Summer Road Trip - Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation

Nothing says Aussie summer better than a good old fashioned road trip, so why not pack the car and take yourself on the ultimate adventure through the oldest living rainforest in the world!? The high-rise canopies of the Daintree serve as a much-welcomed barrier between you and the summer sun while the addition of increased rainfall means you’ll see the foliage at the peak of their bloom - we promise you’ll be gobsmacked by the intensity of the green around you!

Starting from Port Douglas, this self-drive itinerary can take you as long or as little as you like but our tip? Don’t rush! If you’ve got the time, take it. This is a place where it pays to move slowly. Give yourself enough time to stop and soak in the rich culture and natural wonders of this enchanting place.

First leg: Port Douglas to Daintree Village

Car packed, playlist ready and snacks on hand, make your way North from Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway. After about an hour you’ll reach the quaint township of Daintree Village. Don’t forget to pop into the local pub for a true Aussie experience and say g’day to the friendly locals.

DO:

• Cool off with a dip at the private waterfall, Cassowary Falls that can only be accessed by 4WD buggy! (You’ll need to book this one in advance so make sure you’re organised before you arrive!)

SEE:

• Crocodiles in the wild on a boat tour with Daintree River Cruise Centre.

STAY:

• Wake up in a treehouse in the thick of the rainforest at Daintree Eco Lodge and let the sounds of the rain hiting the roof lull you into a deep, restful sleep each night.

• Loved Cassowary Falls? Why not spend the night in one of their newly renovated private chalets?

Second leg: Daintree Village to Noah Creek

From Daintree Village drive south along Mossman Daintree Road until you get to the ferry turn off. Take the short (but iconic) ferry ride across the river and head into the depths of the Daintree. From here, it’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ with so many different avenues to take and experiences to be had. Take note to visit the DSC website ahead of your travels for updates on road conditions, especially during the wetter summer months.

DO:

• If you missed it on the first leg, take a croc cruise before heading across the ferry. Bruce Belcher and Solar Whisper both run tours throughout the day and are experts at finding crocs who are notoriously good at camouflage!

• Get a true taste for the oldest living rainforest by visiting the Daintree Discovery Centre. Take a walk on the canopy tower or learn something new in the interpretive centre.

• Fill your belly with some of the best sorbet you’ll ever taste at the Daintree Ice Cream Co. The tropical fruit used is grown at the onsite orchard and the flavours change depending what’s in season.

• Take a walk along Madja boardwalk at Noah Creek.

SEE:

• The view from Mount Alexandra lookout.

• Cow Bay and its insta-famous tree swing.

• Thornton’s Beach.

STAY:

• If you like camping but want to do it in style, Noah Creek Eco Huts is the place for you! A stay here grants you access to the sites multiple private hiking trails and swimming spots that can be done on your own or as part of a guided tour.

• Find your own private paradise at Daintree Secrets Rainforest Retreat complete with private swimming hole.

• For those wanting luxury, look no further than the eco lodges of Daintree Wilderness Lodge with each cabin designed to reflect the natural landscapes of its surroundings.

• For a cost efficient camping option, try Daintree Siesta. They offer both camping and cabin options plus an onsite rainforest circuit walk making exploring easier than ever.

Third leg: Noah Creek to Cape Tribulation

Once you’re ready to keep moving, continue your journey north towards Cape Tribulation. Be sure to keep an eye out for cassowaries and other wildlife that inhabit the area. Dusk and dawn are the best times for animal spotting as this is when they are most active.

DO:

• Swim safely at Mason’s Swimming Hole without having to worry about crocs or stingers! It’s also a great place for a coffee or lunch. If you’re up for it, give their famous Jackfruit Burger a try!
  
  

• Have you ever eaten black sapote or had the pleasure of smelling a durian? Now’s your chance if you stop into Cape Trib Farm and take their Tropical Fruit Tasting tour. Book an overnight stay in their rainforest cottages - with your private deck, outdoor kitchen and personal fruit platter, it’s the perfect way to wake up to the sights and sounds of the rainforest, cuppa in hand!
  
  

• Ride a horse along the beach Cape Trib Horse Rides - a true bucket list experience that takes you through the rainforest out onto the sand. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse, this ride is very beginner friendly.
  
  

• Zipline through the canopies of the rainforest at 15m high with Treetops Adventure. Fly across 9 ziplines and see the Daintree from the ultimate bird's eye view!

SEE:

• The Great Barrier Reef on a full or half day tour with Ocean Safari. This is the ultimate experience of reef meeting rainforest, and the Mackay reef is spectacular.

• Views of the Coral Sea and Cape Tribulation Beach from the Kulki Boardwalk lookout

STAY:

• Want beachfront accommodation but on a budget? Cape Trib Camping has you covered with both powered and unpowered sites, and the Sandbar cafe serving delicious coffee, cocktails and woodfire pizzas - what more could you want?
  
  

• If you’re on the other end of the scale and are after 5-star luxury, you’ll love Mist at Cape Tribulation. With the majestic mount sorrow as your backdrop, witness the beauty of rainfall in the tropics from the comfort of your outdoor balcony and hear the rainforest come to life as you drift off to sleep each night.
  
  

• For somewhere in between, opt for Cape Trib Beach House. With beachfront cabins, onsite restaurant, outdoor pool and private beach access, this place has everything you could ever need for a rainforest escape.

Not ready to head home? Got a 4WD? Keep the dream alive and head on up to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track.

FOURTH LEG: Cape Tribulation to Cooktown via Bloomfield Track

If you’re feeling adventurous, continue north past Cape Tribulation and hit the Bloomfield Track up to the remote community of Cooktown. This track is strictly for 4WD’s and it’s important to remember that tracks can close temporarily due to weather conditions. Ensure you have a working radio just in case, as phone reception is limited.