Cape Tribulation

Queensland, Australia

When his ship hit a reef off the coast of what is modern day Queensland in 1770, Captain James Cook named a point of land he had passed shortly before then Cape Tribulation, for “here,” he wrote, “began all our troubles.”¹ What was to Cook a sour reminder of a trying stretch of his journey is today regarded as one of the most lush and verdant landscapes in all of Australia, sitting in the midst of a greater area of virtually unrivaled natural beauty.

Located within Daintree National Forest on Australia’s eastern coast, Cape Tribulation boasts rainforest-covered mountain slopes which descend to the beaches along the cape’s edge.^{2 3} There are many other things to see, however. The Great Barrier Reef lies not far off shore, and humpback whales pass by while migrating. On shore, the rainforest, parts of which can receive up to 20 feet of rain per year, offers shade from the sun and provides a habitat for tree kangaroos, possums, and cassowaries.

Even while enjoying Cape Tribulation’s natural beauty, visitors are well advised to be aware of their surroundings. Officials warn tourists to stay away from bodies of water where potentially deadly crocodiles may lurk.

Next: Cape York

References

1. About Cape Tribulation. PK’s Jungle Village. Accessed 13 Dec. 2012.
2. About Cape Tribulation. Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 16 May 2012. Accessed 13 Dec. 2012.
3. Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia. Google Maps. Accessed 13 Dec. 2012.

Published 2018-06-18