Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation was named in 1770 by Captain James Cook, who ran his ship Endeavour aground on the reef just offshore here. The cape sits within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. It is the only place in the world where two UNESCO sites (the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park) meet directly at the coastline.

The drive from Cairns is around three hours via the Daintree River ferry, which is the only crossing point onto the cape. There are no shops, banks or fuel north of the ferry, so most visitors stock up in Mossman or Port Douglas. Walking tracks lead through fan palm forests and onto the beach. The area is home to the endangered southern cassowary and the Boyd's forest dragon.

Ocean swimming is restricted because of saltwater crocodiles in the river mouths and stinging marine creatures in the warmer months. Most visitors stay one or two nights at one of the small eco-lodges along the cape road.