Things to Do in Cape Tribulation
Visiting the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef
Jun 29, 2009
If there is one thing to be said about Cape Tribulation is that it’s beautiful. The ocean is crystal clear, the reefs colourful, the rainforest thick and lush, and the sand white and soft. It’s also very hot and humid, and the rains reach cyclone force. It’s also a region full of unique, and many dangerous, creatures; all a beautiful and magnificent sight to see.
Cape Tribulation is also the only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest forests in the world; and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world.
The Daintree Rainforest
There are many ways to see and explore the Daintree, which has some of the oldest virgin rainforests on Earth. There are guided tours, boardwalks that can be followed independently, it can be enjoyed by boat, or even by jungle surfing. There are tours both day and night, and are completely different experiences.
During the day, the rainforest is a busy, even hectic place, where the greens are bright and the mosquitoes abound. There are infinite sounds, coming from insects and animals, the rivers and waterfalls, and the falling fruit, branches and leaves that eventually come to litter the forest floor. Fragrances are strong and sweet, and colours dream-like. Birds, small reptiles and insects scurry, fly and run all around, and endangered animals like the cassowary, striped possum and tree kangaroo also live here.
At night it’s a more peaceful place. The number of stars is overwhelming. Sounds seem sharper and more purposeful. Water and insects reign the sound waves. It’s pitch black, but the humidity seems to rise. Different animals, like the python, come out to hunt at night, but there's plenty to see, because a majority of the animals that inhabit the Daintree are nocturnal.
The Great Barrier Reef
It’s the largest coral reef in the world and a world heritage listed site. An equally intricate ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders, and a source of pride for Australia. It is a huge tourist destination, and sadly because of it, there has been a lot of damage done to the reef. In the last few years, tourism has become more environmentally friendly, and there is a palpable effort to sustain the reef whilst still providing visitors with a unique adventure.
There are several boats, like the Rum Runner, which take people out to the reefs and give them the chance to snorkel and dive, and witness the beauty of this reef. The abundance of life can be overwhelming, as are the colours under the water.
Spotting sharks and the hundreds of fish and coral that call the reef home is truly a pleasure. The Rum Runner also includes lunch on board, and the views are spectacular on the journeys from and to Cape Tribulation.
Cape Tribulation Accommodation and Transport
Although it's a very small place, there are several backpackers and hotels to choose from when staying at Cape Trib. There is no public transport, but there are buses that drive up from Port Douglas and Cairns almost every day, if the weather allows. It's a beautiful yet secluded destination; the perfect place for a relaxing break.
To read more about getting to Cape Tribulation, click here.
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