Activities and things to do when visiting Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation, located in north Queensland’s Daintree National Park, is where the rainforest meets the reef. Nowhere else in the world can you find two World Heritage Listed areas laying side by side. Compared to other visitor hot spots in Queensland, Cape Tribulation is a place where you can experience the oldest rainforest in the world and explore the Great Barrier Reef all in one peaceful location away from the tourist track.

Cape Tribulation is located 110 kilometres north of Cairns and the sealed road along the coast offers stunning scenery while driving there.

There is plenty to do at Cape Tribulation, just ask any local! Here are Lost in Australia’s five top picks of things to do while visiting this magnificent area.

1. Paddle Trek Sea Kayaking

Paddle a kayak around Cape Tribulation and view the magical rainforest from the water. This is a great tour to admire the scenery and spot marine animals such as sea turtles, schools of fish, sea eagles and occasionally dugongs and whales. 

2. Cape Tribulation Horse Riding

Ride through the oldest living rainforest in the world and onto Myall Beach where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Cape Tribulation. An experienced guide will take you through mountain streams, grass lands and onto the beach to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The tour caters for beginners through to intermediate and experienced riders. 

3. Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours

Glide through the enchanting rainforest on a flying fox zip line, stopping at five tree platforms and take in the spectacular view over the trees of the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the rainforest from the knowledgeable team as you travel from tree to tree. 

4. Have dinner or lunch at Whet restaurant

Whet offers outstanding cuisine in a candle lit rainforest setting. It’s one of the best restaurants in the area. You can also watch a movie in their new cinema and ask about the yoga classes held once a week. Bookings are essential! 

5. Exotic Fruit Farm fruit tasting

Tempt your taste buds and try some of the locally grown exotic fruit. You will be guided through a tantalising menu while learning how to prepare the fruit, what parts to eat and how to eat them. 

If you are low on money, don’t worry there is still plenty to do! Get a map from your accommodation or the information centre and explore the many hiking trails, swimming holes and look outs in the area.

Lost in Australia’s tip: Looking for accommodation? Try the Cape Tribulation Farmstay. This place feels like your home away from home and is located near a store, restaurant and the beach. 

Named after its abundance of Kangaroos by English explorer Matthew Flinders, Kangaroo Island is a cultural icon of Australia.

One-third of the Island is listed as national park lands, conservation and wilderness protection areas. Seven times bigger than Singapore, Kangaroo Island is a world-apart with flora, fauna and landscapes unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

Where is Kangaroo Island? 

Located 110 kilometres off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, Kangaroo Island is the third biggest island in Australia after Tasmania and Melville Island. 

How to get to Kangaroo Island? 

You can either take a ferry from Cape Jervis or plane from Adelaide Airport in South Australia to get to Kangaroo Island. 

By ferry: 

The Kangaroo Island Sealink ferry departs daily from Cape Jervis, 108 km from Adelaide. It's about a 45-minute ride across. Bookings are essential. To get to Cape Jervis you can either drive (allow 2 hours) or you can book a coach from Adelaide. To book a seat on a ferry or coach call 13 13 01 between 0730 and 1900 or go to www.sealink.com.au

By plane:

Regional Express (REX) operates flights from Adelaide Airport to Kingscote Airport (KGC). It's a 30-minute flight to Kangaroo Island's airport, located 13km from Kingscote. Shuttle transport is available. For bookings call 13 17 13 or go to www.regionalexpress.com.au

For more information about getting to and around Kangaroo Island visit the Kangaroo Island tourism website.  
When is the best time of year to visit Kangaroo Island?

You can visit Kangaroo Island at anytime of the year. Summer (December - February) is the Island's peak tourism season and offers warmer weather (maximum of about 25 degrees celsius) for water activities.

Some people prefer to visit during the winter months (June - August) when the Island is quieter and at its greenest with all the rivers  flowing and an abundance of wildlife. Strong winds blow from the arctic so Kangaroo Island is often cooler than the coast of South Australia and can reach an average of 15 degrees celsius during the day and average of 8 degrees celsius at night during winter.

Most people say if they were to pick a season, Autumn (March - May) or Spring (September - November) are the best times to visit Kangaroo Island. 

Click here to view Kangaroo Island tours and maps. 

Considered by many to be the oasis of Australia, Darwin is a melting pot for all things cultural! What to do in Darwin depends on your personal taste, visitors quickly find that there is something for everyone.

MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
A great display for all things Northern Territorian! The museum and art gallery offers a wide range of exhibitions showcasing the history of Darwin, natural wonders such as plant and wildlife, aboriginal and southeast asian culture, maritime history as well as various exhibitions that come and go!
Admission: FREE

CROCOSAURUS COVE
Enter the world of the awesome Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile, with some of the largest in captivity on display. Bring your bathers and ‘Swim with the Crocs’ in the separate pool along side the croc enclosure.
Adults: $28 Children: $16 Concession: $22

MINDIL BEACH MARKETS
The Markets are renowned for the magnificent sunset over Mindil Beach and the relaxed, stunning tropical setting. Visitors can experience this in a vibrant, friendly and stimulating environment. On any given Thursday & Sunday throughout the dry season market patrons can enjoy the tastes of five continents, with over 1200 different menu items, and an extensive array of handmade craft including crocodile products, indigenous art and jewellery. If your thinking about what to do in Darwin, then Mindil beach is great! Every week a variety of live entertainment is offered including live bands, street performers, cultural dance, acrobatics and fire shows.

AQUASCENE
For a truly unique experience try Aquascene in Darwin. Hundreds of Fish visit the shallows of Doctors Gully every hide tide looking for a free meal. You can feed and even touch fish species including milkfish, bream, catfish, mullet and barramundi among others. A family experience not to be missed with Adults and Children alike sharing in the action.
Adults: $8 Children: $5 Concession: $6

DECK CHAIR CINEMA
Run by the community-based Darwin Film Society, the Deckchair Cinema runs seven nights a week during the dry season screenings a range of movies from family favourites to festivals and foreign films.The ambience is very laid back and relaxed. There are 250 deckchairs as well as about 100 straight-backed seats. We do supply some cushions, but recommend that people bring their own for extra comfort.

INDO PACIFIC MARINE
A tour of this exhibit will enlighten you on the amazing natural eco-system of the coral reefs of the Darwin Harbour. Showcasing displays of living coral ecosystems and the diversity of animals associated with coral reefs , such as sea horses, clown fish and butterfly fish.

WATERFRONT
The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a popular destination and a great asset to the Northern Territory with seaside promenades, parklands, landscaped gardens, hotels and alfresco dining.

DARWIN WHARF PRECINCT
?The precinct is a multi-purpose harbour-side venue located only 5 minutes drive from the Darwin CBD. With a fine dining restaurant, alfresco eateries, recreational fishing platforms and fishing charters, harbour cruises, sightseeing, shopping and live entertainment, you just can't leave town without experiencing it.

EAST POINT
Another great destination for those not know what to do in Darwin. East Point Reserve offers safe year-round saltwater swimming at Lake Alexander, a range of barbecue and picnic facilities in a landscaped environment, a military history that goes back to 1932 and a range of community and tourist facilities including the Royal Australian Artillery Association Museum and the gun turret precinct. East Point Reserve covers almost 200 hectares, of which 30 hectares includes natural forest land.