Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns or Port Douglas

Overview

This full-day excursion takes you to explore Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the sea. The journey is made in an air-conditioned coach departing from Cairns or Port Douglas, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The itinerary includes a wildlife cruise and a ferry crossing of the Daintree River, followed by a guided walk through the rainforest. You will also visit Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation Beach (if accessible), and the Rex and Alexandra Lookouts (subject to opening). The trip features a drive along the Great Barrier Reef road and a swimming stop if weather permits. Two options are available: one including a picnic lunch and morning refreshments, and another without meals. Pick-up service is included in both options.

Itinerary

1. Daintree National Park

   Your Cape Tribulation day tour commences with complimentary pick-ups from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation. If departing from Cairns and the beaches, it’s a scenic coastal drive up to Port Douglas. From there we head north amongst the sugar cane fields to our first stop, a short restroom break in the Mossman area. Continuing our journey north we access the Cape Tribulation section of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, by first crossing the mighty Daintree River. This is done on the only operating cable ferry in tropical Australia.

   · 1 h

2. Gondwana Rainforest

   Once we’re over the river, things really begin to change as we step into the wilderness. The road narrows and the rainforest towers over us as we enjoy the ever-increasing beauty of this 135-million-year-old ancient Gondwana Rainforest.

   · 1 h

3. Walu Wugirriga Lookout

   The next stop on our Cape Tribulation day tour is at the Alexandra Range Lookout. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the Daintree River, Port Douglas, Snapper Island, Cape Kimberly and on a clear day, landmarks as far south as Cairns. This makes for some amazing photos, over the top of the low laying rainforest canopy.

   · 1 h

4. Marrdja Botanical Walk

   After the lookout we experience the Marrdja or Jindalba Boardwalk. Here we see trees that have been caught in a time capsule; they haven’t changed in millions of years and we hope don’t change in millions more. As we travel through the ancient rainforest the Marrdja (which means Rainforest Walk in the local Aboriginal language) Boardwalk leads us over a complex mangrove swamp system. The root systems of these trees are quite striking and are an ingenious solution these plants have evolved over many, many years of living on the tidal edge. There are many points to stop and learn about the local flora and fauna on these walks and our experienced guides will give you an insight to the Daintree Rainforest, that will make you appreciate it for the amazing and unique system that it is.

   · 1 h

5. Cape Tribulation Beach

   After the guided walk, we head straight to the Kulki Day use area, where we can access Cape Tribulation Beach and the picnic area next to the beach. It’s time for a picnic lunch at Cape Tribulation Beach day use area (weather permitting). This is a unique feature of our Cape Tribulation day tour, as we are the only company dining on this stretch of coastline. Lunch is at approximately 12pm. After lunch, take a walk on the stunning Cape Tribulation Beach which is where the ‘Rainforest meets the Reef’ and the only place on the planet that two World Heritage listed National Parks sit side by side, with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on one side and the Daintree National Park on the other. You will have time to walk on the beach and also access the walk to the lookout on the Cape Tribulation headland. We then head back towards the Daintree River. If time is permitting, we’ll stop at the Daintree Ice-Cream Company to give you a chance to buy a tropical fruit ice-cream which is eaten on the bus. Keep an eye out for the local Cassowaries.

   · 1 h

6. Next stop is croc spotting time! Your Crocodile/Wildlife spotting cruise on the Daintree River takes us through the domain of the large saltwater crocodiles. Egrets wade near mangroves in the murky water of the river, as the crocodiles wait patiently for a meal. We look for pythons, tree snakes, butterflies and lots of other animal and plant life on this cruise. We also get a better understanding of the unique mangrove systems and their importance, not only to the rainforest, but to the Great Barrier Reef system as well.

   · 1 h

7. Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre

   Afternoon tea is then served so we can have a ‘cuppa’ and a chat about the awesome things we have spotted on the river. Then we are off to the famous Mossman Gorge. This clear mountain river cuts through thick rainforest and tumbles over boulders, on its journey toward the sea. Make sure you bring your bathers, as provided it is safe to do so (no flooding) you can go for a swim in the Gorge. NB: Your guide will asses conditions on the day and also supervise those of you that do decide to swim. Alternatively, you can relax to the soothing sound of running water and calling birds. The landscape is a combination of giant granite boulders and mossy rocks, with dragonflies and butterflies flitting in the light.

   · 1 h

8. Rex Lookout

   Our last stop for the day is Rex Range lookout, where we stop to get some amazing pictures of our beautiful stretch of coastline known to the locals as ‘Great Barrier Reef Drive’. Our Cape Tribulation day tour arrives back into Cairns at about 6.30pm. This is where we say good-bye and hope that you will come back and visit us again soon!

   · 1 h

Pickup

Pickup included.

Cape Tribulation Day Tour departs from Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas on 6 days a week except Saturdays. The earliest pickup time in Cairns is 6.30am and the returning time to Cairns is around 6.30pm. Please advise your preferred pickup location prior to travel to confirm your pickup time.

How to use your ticket

Cape Tribulation Day Tour departs from Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The earliest pickup time in Cairns is 6.30am and the returning time to Cairns is around 6.30pm. Please advise your hotel prior to travel. Our office will be in contact with you to confirm pickup address. Please be advised we do not pick up from Private accommodation or Airbnb. What to Bring: - Comfortable Shoes - Water Bottle - Sunglasses & Hat - Lunch (if self-catering) - Sunscreen & Insect Repellent - Your Ticket or Voucher - Towel & Swimmers Contact Details: Cape Trib Connections Phone: +61740320500 Free call (within Australia): 1800838757

What to know before you go

• Young children must sit on an adult's lap.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• The activity can accommodate a maximum of 20 travellers.
• Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before departure.
• This activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• Solo travellers, couples, or families with children
• People of all fitness levels
• English speakers (English-speaking guide)

What makes it different

• Small groups limited to 20 participants
• Pick-up service included in all options
• Combination of river cruise and guided rainforest walk

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 170329P1

Activity offered by Cape Trib Connections - Day Tours via Viator.