Full-day excursion to Cape Tribulation

A 1½-hour drive north of Cairns is some of the world’s oldest rainforest. Yes, you read that right! The rainforest here is believed to be around 135 million years old. To put that in perspective, the Amazon is reckoned to be around 10 million years old, but the Amazon still wins size-wise.

This is the only place in the world where you have two UNESCO World Heritage sites right next to each other: the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

But today, it’s all about the rainforest.

You depart from Cairns, headed for Mossman Gorge, where a guided walk awaits you, when you’ll learn more about the rainforest and the history of the area.

You will also go on a cruise on the Daintree River. Look out for saltwater crocodiles lurking just below the surface. You can often only just see their eyes pop up, but make no mistake; they’ve seen you long before you see them!

You will, of course, also visit Cape Tribulation itself, where the rainforest meets the coral reef. Cape Tribulation was named by Captain Cook himself. In 1770, his ship, The Endeavour ran aground on the coral reef and was in bad shape. He wrote in his journal: “I name this point Cape Tribulation, because here began all our troubles”. What Cook didn’t know was that the world’s most dangerous bird, the cassowary, can be found here in the rainforest. You have to be extraordinarily lucky to see it, but it’s funny to think that it lives here in the forest.

There are several beautiful viewpoints on today’s tour – enjoy the view of both the rainforest and the coral reef.

The price includes: Transport, guide, Daintree River cruise, guided walk in Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation, morning tea and lunch