14 action-packed things to do in Cape Tribulation 

For the ultimate list of things to do in Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, you’re in the right place.

Cape Tribulation is a truly special place where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, meet, and there are so many things to do to immerse yourself in its magic.

As the highway meanders north, roadside signs promise tourists an exceptional experience and winding roads and stunning beaches certainly deliver. The jungle is hot and steamy, especially in the summer months, which means the soil is rich, well irrigated and perfect for growing bananas, mangoes, passionfruit, papaya and a multitude of tropical fruits.

Ancient stories wind through lush jungle branches and leaves down to magnificent beaches. It’s a place at the end of civilisation’s sealed roads, where crocodiles lurk and fan palms hang overhead.

Whether you base yourself in Cape Tribulation, sleep under the stars or stay elsewhere in the rainforest (there are so many things to do in the Daintree) you could stay forever. Here, our favourite things to do in Cape Tribulation.

1. Visit the Daintree Rainforest

a Dreamtime Walk with a local Kuku Yalanji guide, Mossman Gorge — The Dreamtime Walk leads you through the wonders of the world’s oldest living rainforest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Cape Tribulation is in the heart of the Daintree so it would be a crime to skip the oldest continuously living rainforest in the world while you’re visiting.

Head to Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to embark on a Dreamtime Walk with a local Kuku Yalanji guide. Beginning with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony to fend off bad spirits, the tour leads you through stunning rainforest, observing traditional huts or humpies (traditional huts crafted from bark and leaves) along the way.

Your guide will show you the traditional use of certain plants while sharing creation stories, shining a light on just how profound its Indigenous roots are. Once the tour wraps, traditional bush tea and damper will come out and guests should note that while all fitness levels are invited to pop along, there are some slippery bits if it’s rained. Sturdy shoes (and insect repellent if you’ve got room) are non-negotiable.

2. Zipline overhead on a Treetops Adventure

Spread your wings to the branches above by signing up to Treetops Adventure’s Zipline Canopy Tour . For two glorious hours, you’ll tower over the Daintree’s native flora and fauna (including land-bound cassowaries, sorry suckers!) below, soaring up to 15 metres above ground level. You’ll tackle timber boardwalks and nine ziplines that stretch anywhere from 15 to 130 metres in length, plus there’s an included river tour to help you hunt for crocs. Morning tea and lunch are provided.

3. Race out to the Great Barrier Reef

swimming with a sea turtle, Ocean Safari — Swim with sea turtles. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Dreaming of a slow, gentle ride to rock you to sleep? Well, Ocean Safari isn’t for you. The high-speed Cape Tribulation boat ride takes about 25 minutes, dragging you out to two stellar snorkelling spots, Mackay Reef and Mackay Coral Cay. You have the option to sit on the 700-horsepower boat’s inflatable sides as the skipper “drives it like he stole it" — and boy, does he what. This tour is not for the faint-hearted, and if you’re not feeling those inflatable walls, normal seats are also on offer. The half-day trips, which run in the morning and afternoon, include all snorkelling gear and eco presentations, plus you can buy underwater photos for an additional fee. Stinger suits are also up for grabs from $8 per person.

4. Watch the sunrise on Cape Tribulation Beach

a Cape Tribulation beach at sunrise — Take in the beauty of Cape Trib’s golden beaches at first light. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If there’s ever a place to set an alarm and catch the sunrise, make it Cape Tribulation. There’s something thrilling about walking through the pitch black to sit on the sand and wait for the sun to emerge, especially when crocs may lurk in the water. If you keep your distance from the crashing waves, you’ll be just fine. Guests at Cape Trib Beach House often take in the sunrise from here, so you might even find a spare seat set up by the team to help you gaze in comfort.

5. Slurp up a treat at Daintree Ice Cream Co

two cones of Daintree Ice Cream — The beloved Daintree Ice Cream is made from organically grown fruits. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’ll need to venture just under 30 minutes down the coast but doesn’t every good holiday demand top-notch ice cream? Daintree Ice Cream Co is the place to indulge, offering creamy small-batch goodness made from organically grown fruits grown mostly on its 22-acre property. The team invites you to explore its gorgeous fruit orchard to experience the source of your deliciousness first-hand — artificial sweeteners and bucketloads of sugar, be gone. Located on Cape Tribulation Road, you may even find yourself a spot of Wi-Fi, though we don’t rely on it as coverage is notoriously patchy up here.

6. Walk along the Madja, Kulki and Dubuji boardwalks

the Dubuji boardwalk leading to Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation — Dubuji boardwalk takes you to Myall Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Traversing the Madja , Kulki and Dubuji boardwalks, all clearly marked paths in Cape Tribulation takes anywhere from 15 minutes to around an hour to complete. Signs are scattered along each journey, giving detailed information about the littoral (shoreside) forests and mangroves that make up the ecosystems encountered along the way. The canopy forms a protective shade from the sun’s rays, offering visitors a delightful opportunity to reflect and meditate on the magnificence of this sacred spot.

7. Dip into Mason’s Swimming Hole

a woman dipping in Mason’s Swimming Hole, Daintree Rainforest — Cool off at the croc-free Mason’s Swimming Hole. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Leave your donation in the honesty box and trek down a short path for a swim in a divine (and croc-free) waterhole. This Cape Tribulation secret spot, adored by locals who love talking about it, is a natural wonder. Make dams with the perfectly spherical rocks or simply float in the fresh clear water, gazing up at a lush canopy above.

8. Trot the beach with Cape Trib Horse Rides

riding horses along Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation — Ride a horse on Cape Tribulation’s Myall Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emerge from the shaded verdant forest paths out onto Myall Beach and canter through the sand on a horse handpicked for you by experienced staff. Cape Trib Horse Rides is a locally owned and managed Ecotourism Australia ECO-certified tour giving guests the chance to walk a four-legged friend into the shallow waters of the ocean (clarity permitting and only at the discretion of the guides). Unsurprisingly, great photo opportunities ensure you capture this exhilarating Cape Tribulation experience, which lasts for 90 minutes and departs twice daily at 11am and 2.30pm. If you’re travelling from Cairns or Port Douglas during peak season, factor in ample time to cross the river at the ferry.

9. Grab a bite at Turtle Rock Cafe

Located in the heart of town, adjacent to the tourist office and caravan park, Turtle Rock Cafe is a popular al fresco meeting point for locals seeking their morning coffee fix. Meals are also readily devoured, showcasing wholesome local produce as much as possible. Environmentally conscious, serving its coffee in recycled cups, the Cape Tribulation eatery is also a good spot to tap into some Wi-Fi, though do bear in mind that it’s not entirely reliable, in true Cape Trib style.

10. Cool off at Emmagen Creek

two women relaxing at Emmagen Creek, Cape Tribulation — Take a refreshing dip in the creek. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

At the end of Rykers Road, passing Turtle Rock Cafe, Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road morphs into an unsealed, gravel road. Eventually, it will dip, leading you right to the Emmagen Creek crossing. The path to its beautiful swimming hole isn’t signposted well, so look for a gap between the scrub where you’ll spy a well-trodden dirt track. Follow it to a bamboo arch and keep going past a Pandanus palm before turning left. At this point, you should spy the creek through the branches. Follow the creek edge and eventually, you’ll strike gold.

Expect fresh, crystal-clear water and a rope tied to a sturdy branch which naturally encourages visitors to swing off and launch themselves into this soothing sanctuary.

11. Taste local fruit at Cape Trib Farm

exotic fruits at Cape Trib Farm — The Cape Trib Farm grows rare exotic fruits in its tropical orchard. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Tempt your tastebuds on Cape Trib Farm’s Fruit Tasting tour where guests will learn about atypical tropical fruits like mangosteen, soursop, rambutan, jackfruit and more. Tour frequency varies from season to season, so check the website for up-to-date information but pencil in a 2pm start no matter when you arrive. You’ll return to base camp 90 minutes later.

12. Hike the Mt Sorrow ridge trail

A strenuous seven-kilometre day walk , those who accept the challenge won’t be sorry when they reach the high ridges of this glorious forest track. On a clear day, expect spectacular views to the Daintree coastline. As with all hikes, walkers must carry water and first aid gear, and it’s a good idea to let someone know your route. Visitors should note that the Grade 4 walking path, which takes roughly six hours in total, is steep and requires some scrambling over logs. Only experienced bushwalkers with above-average fitness should jump on board.

13. Be awed by a giant strangler fig tree

a giant strangler fig tree, Cape Tribulation — Drive past the majestic strangler fig tree. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re heading up to Emmagen Creek, keep your eyes peeled on the right side of your journey for one seriously majestic strangler fig. The giant tree is a marvel and worth a quick pull-over to snap a photo. If you follow its roots, you’ll find that they go for hundreds of metres around the tree.

14. Live out your treehouse fantasies

a woman bathing in an outdoor tub at Silky Oaks Lodge — Bathe amidst the dense greenery of the Daintree Rainforest at Silky Oaks Lodge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Stir that inner child within by locking in a night or two at one of Cape Tribulation’s outstanding treehouse stays. Silky Oaks Lodge and Daintree Wilderness Lodge , two of the best Daintree accommodation options, offer above-ground lodgings drenched in luxury. Views stretch right throughout the Daintree Rainforest, sweeping in natural drama like steep mountainous drops and glistening riverbanks.

Originally written by Emily Murphy with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.