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

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.