6 top spots for camping in Cape Tribulation

Sleeping under the stars in the Daintree is an experience you will never forget.

Cape Tribulation is the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. Home to both the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation is the perfect base. And the best way to see it? Camping of course!

If you’re not a fan of camping, there are a range of other accommodation options in Cape Tribulation or if you’d rather stay elsewhere in the Daintree.

Whether you’re a camping newbie or a seasoned camper, there’s a campsite for you in Cape Trib. Choose between off-grid, remote sites to campgrounds with all the facilities you could possibly want. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about camping in Cape Trib.

1. Noah Beach camping area

An aerial shot of Noah Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland and Reuben Nutt) — Noah Beach is just 50 metres from the campsite. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland and Reuben Nutt)

There is no camping permitted along the Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) trail, the Mount Sorrow Ridge trail, or anywhere else in Daintree National Park. Camping is only available in the Cape Tribulation section of Daintree National Park at Noah Beach camping area. It costs $7.25 per person to camp here with family rates available.

Located just 50 metres from the iconic Noah Beach, this camping area is a stunning spot to base yourself while exploring the Daintree. Noah Beach camping area can be reachdfed by cars and campervans, but not by caravans, motorhomes or really high (more than 3.2 metres high) campervans, due to overhanging trees and tight turns, so just be wary of this.

The campsite has composting toilets and is also very shady, with limited sun for charging solar panels. Open fires are prohibited to preserve the natural rainforest, so make sure you bring a gas stove to cook on. Also, download offline maps before you go, because Noah Beach is a dead zone for phone service.

Important: Noah Beach camping area is closed throughout the wet season every year from the first Sunday after New Year’s Day until Good Friday.

2. Cape Tribulation Camping

Looking through trees to Cape Tribulation Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) — Powered and unpowered sites are available right near the beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Cape Tribulation Camping has both powered and unpowered sites available right by the beach. Cape Trib Camping has hot showers, toilets and laundry facilities available, so you don’t have to rough it too much!

You’ll be able to cook up a feast here, as there are two camp kitchens with free gas cookers, free BBQs, fridges, sinks, and ice available to purchase. If you’re heading to the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track after a stay here, it’s a great spot to prepare for the remote trip, with caravan storage available for only $10 per night for a powered spot.

3. Daintree Rainforest Village Camping

A tent in front of the rainforest. (Image: Daintree Rainforest Village) — Not a bad spot to set up camp. (Image: Daintree Rainforest Village)

Also located before the road gets too rough for caravans and 2WDs, Daintree Rainforest Village is the perfect mix of caravan park and campsite to base yourself while in the Daintree. It also has caravan storage so if you venture off into the rougher, deeper Daintree, you can leave your caravan here too.

The village has bathrooms, a laundry, a camp kitchen, fire facilities, an onsite general store and a fuel station, among other things, so it really is a one-stop shop.

4. PK’s Jungle Village

PK’s Jungle Village is right in the heart of Cape Trib. PK’s campground welcomes campers, campervans and caravans, who have full use of all resort facilities and designated camping bays. A couple of powered sites are available on advanced request, but they are mainly unpowered sites.

With PK’s large pool and famous Jungle Bar all on site, you’ll still feel very connected and relaxed here.

5. Safari Lodge

Safari Lodge BBQ area by pool. (Image: Safari Lodge) — The BBQ area and camp kitchen have a pool view. (Image: Safari Lodge)

Safari Lodge offers affordable Cape Tribulation camping sites close to Myall Beach, restaurants and waterholes. There are powered campsites suitable for caravans and motorhomes as well.

Safari Lodge is located onsite at the Ocean Safari check-in office, which is also home to the Turtle Rock Cafe. Ocean Safari is one of the best things to do in Cape Tribulation. The Ecotourism Australia ECO-certified tour starts with a 25-minute exhilarating boat ride that takes you out to two different snorkel spots and a sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.

6. Yindilli Camping Ground

Yindilli camping ground at night. (Image: Yindilli Camping Ground) — The perfect place to stargaze. (Image: Yindilli Camping Ground)

Yindilli Camping Ground is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Cape Tribulation on the CREB Track or two hours from Daintree Village, the camp has toilet and shower facilities and fireplaces and dry firewood, you will just need to bring your own camping gear, food and supplies.

The CREB Track is only suitable for well-equipped 4WD vehicles and those with vehicle recovery experience. It’s also not suitable for trailers. The track is very steep and very rough, so if you attempt it in a 2WD or with a trailer on, you will get stuck!

The CREB Track also closes temporarily from time to time depending on the conditions, so make sure you check before you go to avoid disappointment.

4WDs on the CREB track. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland) — The CREB track is strictly for 4WDs. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.