What is Cape Tribulation?
Cape Tribulation is a headland in Daintree National Park, Far North Queensland, where ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Captain James Cook named it in 1770.
Cook gave the cape its name after his ship, HMB Endeavour, struck a reef offshore in June 1770. He wrote that it was here that all his troubles began. The crew spent weeks repairing the ship at what is now Cooktown.
Today the cape is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. Boardwalks such as the Dubuji and Marrdja walks lead through rainforest and mangroves, where visitors may see cassowaries, tree frogs and colourful butterflies.
Getting there
Cape Tribulation is about two and a half hours' drive north of Cairns. Visitors cross the Daintree River on a cable ferry, then follow a winding road through the rainforest.
North of the cape, the Bloomfield Track continues to Cooktown and requires a four-wheel drive. The area has small resorts, campgrounds and cafes but no large towns.
Swimming at the beaches is risky because of crocodiles and, in summer, box jellyfish. Reef trips leave from the beach to the nearby Mackay Reef.
Did You Know?
Cape Tribulation lies within the traditional country of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who share it through guided walks.