Road Conditions
The key message for guests travelling over the Daintree Ferry is to allow time. Once across the Daintree Ferry, Cape Tribulation Road is open all the way from Cow Bay through Diwan onto Cape Tribulation and fully accessible to all car types, with the only restrictions on vehicle weight and length when towing. The Bloomfield Track is currently open to 4WDs. Douglas Shire Council provides up to date details on conditions and restrictions here.
Parts of Cape Tribulation Road are under traffic management with the longest wait being at Cape Kimberley, just a few minutes from the norther ferry ramp. Visitors may be waiting for the lights at Cape Kimberly for up to 20 minutes depending on when they join the queue – this is just because of the long stretch of road operating with one lane.
Outside of this, delays are minimal based on current conditions.
Driving over Noah Range into Cape Tribulation is quite something with an impressive view of the coast of Cape Tribulation. Like me, visitors may even see a whale in the ocean while driving over the range. It’s important to drive with caution and take care not to stop over this stretch. Below is a summary of our member’s offerings in order of my visit to each, driving up to Cape Trib on Monday morning and back down to Cow Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
Solar Whisper – Experience
Solar powered boats and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Daintree River, David White’s popular Daintree River Cruise is located at the southern side of the Daintree Ferry and a perfect way to start the Daintree experience.
David has operated his cruise for over 20 years. Studying croc behaviour and wildlife, and the author behind “Days of the Daintree” soap opera of the Daintree River, David provides a fabulous and fun insight into nature’s best playground. David is often called upon by scientists, researchers and government for his expert knowledge and studies of croc behaviour and is helping to inform important research pieces into these magnificent prehistoric creatures. A one-hour cruise is perfect for family groups to get a bucket-list insight into the greatest river in the world’s oldest living rainforest.
Daintree Discovery Centre – Experience
Located 10kms from the Daintree Ferry just passed Alexandra Range is the Daintree Discovery Centre. A key attraction in the Daintree, the Daintree Discovery Centre offers visitors an immersive rainforest experience with a boardwalk canopy walk taking visitors from the rainforest floor to the top of the canopy. The cultural learning centre at the heart of the property provides an important insight into the history of the Daintree Rainforest which has continued to evolve over 130 million years. The Daintree Discovery Centre celebrates and showcases the culture of the local Easter Kuku Yalanji First Nations Peoples – the original custodians of the Daintree Rainforest land and recognised as the oldest living culture in the world.
Paying homage to the prehistoric age of the rainforest, the dinosaurs onsite are a key attraction for little explorers, whilst the real-life modern day resident reptiles and insects provide another learning experience for kids and adults alike.
Daintree Siesta – Accommodation / Walks
Nestled in the heart of the rainforest and with subtle plays on the Daintree’s prehistoric beginnings, Daintree Siesta offers cost-effective, air-conditioned motel-style accommodation, as well as a campground, about half an hour from the Daintree Ferry crossing.
Exclusively available for guests, the walks around the property offer a beautiful and authentic immersive rainforest experience. Owners Tamara and Bruno are about to launch a unique guided Forest Bathing Therapy Walk and Rainforest Floating Pool. With their restaurant offering lunch and dinner, and an authentic and relaxed atmosphere, Tamara and Bruno deliver an easy and laid-back experience for travellers.
Daintree Wilderness Retreat – Luxe Accommodation
Two resident Cassowaries on site, 800 year-old trees, and a wealth of rainforest knowledge, the Daintree Wilderness Retreat is a special retreat for those seeking luxury rainforest accommodation 30 minutes from the ferry crossing.
A decked restaurant exclusively available to retreat guests wraps around the rainforest with an inviting spa to the side amongst the age-old trees. The retreat caters for up to 17 guests, with 7 beautifully designed Eco Cabins nestled secludedly in the rainforest - each has a shower with a glass wall offering a view that will make you sing!
Noah Creek Eco Huts – Glamping and Camping
Located just south of Cape Tribulation is Noah Creek Rainforest Reserve. The Reserve is a unique and spectacular rainforest property that offers camping, glamping-style accommodation or a lodge-stay, and self-guided walking and hiking trails on both lowland and highland graded trails. Perfect for hikers, families and those seeking a rainforest experience, whilst also catering for small weddings and events. With beautiful rainforest grounds, amenities and facilities, the property offers a wonderful off-grid forest-stay.
Cape Trib Camping - Camping
With a beautifully designed new indoor gathering facility – fully decked with open aired views onto Cape Trib beach, Cape Trib Camping offers a wonderful beachside camping option for those towing caravans or equipped with tents. The family-friendly campsite features 60 powered beachside sites, and a new unpowered green camp that has initially opened with 15 sites for rainforest campers. From the Sandbar Café delivering expresso coffees and cocktails and awesome wood fire pizzas, to amenities, and camp kitchens, campers have everything they need for unforgettable camping beachside in the Daintree Rainforest and on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Ocean Safari – Experience and Accommodation
For the whale watches, it’s the perfect time to see whales off the Daintree Coast and Ocean Safari have been spotting whale activity in their reef snorkelling tours off the coast of Cape Trib in recent weeks.
Whilst the Mackay Reef off the Coast of Cape Trib sustained some impact from TC Jasper and flooding, the reef is recovering beautifully and looks spectacular. The Ocean Safari team have been surveying reef health for over 10 years, and have been involved in the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative over the last 18 months. Data sets and historical trends are demonstrating a healthy reef recovery with the underwater biodiversity Disneyland continuing to provide an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Ocean Safari offers on-site camping, cabin-stays and the Turtle Rock Café is the go-to after an action-packed adventure on the reef.
MIST – Luxe Accommodation
As you enter Cape Trib and take a left off Cape Tribulation Road further into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest you’ll find Mist. With the awe-inspiring site of Mount Sorrow as the backdrop, amongst lush green rainforest and beautifully landscape gardens, the Queenslander reception is a stunning spectacle. The 3 private cabins set amongst the hillside offer private luxury accommodation to guests who want to take a serenity break from every day fast paced life.
Owners Lilian and Kim have recently installed satellite internet connectivity to allow guests to tap back in if they desire. A short drive from the centre of Cape Trib, this accommodation offering is truly special for those inspired by nature.
Cape Trib Fruit Farm – Accommodation and Experience
For the foodies and fruit lovers, a stay at Cape Trib Fruit Farm and experiencing the unique tropical fruit tasting tour is another bucket-list Daintree experience.
With over 70 rare and exotic fruits including soursop, mangosteens, dragon fruit, durians, and carambola, grown in the onsite orchards, the fruit tasting experience hosted by the Blocky family is something very special. The five Orchard Cottages onsite have been expertly crafted and feature a private outdoor deck with hand crafted timber finishes, a spectacular outdoor self-contained kitchenette and outdoor lounge to soak up the sights, sounds, and of course tastes, of the rainforest.
Mason’s Café – Food and Experience
For over 20 years the Mason family has been at the centre of tourism in the Daintree. Mason’s café in Cape Tribulation is a popular spot for a bit to eat, including a homage to local produce with the jackfruit burger a must try on the menu!
After lunch, the Mason swimming hole on the property offers an awesome spot to take a dip in a fresh-water rainforest creek.
Also on site is a grocery shop and bottleshop - for those with self-contained accommodation, a good tip is to stock up while you are here!
Ferntree Lodge - Accommodation
Renowned for its loft cabins and accommodation amongst the trees, Ferntree Lodge has a raft of accommodation options to suit various group sizes. The recently renovated family cottages have a fully wrapped veranda and present a great option for families and larger groups. With a resident night walk tour guide and nature loving staff, guests will enjoy getting up close to the creatures of the forest. The large open aired decked restaurant and large pool towards the back of the property offer guests additional inhouse options. Manager Brandon has been in the Daintree for the past 10 years and can spot every carefully camouflaged stick insect you can imagine!
Cape Trib Beach House – Accommodation
Located on 7 acres and featuring newly refurbished cabins with different configurations to suit groups of various sizes, Cape Trib Beach house is a great accommodation option for groups, families and couples. With private beach access, a swimming pool amongst the rainforest and the decked outdoor rainforest restaurant, Cape Trib Beach House is another special accommodation offering. It is also the most northern accommodation provider located in Cape Trib and is at the foot of the Bloomfield Track. Access to Cape Trib Beach House is via Rykers Bridge. You will see the awe inspiring impacts of Jasper driving over Rykers. Fully accessible with a two- wheel drive you will need to take it easy as you head down the hill and across Rykers. Cape Trib Beach House does not have internet access for guests, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the digital detox - bring books, cards, and games and reconnect with family, friends and of course with nature!
Tree Tops Adventures – Experience
Located in the heart of Cape Trib, about 35 kms from the ferry, or an hour’s drive with current road conditions, the Tree Tops Experience is a must do when staying in the Daintree. Combining fun, adventure and education, you are in the best of hands with the spirited team at Tree Tops whilst you navigate through the rainforest canopy on the zipline adventure track.
With heights of up to 15 meters above the ground, visitors can soar across 9 ziplines spanning 15 to 130 meters long, with interconnecting timber walkways. Cape Trib’s zipline canopy tour is about 2 hours long and suitable for ages 3 years and up.
Daintree Ice Cream Co. – Experience
About 15kms from the Daintree Ferry, and with a philosophy of tree to cup, the Daintree Ice Cream Co delivers ice cream like you’ve never had it before. With exotic tropical fruits grown on stie in the orchard, the Daintree Ice Cream Co is on beautiful rainforest grounds and offers visitors a special taste of exotic fruits.
Owner Dave Mainwaring has been in tourism for over 20 years and is passionate about protecting and nurturing the pristine rainforest environment. Ensuring sustainable business practises, the fruit is organically grown, trees are irrigated naturally by tropical rainfall and ice cream is made onsite using the finest local ingredients. With flavours like wattle seed, black sapote and soursop, the Signature Cup is the way to go for a sample of four in-season fruits – flavours in the Signature Cup change daily depending on in-season fruit trees and what tastes best!
Heritage Lodge in the Daintree
With 20 cabins with private balconies, and a decked rainforest restaurant “On The Turps” overlooking the pristine Cooper Creek, Heritage Lodge, off Turpentine Road in Diwan (about 20 kms from the Daintree Ferry) is nestled deep in the rainforest and presents a great option for those seeking an authentic and relaxing rainforest stay.
Owners Vicki and Allen Bidwell carefully refurbished the lodge when they first arrived in the region and restored it to a rainforest wonder that has been an icon of the region for many years.
