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)

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.