6 top spots for camping in Cape Tribulation

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

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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.

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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)

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Why Hamilton Island is perfect for multi-gen travel

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.

    Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.

    Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.

    Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.

    Getting there, and around

    Hamilton Island multi-gen travel on a buggy
    Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.

    The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.

    Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).

    Where to stay

    Reef View Hotel Pool Terrace hamilton island multi-gen travel
    Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)

    Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.

    Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.

    Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.

    pool and sup boarders at The Sundays hamilton island
    Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.

    The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.

    For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.

    Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.

    Where to eat

    coca chu on hamilton island
    Sit down to a feast at coca chu.

    Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

    Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.

    Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.

    Catseye Pool Club hamilton island
    Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.

    For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.

    Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).

    Where to explore

    hamilton island couple running on trail
    Explore the island’s walking trails.

    There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.

    One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).

    For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.

    E-mountain biking on hamilton island
    Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.

    Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.

    Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.

    Where to play

    heart reef
    Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.

    Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.

    Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.

    Parents seeking a stress-free night out can also make use of Hamilton Island’s babysitting services, which start from $40 an hour.

    Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.

    More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.

    Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.

    To plan your family island escape, visit hamiltonisland.com.au.