reef, the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park is as unique as it is beautiful. Camping is available here - there is a camp-ground on Noah Beach, which is eight kilometres south from Cape Tribulation and contains 17 campsites. You will require a camping permit for this area. Pick up fuel and supplies at the Cow Bay Service Station, which is found on the Rainforest Village main road, 14 kilometres from the ferry.

The campsites are suitable for tents and small to medium campervans. Be aware that after heavy rain and in the wet season (December-April), the campsite may be closed. On the up-side, the campsite is a beautiful area, just 50 metres from the beach and nestled within forest canopy; meaning the site is protected from the sun and wind. Just remember to bring along insect repellent, drinking water and sun-screen. Tap water is available, however it needs to be boiled before drinking, and there is even a toilet on-site! Bring along a fuel stove, as fires are not permitted and remember general camping rules, like keeping food and rubbish safely away and remaining crocodile-aware.

There are some amazing walks you can do in the Cape Tribulation Section of Daintree National Park. The Mount Sorrow Ridge Walk, which is a seven kilometre return trek, is the longest and hardest. However, leading up to the 650 metre high lookout, this walk is arguably the most rewarding. If conditions are right, you can see the Daintree Coast from beyond Snapper Island, with the shadow of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef visible in the distance.

The start of the trail is situated 150 metres north of the Kulki day use turn off, on the Bloomfield road. The trail is marked and will take you through lowland rainforest valley. Amazing flora and fauna is abundant along the walk. You need to allow six to seven hours (return) for this walk, and you must begin before 10am and turn back by at least 2pm, to ensure a safe return before day light disappears. The walk is graded 'difficult' as it is extremely steep and slippery in some parts. You need to be of above average fitness to cope with the conditions and the weather can change very quickly. It is vital that you stick to the marked trail and you should not walk the trail alone. If it is hot and humid, or wet and cloudy it is recommended that you give the adventure a miss. No water is available along the way so bring plenty of drinking water (three to four litres per person). Wear enclosed footwear and long pants. Before setting off on this amazing trek, tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of return.

There are four other walks in the park, but these are much shorter and easier and have a boardwalk component. They include; Jindalba 'foot of the mountain', which is a 650 metre loop; Marrdja 'rainforest', which is a 1200 metre loop; Dubuji 'place of spirits', which is a 1200 metre loop; and Kulki, which is 800 metres return.

World Heritage Listing
The Daintree National Park is part of the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest of North Queensland. Covering an area of almost 900,000 hectares, the Wet Tropics Rainforest of North Queensland is regarded as a 'living museum' of flora and fauna, with many species completely unique to the area and living examples of biological evolution.

The Wet Tropics Rainforest of North Queensland stretches from Townsville to Cooktown, with Cape Tribulation one of many amazing highlights. The rainforest is unique as it is one of only a few places in the world to meet all four criteria for World Heritage listing. The Daintree National Park section is even more unique as it is here that two World Heritage Listed areas meet; fringing reef from the Great Barrier Reef is found just offshore the lush wet tropics rainforest area.

Safety
While enjoying this amazing part of the world, it pays to keep some common-sense safety guidelines in mind. Bring plenty of water and wear proper walking shoes. You also need to be prepared for sudden weather changes. Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles live in the sea and within most waterways in the park. They are also known to travel along the beaches, so take care at all times near the water. Also, October to May is peak-time for dangerous stinging jellyfish.

Cassowaries are large, flightless birds, vital to the rainforest's ecology as they are the only creature capable of spreading the seeds of larger rainforest fruits. If you do see a cassowary, keep your distance, and don't feed them. If they attack they can cause severe injury and even death! However, they are an amazing and sadly a threatened species, so take extra care when driving around the Cape Tribulation area. Stinging trees are another one to watch out for. They have large, heart-shaped leaves, with serrated edges that sting on contact.

Weather
The Cape Tribulation area experiences one of Australia's wettest climates, with a definite 'wet' season. The wet season runs from December to April, with heavy and frequent downpours the norm. Maximum temperature during this time ranges from 27 to 33 degrees celsius. Humidity is also high at this time, often more than 80 per cent! May to September are the best months to visit as the weather is cooler and drier.

Getting There
To get to Cape Tribulation, travel north along the Cook Highway from Cairns for approximately 104 kilometres. This will take you to the Daintree River Crossing, where a ferry operates daily from 6am to midnight. Once you have crossed the river, 2-wheel drive access is generally okay, depending on the weather, however 4-wheel drive is recommended. If you are hiring a car, be aware that some companies will insist you hire 4-wheel drive for this area.

Expect a narrow and winding road and be on the lookout for wildlife, especially cassowaries. You will pass road junctions for Cape Kimberley and Cow Bay. The Alexandra Lookout is another highlight along the way, featuring spectacular views over the surrounding areas including Port Douglas and Snapper Island. Cape Tribulation is approximately 40 kilometres from the Alexandra Lookout.

North from Cape Tribulation onto Bloomfield is unsealed, meaning 4-wheel drive is required. Here you'll come across steep grades and creek crossings. Heavy rain can cause road closures, so call RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland - you'll find their number in our Useful Info section) before departure to check on road conditions. The Bloomfield track will lead you further north to Cooktown.

Daily coach services run between Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and Cairns. Bookings are a must.