Cape Tribulation

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View from Cape Tribulation on the sand beach

Cape Tribulation (16°04′S 145°28′E^[1]) is a headland and locality in northern Queensland, Australia 110km north of Cairns. It is located within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. The locality contains a small number of tourism resorts and backpacker hostels. A sealed road provides access to the area from the south via the Daintree River ferry. North from Cape Tribulation Beach House a four-wheel drive road - unsealed - continues to the Bloomfield River, Wujal Wujal and Cooktown and is often closed during the wet season (Feb-Apr).

The traditional owners of the area are the Kuku Yalanji people. The cape was named by British explorer Lt. James Cook on 10 June 1770 after his ship ran aground on a reef near the site, "because here began all our Troubles".^[2]

In the 2006 year the rainfall recorded was over 6.5 metres and most people visit the area during the dry season between July - November. During the wet season marine stingers are prevalent causing locals and visitors to swim in the many creeks not infested with crocodiles. There are 4 main resorts to stay at; Coconut Beach Resort, Ferntree Resort, The Beach house and PK's Jungle Village. The village has 2 small supermarkets, two cash dispensing machines, one takeaway food outlet and 5 restaurants.

The Great Barrier Reef is some 19kms due east, there are two boat charters that leave from the beach being Odyssey H20 and the Rum-Runner. Typical activities available are guided nightwalks, 4 wheel drive tours (Mason's Tours), horse-riding, kayaking, jungle surfing and crocodile cruises to name a few.