Cape Tribulation

[ynomad]

There are plenty of resorts & the like in Cape Tribulation, but if your budget is a little more limited, that's no reason not to go. Crocodylus Hostel is right in the middle of the rainforest as has as good or better access than any resort or hotel at a fraction of the price!

They provide the usual dormitory accomodation for the seriously budget challenged, but the cabins at the hostel are fantastic. You are literally sleeping in the middle of the rainforest - it's just amazing! The hostel has the usual bar, activities room, etc but you'll be so tired from your days of trekking through & discovering the rainforest & it's beaches & beauty, sleep will come early & easily. In case it doesn't, beware because the power at the hostel is turned of at 11pm, so it's a good idea to bring a torch in case you have to make a late night bathroom visit.

The hostel serves meals but most people bring their own as cooking facilities are provided. The area has plenty of cafes & small restaurants as well, but transport is difficult to come by so if you drive be sure not to drink & don't go too far if it's raining heavily as roads can quite quickly become flooded. if you get stuck, don't try to drive through, just wait it out. The roads clear as quickly as they flood so it's definitely better to be safe than sorry.

The waters around Cape Tribulation are fantastic & clean, but like the rest of North Queensland, have stingers from November to May, so be aware. There are crocodiles in some of the fresh water rivers but these areas are clearly sign posted. If you're unsure, ask a local!

Cape Tribulation is a brilliant place to see Australia's rainforest & this hostel really offers top notch quality for a fair price.

[world traveller]

A deafened dragging sound is being made by the dragging of a chest over the pure white sand with the echoes of 'Shiver-me-timbers' from the swashbuckling pirates behind me. The galleon ship overturned in ruin upon an unseen reef and explorers in ridiculous bustling oversized beige shirts tucked into billowing pants stuffed into leather boots, litter the shore poking wood, jumping into rivers, one running down the beach with a monkey on a lead. Welcome to Cape Tribulation, a place where once Captain Cook marooned his crew and himself on part of the Great Barrier Reef which today would curl the toes of environmentalists and any members of  marine protection conservationists. Of course the beach is very different now but still as audible.
 
The rhythmic soft roar of the wave breaks and the gentle rattling applause from the many palms that line this stretch of pure white sand coastline. A definite white line separating dense lush rainforest and aqua blue sea and reef. A drizzle of tourists investigate the beach and mangrove boardwalks when the weather is rain-forest like. Even fewer inhabitants with the permanent residency being only 70. Few jog and walk their dogs along the beach.
 
 There are many excursions that run from Cairns to Cape Tribulation with many taking you to Mosman Gorge en route with an option to stay a night or two in the isolated rainforest. Accommodation varies here between dorm cabins, private beach huts and luxury spa retreats. This is a priceless experience and much recommended to fall asleep in a slightly damp wooden cabin to the gentle padding of the rain and a chorus of frogs in the distance. Awakening in the morning to open the cabin door to lush dense rainforest, is a truly remarkable experience. You can do so many things here, retreat to a spa for the day, take a day to snorkel on the reef, explore the Daintree rainforest with a guided day or night tour, take a walk on the many boardwalks, hunt coconuts on the beach and just take it slow and absorb the surroundings of a really remarkable environment