Cape Tribulation

A magnificent continent blessed with a resplendent landscape, fascinating history, rich culture, diverse biota and friendly people, Australia is truly a paradise. Tourists who come here every year don't run out of things to do and see. From the Northern Territory to Tasmania, tourists will find a plethora of dazzling sights and local attractions. May it be on land or under water; Australia never fails to amaze its thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Speaking of dazzling scenery, Cape Tribulation in Queensland is just one of the most remarkable places in Australia. Covering a total area of approximately 16,965 hectares, Cape Tribulation is where one will find dense rainforests, breathtaking beaches and thriving wildlife. One of the world's most naturally diverse places, Cape Tribulation became apart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in 1988.

History

Aside from being a naturalist's paradise, Cape Tribulation is also a significant historic site. Originally the home of the Kuku Yulanji, an indigenous Australian tribe, Cape Tribulation was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770. He named the place Cape Tribulation because, according to Cook, it was where all his troubles had begun. Cook stumbled upon the cape after his ship, the H.M. Barque Endeavour, ran onto a reef not far from the site. This first sighting of Cape Tribulation was chronicled in Cook's journal.

How to get there

For tourists who will travel using land transportation, Cape Tribulation is accessible by way of the Cook Highway. Tourists need to drive 104 kilometers north of Cairns until they arrive at the Daintree River crossing. From there, they have to board the Daintree River ferry, which will arrive at a sealed road that will lead to Cape Tribulation. Meanwhile, those who choose to travel by air can land in a private ULA airstrip located near Cow Bay village. Access by sea or water is not recommended because of insufficient anchorage opportunities and dangerous animals like estuarine crocodiles.

Thing to see

A tourist haven, Cape Tribulation abounds in various places of interest. The cape is home to pristine beaches, spectacular rainforest boardwalks and trails, quaint little villages, and other picturesque panoramas. Just one of the most popular tourist attractions is the Marrdja Botanical Walk, which is a 1100-meter loop that goes through the rainforest up to the Noah Creek. This botanical walk features mangroves, ferns and other plants that have been around the area for over a million years. With its stunning coastline, Cape Tribulation also features several resorts including the Coconut Beach Resort and the Ferntree Resort. The cape is also near the Great Barrier Reef, one of the ultimate scuba diving destinations in the world.

Things to do

Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of other things to do in Cape Tribulation. Camping is a favorite activity among Cape Tribulation backpackers. The Noah Beach campground provides 17 campsites for those who are interested in roughing it in the woods. Picnic areas are also available in other boardwalks like Jindalba, Kulki, and Dubuji for those who just want to spend a good day outdoors. Tourists can also go fishing at various creeks in Cape Tribulation with the exception of Cooper Creek. These creeks are also perfect for swimming, but tourists have to watch out for warning signs first. Cape Tribulation also offers wildlife viewing for tourists who are fascinated with the place's endemic biota. Just some of the exotic animals that can be found here are the Bennett's tree-kangaroo and the southern cassowary.

Accommodations in Cape Tribulations

With so many things to do and see in Cape Tribulation, an entire day will not be enough to cover them all. Fortunately, there are already a good number of hotels and bed and breakfast inns in and around the site that cater to tourists who want to extend their stay. Aside from hotels, there are also a few good restaurants and spas in Cape Tribulation. All of these business establishments provide world-class services that will surely make any tourist's visit at Cape Tribulation an unforgettable one.