Part of Queensland’s northern coast, these two areas share a common history in that both were important places during Captain Cook’s journey of exploration to the area in the 1770’s. Cape Tribulation is where his ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef, and Cooktown is where he settled to make subsequent repairs to the ship. Today, both are somewhat isolated and do take a little planning to get to, but are definitely worth the effort.
There are two roads from Cairns that take visitors into Cooktown – the coastal and the inland. The coastal route is more direct but is recommended only for four wheel drive vehicles as there are several creek crossings, while the inland road is suitable for all vehicles. Although a cyclone destroyed the town in 1949, it was rebuilt and is now becoming a tourist centre for visitors heading to the Cape York region. As a small frontier town, Cooktown’s population is only about 1300 and the town literally only has a few streets. However, the town is rich in history, has a multitude of recreational opportunities such as fishing and river cruises, and offers exceptionally friendly hospitality. Be sure to check out the Grassy Hill Lookout for a tremendous view of the area.
Cape Tribulation is a lush and rainforest-covered national park. It is a unique area since the rainforests stretch right out to the wide, sandy beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds. There are many ways to enjoy the park, including walking, swimming, and diving. Horse-back riding, particularly on the beach is also a very popular activity and the Marrdja Botanical Walk is an easy boardwalk where visitors can explore the rainforest. There are tours available from Cairns, and if you are planning on taking your own vehicle be sure to call ahead to the Daintree Ferry to ensure that you’ll be able to cross the river to get into the park.
