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Wake up in paradise when you choose Cape Tribulation Camping. This family-owned and operated campground has an absolute beachfront location, with the Great Barrier Reef on one side and Daintree Rainforest on the other. Its powered and unpowered sites stretch out in a narrow strip, with established trees providing shade and privacy. If camping isn’t your thing, or you don’t have your own rig, then there’s also some air-conditioned beach huts. The heart of the campground is The Sandbar Woodfired Restaurant, a large open-air pavilion with timber decking, fans and a pool table. Having a pizza (or two) during your stay here is an absolute must! There’s walking tracks and paths to the beach, through the rainforest and alongside Myall Creek (which is where we took our header image). Kids will enjoy climbing the trees and rope swings, as well as exploring the shallows at low tide. The vibe is casual, the setting is stunning so without further ado, here’s our review.
Location, Location! Cape Tribulation Camping puts you front and centre where the Rainforest meets the Reef. The service and amenities at this off-grid camping ground are excellent and you don’t need a 4WD to get there.
Cape Tribulation Camping is located at 3812 Cape Tribulation Road, in the Daintree Rainforest. The turn off is clearly sign-posted and is just past (or before, pending direction of travel), Mason’s Café. If you are coming from Cairns, you will need to cross the Daintree River on the Daintree Ferry to get here. You will not need a 4WD and you can bring your swag, tent, motorhome, camper trailer and/or caravan. If you are coming via the Bloomfield Track, you will need a 4WD and please note you cannot tow caravans or camper trailers on the Bloomfield Track. There’s a range of powered and unpowered sites, as well as 6 air-conditioned cabins. They have premium powered rainforest sites, each surrounded by established vegetation and with their own beach track, ideal for those staying a few days or more. Then powered sites central to The Sandbar Woodfired Restaurant, and a large Green Camp area for those wanting space and serenity (these are unpowered sites – more on this below).
“Cape Tribulation Camping impressed me in every single way! Its location is amazing and despite being off-grid it provides all the conveniences of hot water, power, amenities blocks and an amazing on-site restaurant. The campground and facilities are very well maintained, with lots of thoughtful little touches adding to the ambience. Chilling out on the beach was super relaxing, and nothing beats falling asleep to the sound of the waves. The Sandbar Woodfired Restaurant had amazing food, pizza I have already mentioned, but there’s also parmis, burgers, salads and more – check out their downloadable menu. The owners have recently purchased Cape Trib Horse Rides and are operating this tour from the camping ground, we did it and highly recommend it! Loved staying here and would go back again. This review is based on our stay in September 2025.” – Julie Johnston
The hallmark feature of Cape Tribulation Camping is its beachfront location, providing the space and place for people to stay in a unique part of the world – where the Reef meets the Rainforest. The campground map shows the location of sites, but we will provide some further details on this. There are 10 Premium Beach Camp powered sites. Each of these sites has power, water and a fire pit, with established trees providing privacy and seclusion. Each site has its own private beach track. Then there are the Beach Camp powered sites (over 20 of these). These sites have power and water but are close to each other and the Sandbar Restaurant. Some have water views (ours did). There are a few Beach Camp unpowered sites, but the majority of unpowered sites are in the Green Camp. The Green Camp is the latest addition to Cape Tribulation Camping and is a large grassy area, with unmarked sites giving you the opportunity to find your own ‘space’. The Green Camp is a short drive and/or walk from the Reception, Beach Camp and Sandbar Restaurant. All guests can use the well-maintained facilities and amenities, including Camp Kitchens (with fridges, microwave and kettle), cion-operated Laundry and BBQs.
There’s a range of free activities you can enjoy when staying at Cape Tribulation Camping, including beach walks, rainforest walks and fishing in the nearby Myall Creek. Please note there is no swimming in the creek or at the beach, due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. You can also jump in the car and explore the Daintree Rainforest on a range of boardwalks with interpretive signage, including Marrdja, Jindalba and Dubuji Boardwalk, as well as Kulki Boardwalk at Cape Tribulation Beach. For those with a 4WD, we suggest taking a self-guided day tour on the Bloomfield Track for adventurous driving, amazing views and lunch at the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel. In addition to the free activities, you might like to opt for some of the local tours and activities including Cape Trib Beach Horse Rides (minimum age to participate is 10 years old), a half-day Great Barrier Reef tour with Ocean Safari and/or visit the Daintree Discovery Centre. For those travelling to or from Cairns, add the Cassowary Falls tour to your itinerary for 10/10 fun.
Highly recommend Cape Trib Horse Rides! This was an awesome experience. The guides were amazing, super friendly and knowledgeable sharing stories of the local area and rainforest and the horses were relaxed and calm. Rainforest and beach rides, just bliss.
Yes, staying at Cape Tribulation Camping is definitely worth it and I can’t believe we hadn’t been there before! It’s the only beachfront camping ground in the area, with amazing views over the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest mountains. Also in close proximity to all local tours and attractions. The facilities are well maintained and the team are all very friendly and welcoming.
Cape Tribulation Camping is a 3 hour drive from Cairns and a 2 hour drive from Port Douglas. Please note you will have to cross the Daintree River, using the Daintree Ferry to get there.
Cape Tribulation Camping offers beachfront camping on Myall Beach, with views to the Cape Tribulation headland and rainforest mountains. It’s a 6 minute drive from the camp ground to the Kulki Boardwalk and Lookout at Cape Tribulation Beach.
Yes, Cape Tribulation Camping is open all year round. Please note that access to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Camping is sometimes impacted by local flooding and road closures, this usually occurs in summer (January and February). If you are concerned, please call ahead to check.
No, you do not need a 4WD to get to Cape Tribulation Camping – if you are coming from Cairns and/or Port Douglas. If you want to do the Bloomfield Track, then you will need a 4WD. Please note you cannot tow a caravan or campertrailer on the Bloomfield Track.
Yes, the road to Cape Tribulation Camping from Cairns and Port Douglas is sealed. Please note there are still significant road works being undertaken to repair the road, following Cyclone Jasper.
The facilities at Cape Tribulation Camping are great and very well maintained. They include large Camp Kitchens with fridges, microwaves and kettles, as well as coin-operated Laundry and BBQ facilities.
Yes, Cape Tribulation Camping has The Sandbar Woodfired Restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner from 12.30pm to 8pm. No reservation is required. This licensed venue has cold beers and wines, creative cocktails and barista coffee. The woodfired pizzas are amazing (!!!) with a range of other offerings – including kids meals – full menu here (as of September 25).
Yes, you can go fishing at Cape Tribulation Camping. You can fish at Myall Creek or straight from the beach.
Yes. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits provided at some sites. Firewood is available for purchase at reception.
Yes. The campground provides treated bore water suitable for drinking and cooking.
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during school holidays and peak season (June–October).
Lots to do at Cape Tribulation Camping. Free activities include beach walks, rainforest walks and looking at rock pools at low tide. BYO fishing equipment for creek and beach fishing. Take a horse ride through the rainforest and on to the beach.
There are crocodiles in Myall Creek and the Coral Sea. The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation area are well known for the presence of saltwater crocodiles. If you want to learn more about them, we recommend a wildlife cruise either on Cooper Creek or the Daintree River.
No, swimming is not safe in this area due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles.
No, pets are not allowed at Cape Tribulation Camping due to our proximity to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation National Park and the presence of local wildlife, including Cassowaries.
Day visitors are welcome for meals or drinks at The Sandbar Restaurant, but camping facilities are for overnight guests only.
I thought Cape Tribulation Camping was very good. It was close to the beach, which had swings and lots of trees to climb, and at low tide we could look in the rock pools. As a bonus for me, there was internet all around the campground and a fantastic restaurant which served very good food. I had the Piglet Pizza which was magnificent, and I ate all of it. The staff were all really nice everywhere we went, and there were lots of kids and families there, so we all played on the beach together. My friends and all kids would love it here. My favourite thing was the beach and the horse ride.
Cape Tribulation Camping is a family owned and operated business, with powered and unpowered sites. Magic location, friendly staff and well-maintained facilities. Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends. An amazing place to stay if you want to explore the Daintree Rainforest, Bloomfield Track and Cape Tribulation. Relaxed vibe – amazing pizza!
Australia’s most scenic horse ride is right here in Tropical North Queensland. Imagine riding along a beach with the Great Barrier Reef on one side and the Daintree Rainforest on the other. Pretty epic right! Saddle up at Cape Trib Horse Rides for all this and more.
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