When it comes to exploring Queensland, there’s no doubt that Tropical North Queensland is a popular destination. This region boasts spectacular natural beauty and an abundance of biodiversity, most of which can be found at Daintree National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land) (CYPAL).
If you haven’t had the pleasure of camping here before, we’ve put together a guide of campsite information and nearby activities so you’ll know what to look forward to. All you’ll have to do is book your camping spot
online, pack your ORCA RV camper trailer or hybrid caravan, and have fun!
About Daintree National Park (CYPAL)
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park is home to the oldest living rainforest on Earth and a range of rare flora and fauna. The Daintree Rainforest is home to over 430 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, and an array of mammals.
You’ll be able to explore two different areas of the park: Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. While Mossman Gorge is best known for its dense rainforest and mountain woodlands, Cape Tribulation features long pristine beaches, lowland rainforests and mountains (Mt. Hemmant, Mt. Sorrow and Thornton’s Peak).
During your adventures, please remain mindful and respectful of its traditional owners: the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people. Always check
park alerts prior to visiting for updated information on access, closure and conditions.
Campsite Information
We strongly recommend setting up camp at
Noah Beach camping area. This is Cape Tribulation’s
only national park camping area and is just a 50 metre stroll to the stunning Noah Beach. It serves as a perfect base to explore all that Daintree National Park has to offer and is accessible with our
ORCA FF camper trailer, and
ORCA 13 and
ORCA 15 hybrid caravans.
Please note that Noah Beach camping area is closed throughout the wet season every year (first Sunday after New Year’s Day until Good Friday). Park alerts and road closures can be tracked
here.
GETTING THERE
Noah Beach Camping area is just 100-150km north of Cairns. To access Cape Tribulation and reach the camping area, you will have to utilise the
Daintree River ferry:
- From Cairns, drive 104km north along the Captain Cook Highway to the entrance to the Cape Tribulation section of the park at the Daintree River crossing.
- The Daintree ferry operates 5.00am–midnight every day with a reduced service on Christmas Day and occasional breaks in service for mechanical repairs or during flooding. Please check their website for maintenance dates, delay updates and fee information. We recommend travelling before 10am to avoid queues!
- From the Daintree ferry, drive 44km north along Cape Tribulation Road to the camping area, 5.5km south of Cape Tribulation village.
AVAILABLE FACILITIES
There are a total of 15 sites available at the Noah Beach camping area - all of which have specified area sizes. The best part is that all of our ORCA RV models are suitable for the listed areas, and are below maximum vehicle height so you can reach your destination without troubling overhanging trees.
At the camping area, you will find:
- Non-flush/composting toilets
- No mobile coverage/reception available so prepare for a #digitaldetox
- Generators are prohibited
It is recommended that the tap water available is treated prior to drinking and gas/fuel stoves are utilised throughout your stay. Fortunately, our ORCA RV models are equipped for the free-camping lifestyle with water tanks and high quality 4-burner gas stoves so there’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Day Trip Ideas
While there are a fantastic range of walking trails and beaches nearby to explore, it might be a bit overwhelming to fit them all into your itinerary. We’ve put together some of our favourite day trip ideas so that you can make the most of your time at Cape Tribulation.
Mason’s Swimming Hole - Dubuji Boardwalk - Myall Beach
Pack your swimmers and put on your comfiest walking shoes. You’ll want to kickstart the day at
Mason’s Cafe, a 7 min drive from Noah Beach camping area. Boasting a menu loaded with fresh, local produce, adventurous foodies can have their go at a range of exotic-meat filled burgers (think crocodile, kangaroo, emu), tasting platters, and amazing coffee.
While the menu is a winner, the real prize is just around the back: Mason’s Swimming Hole. This pristine freshwater swimming hole is croc-free and stinger-free, and is accessible with just a small $1 donation to the cafe owners.
When you’re done, dry off, grab some takeaway, and head on over to the
Dubuji day-use area. Surrounded by tropical lowland rainforest, this shady day-use area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic before heading off to the
Dubuji boardwalk. It’s also only a 14 min walk (or a 2 min drive) from Mason’s Cafe.
The Dubuji boardwalk is an easy 1.2km circuit and is the perfect walking trail for those wanting to discover lush lowland rainforest and mangrove swamps. This boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, although some additional assistance is recommended. During the walk, you can try your luck at spotting cassowary, azure and little kingfishers, and orange-footed scrubfowl.
The reward at the end of the walk? The stunning
Myall Beach. For those still wanting to walk, you’ll have an endless stretch of sand to do so. Otherwise, sit back and relax in the shade of swaying palms and soak in the wonderful views. In summer you’ll be able to see pied imperial-pigeons, and in Winter you’ll be able to spot humpback whales in the ocean.
Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Coast
For those wanting a half-day adventure snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Coast, we recommend
Ocean Safari’s ‘Eco Tour’. These world heritage areas are side by side and the tour gives you a chance to discover them both, PLUS all the colourful coral, sea turtles and abundance of tropical fish as far as the eye can see!
You can find Ocean Safari near Myall Beach, about an 8 min drive from Noah Beach camping area.
