A Cape Tribulation day tour is something you must add to your Tropical North Queensland holiday. Amazing natural beauty and destinations, ancient rainforest flora and fauna, wide rivers and sandy beaches, are just the beginning.
This is a full, fun adventure day tour which departs daily from Cairns or Port Douglas. Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and commentary is provided by friendly, knowledgeable guides who are committed to your satisfaction.
Whether you’re a youth traveler, flying solo or visiting with your spouse and/or friends, with or without children, this destination and tour has something for everyone. Our Cape Tribulation day tour takes a maximum of 21 guests, no minimum number for departure.
- Scenic Coastal Drive
- Mossman Gorge
- Indigenous Experience
- Wildlife River Cruise
- Guided Rainforest Walk
- Cape Tribulation
- Lunch at Cape Tribulation
- Daintree River
- Visit Port Douglas
- Trip length: 1 Day
- Group size: Max 21
- Start: Cairns
- End: Cairns
- Vehicle: Airconditoned 4WD Mini Bus
- Sleep: Non Applicable
-
Physical Demand:
-
Comfortlevel:
Pictures / Videos
Itinerary
Cape Tribulation is where the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests, meet the world’s greatest living tropical reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Nowhere else on earth do two natural World Heritage listed sites exist side by side. Discover the beauty and wonder of Cape Tribulation on this full day tour with Indigenous Experience at Mossman Gorge.
Commence the adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas. This is the far north’s very own great ocean road and provides panoramic views over the sparkling Coral Sea. Heading north our first stop is at Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world famous Daintree National Park. This gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll participate in a “Welcome to Country” with the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits with a smoke ceremony. Following this there’s an opportunity for you to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters (weather permitting) or enjoy a rainforest walk.
Continuing north we board a wildlife spotting cruise on the Daintree River, keep an eye out for the many resident crocodiles, before crossing the river and heading to Cape Tribulation for lunch. Enjoy lunch at Turtle Rock Cafe located only 400m from the beach, before exploring this region on foot with a guided tour of the ancient rainforest environment along the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Our highly trained guides will give you expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress.
Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, everything from low lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems all in one short easy walk. Next stop is the Daintree Ice Cream Co where you have the option to enjoy one of their delicious organically grown ice-creams with an exotic range of tropical flavours available including dragonfruit, coconut, black sapote, lychee and many more. Yum! [At own cost.]
We stop for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout (Walu Wugirriga), which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta and out to the Coral Sea - pop this on your Insta profile!
Then it’s back on to the bus for the return journey to Cairns, including a quick drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.
what to bring
CLOTHING
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun
- Shorts and T Shirts
- Comfortable shoes or sandles
- Swimwear and Towel
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Airconditioned 4WD Mini Bus
- Accommodation transfers and pick ups
FOOD
- 1 Lunch ( optional $18 )
OTHER
- Knowledgable and experienced tour guide
- All entry fees to various attractions
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
Reviews
“Highly recommend!”
I did The Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tour from Cairns. Andrew our guide was a genuinely welcoming & extremely knowledgeable guy with a voice you could listen to all day :) I have been wanting to see The Daintree & Cape Tribulation for as long as I can remember & this tour was the perfect way to experience it. Crocodile cruise, Lunch & Ice Cream included...I absolutely recommend Billy Tea Safaris to take you to explore this area of Far North Queensland
“Amazing Experience!!”
Such a great day! Michael, our tour guide was amazing
“amazing Great !!”
I had a fabulous day on my Daintree tour with BillyTea Safaris. Well worth it.
“Great and Amazing Experience!! ”
Fantastic day tour of Daintree with Andy (amazing guide)
“Great experience”
Most enjoyable day, we had Rowan as our tour guide. So knowable about the history of Australia, flora and the fauna. Rowan is so professional and has such a lovely personality he made the day so memorable. The boat ride was also an amazing experience, also a very knowable man and his lovely dog Simba. Lunch was delicious and most enjoyable. I can't say how much we loved this tour, it is a must do when visiting the daintree. Candece and Stuart Rose.
“Fantastic Experience!”
Your was fab! Such a great day. Everything was taken care of. Highly recommend
“Highly recommend!”
A well-structured day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Lunch was also surprisingly good, and there was a lovely place to swim nearby (maybe pack water shoes, as there are a lot of rocks). We saw many crocodiles of various ages and three cassowaries. Our guide was very informative. The only downside was that the explanations during the bus ride were difficult to understand, and I would recommend sitting in the first three rows.
“Definitely recommend”
Terrific tour up to Daintree & Cape Tribulation. Andrew provided excellent commentary
“Wonderful trip”
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Billy Tea Safari! From start to finish, everything was so well-organised, comfortable, and full of unforgettable moments. The 4WD journey through the Daintree and Cape Tribulation was not only breathtaking but also felt like a genuine adventure — from cruising the Daintree River to exploring hidden rainforest tracks and swimming in crystal-clear creeks. A huge shout-out to our guide, Michael, who truly made the day extra special. He was warm, funny, and full of knowledge — sharing stories about the region’s history, wildlife, and culture in a way that was both engaging and easy to connect with. His passion for the rainforest really came through, and he made sure every single person in the group felt included and cared for. You could tell he genuinely wanted us to enjoy the experience and learn something new. The highlight for us was the mix of adventure and relaxation — spotting crocodiles, tasting tropical fruit, driving along the Bloomfield Track, and finishing it all off with a refreshing swim. Michael’s energy and expertise tied it all together perfectly. If you’re looking to explore Cairns, the Daintree, and Cape Tribulation in a way that’s authentic and memorable, I cannot recommend Billy Tea Safari (and especially Michael!) enough. This tour was the highlight of our trip.
“Excellent”
Super nice trip to the Daintree forest. Our guide Rowan was super friendly and knows a lot about de history, plants, geology, the park etc. Nice small groups (max 20) and a varied program.
“Fantastic Experience!”
Travelled today with Andrew to Daintree & Cape Tribulation. Had a fabulous day, Andrew is very knowledgeable, great commentary. The weather could have been worse, we only got wet once. Thx Dianne & David
“Highly recommend! You Will Enjoy This Tour!”
Enjoyed alot the safari trip. Guider was friendly and taken all care of the trip. Had a great time.
“Great Guide!!!”
Lots of fun, saw crocs, wild pigs, cassowaries, mud crabs and lots of insect life. Yummy lunch and Gav was a great tour guide.
“Fantastic Experience!”
We went on the Daintree & Cape Tribulation tour yesterday (19/09) with Graeme as our tour guide. We could not recommend it enough! Graeme really made the day - he was entertaining, a wealth of information & really took the time to get to know you. We got to see a couple of crocodiles in the Daintree river & saw many other cool creatures in the wild! Thanks Graeme for really making the day so much fun.
“Great experience”
The tour was brilliantly organised and we got to see many places of interest. Thank you!
“Highly recommend!”
We had a fantastic day. Our guide Kel was amazing and very informative. Met some fabulous people along the way. A must do. Thanks so much for a great trip
“Highly recommend! You Will Enjoy This Tour!”
Very interesting and well-organized excursion.
“ Really enjoyable”
The experience was amazing, Andy our driver with Cassie the truck got us around safely, Andy was so informative I learnt so much. The whole thing was worth every penny. I HIGHLY recommend this service. I had the best time and seen so much.
“Best experience ever!”
We had an amazing tour of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation with our tour guide Rowan. My family visiting from the US really enjoyed learning all about the Australian history of the area. Rowan's passion really showed in his narratives and all the wonderful fun facts he shared with us. He also did a great job of timing our stops so we wouldn't be crowded at lookouts and destinations. The barramundi and lunch was also fantastic! Thank you again and I will definitely be recommending this to anyone needing a tour!
“Highly recommend! Incredible!!”
We chose the 3-Day combo with Billy Tea Safaris and couldn't have been happier! We were able to see everything we hoped to with excellent guides.
“Highly recommend!”
James was a great and informative guide, giving a vivid account of the environment. Wide variety of activities and experiences. Highly recommended.
“So much fun”
Terrific day exploring Daintree Rain Forest and Cape Tribulation. Our driver/tour guide Andrew was brilliant! His expert knowledge was imparted in an entertaining and simple to understand way so that all aboard remained engaged and interested in his dialogue. Terrific boat trip on the river where we actually saw two crocodiles. Excellent lunch at On The Turps and refreshing tasty visit to the Daintree Icecreamery to finish the day. It all went like clockwork. Special mention to Andrew who brought it all together and made the day a really memorable experience! Thanks Andrew!
“Highly recommend!”
wonderful day out exploring Daintree. We really enjoyed the activities through the day, which were enhanced so much by our guide , Michael. He’s an incredible safari guide and kept us entertained on the bus and through the tour with his detailed knowledge of the area and gave us so much context and insider info on Daintree and Australia in general. We especially enjoyed the rainforest boardwalk, the river cruise and swimming in Coopers Creek after our excellent lunch. We were well looked after throughout the day and crammed a lot in. Maybe could have spent slightly more time in each place but appreciate that it’s a tight schedule and lots of travelling required to get around such a big area. Would recommend this tour and would suggest having Michael as your guide for the day.
“So Happy”
So happy we went. Michael our guide was very informative and helpful. We were able to see a lot of places and animals, the food was great as well.
“Fantastic Day With Fantastic Adventure!!”
We had a great daytrip in the Daintree and Andy is a great guide who is very knowledgable
“We had a fantastic time”
AJ, our tour guide, was very informative. He spent much time talking about the local trees/plants native to Australia. Also he really wanted us to see a Cassawary in the wild and we were able to accomplish that while we were driving. He took time to stop so all travelers could see the bird.
“Highly recommend! You Will Enjoy This Tour!”
I had the chance to join the Outback Chillagoe Tour, and it turned out to be one of the most interesting experiences during my stay in North Queensland. The guide was excellent, very talkative, engaging and full of knowledge about the region. You could tell he truly enjoys what he does, sharing stories and facts throughout the entire journey. What I loved most was the contrast between the lush, tropical surroundings of Cairns and the red, dry landscapes of the Outback. In just a few hours, you feel like you’ve travelled to a completely different world from rainforests and waterfalls to open plains, termite mounds, and ancient limestone formations. It’s definitely a long day, but absolutely worth it if you’re visiting this part of Australia — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you see another, raw and authentic face of Queensland.
“Highly recommend! You Will Enjoy This Tour!”
The tour is quite comprehensive, with many activities throughout the day. The company's service was excellent—very attentive and friendly. The bus service was also good. Personally, I would have liked the opportunity to explore a bit more of the Daintree Rainforest, but all the companies offer the same route, though it does allow you to see a little bit of everything and even spot crocodiles.
“Perfect for fantasy!!”
We had a wonderful day touring with Daniel and Billy Tea tours to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. It is a long day but Daniel made the tour interesting. So many wonderful stops and fascinating facts about the area. We really enjoyed our day and can highly recommend this tour!
“Best experience ever!”
We had an amazing day on the Daintree tour with Rohan. The day was expertly planned so that we did activities such as ice cream eating and walking in the rainforest before the rain started. His enthusiasm for swimming after lunch despite the light rain was so infectious that quite a few of us in the group went and did it - it was so magical! It's a comfortable tour with interesting activities, and the time in the air conditioned vehicle in between activities to rest and chill was much appreciated. The knowledge Rohah shared during activities and on the ride between activities was very interesting and provided us with lots of food for thought. Rohan takes very good care of the people in his group and makes sure everyone is comfortable. His experience as a tour guide, knowledge and friendly personality added so much to our overall experience of the Daintree. We'd definitely recommend Billy Tea Safaris and Rohan. We'd love to join Rohan on one of the other tours next time we are in town.







