Travel Tips - Daintree and Cape Tribulation

>> Helpful guidelines and advice for your trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation

No visit to Tropical North Queensland is complete without seeing the Daintree Rainforest and the gorgeous beaches from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation. However, as for many remote natural places, getting some guidelines and advice about the area before you go will be a big advantage.

Here are a few tips you might like to keep in mind:

Fan Palm, Cape Tribulation - Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

River, Daintree - Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Butterfly - Courtesy of Port Douglas Daintree Tourism Association

SAFETY

Please read the 'Safety information' page in the section, 'Local Information'.

THE ROAD FROM MOSSMAN TO CAPE TRIBULATION

Beyond the ferry, conventional two-wheel-drive access is possible as far as Cape Tribulation. However, towing caravans is not recommended. The road through this section of the park is narrow and winding
Stop only where you can pull off the road safely
Be careful and watch out for wildlife crossing the road, particularly cassowaries
The road continuing north of Cape Tribulation requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and may be closed after heavy rain.

RACQ Breakdown Assistance

In case your car breaks down, you can call RACQ at Cow Bay in the Daintree region.

Ph: (07) 4098 9037 or the 24 hour emergency line: 131 905.

CASSOWARY SIGNS

Slow down as you come to the first cassowary sign 6km north of the ferry. If you are on the road early you have a good chance of seeing one of these big birds.

The cassowary is an endangered species and considered to be the sole disperser of the larger rainforest seeds and an important factor in rainforest revegetation. There are at least four known cassowary crossing points on the road to Cape Tribulation. Keep watch for the signs.

DAINTREE FERRY

Allow about one hour from Port Douglas to reach the ferry
Expect to queue at peak times: from 10am-1pm driving north and 3pm-5pm travelling south
The ferry operates from 6am to midnight daily
A return ticket costs $20* per vehicle
Tickets are purchased at the ferry. Part of the price contributes to the maintenance of visitors' facilities north of the Daintree River.

(*Price is subject to change without notice)

Croc - Courtesy of Port Douglas Daintree Tourism Association

Alexandra Point View - Courtesy of Port Douglas Daintree Tourism Association

Flightless Cassowary, Daintree - Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

YOUR STAY

If you can, choose to stay in the area for several days rather than going on a day trip; you will have a greater appreciation of what you experience
Jump on a local tour as it is more interesting to discover the area with an experienced guide who knows the forest. This way you will learn more and your expedition will be safer and more relaxing
Tours are usually limited to small groups of people and tend to be very personalised. Because of this, it is recommended that you book in advance.

FACILITIES

Mossman is the last major shopping and service centre on the way to Cape Tribulation. However, many items and facilities such as groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, and postal and banking services are available on a more limited scale through outlets such as service stations, shops and resorts.

Visitors should be aware that there is a pharmacy and a health clinic north of the Daintree River but no banks, newsagencies, major supermarkets or hardware stores in the region north of Mossman. The next major centre is Cooktown.