🔍

Cape Tribulation

QLD 4873 • Queensland

123
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
110.81 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRainforestTourist HubRemoteBeachside

About Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is a renowned coastal locality in the Shire of Douglas in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 110 kilometres north of Cairns and nestled within the Daintree National Park. The area forms part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area — one of the few places on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet, as the ancient Daintree Rainforest runs directly to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. With a population of just 123 permanent residents, Cape Tribulation is primarily a nature-based ecotourism destination rather than a conventional residential suburb.

Cape Tribulation is world-famous for its dramatic rainforest-meets-reef landscape, with pristine beaches, dense jungle, and remarkable biodiversity attracting visitors from around the globe. The locality sustains a small community of ecotourism operators, conservation workers, and those seeking a remote wilderness lifestyle. Access is via the Daintree River Ferry crossing and the Cape Tribulation Road through the national park; services are extremely limited, with residents depending on Mossman (approximately 64km south) or Port Douglas for most amenities. The area holds deep cultural significance for the Kuku-Yalanji Traditional Owners, who know the cape as Kulki.

Cape Tribulation falls under postcode 4873 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4873
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.23°, 145.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
110.81 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited tourist shuttle and Daintree Rainforest bus services — Cairns or Port Douglas Approximately 2–2.5 hr to Cairns (including ferry crossing)

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
No rail service; drive or shuttle via Daintree River Ferry to Cairns (approx. 2–2.5 hr)
By Car (Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 20 min

🛣️ Access requires a Daintree River Ferry crossing (operates daily); Cape Tribulation Road is unsealed in sections — 4WD recommended after heavy rain

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote rainforest locality with no town centre; a car is essential and ferry crossing required for access to services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
123
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Tribulation known for? +

Cape Tribulation is world-famous for being one of the only places on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet — the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It is a major ecotourism destination in Far North Queensland, celebrated for its pristine beaches, dense jungle, and remarkable wildlife.

How far is Cape Tribulation from Cairns? +

Cape Tribulation is approximately 110 kilometres north of Cairns, a journey of around 2 to 2.5 hours by road, including the Daintree River Ferry crossing.

Does Cape Tribulation have public transport? +

Regular public transport does not service Cape Tribulation. There are some tourist shuttle services operating from Cairns and Port Douglas, but a private vehicle is the most practical way to access and get around the locality.

What is the population of Cape Tribulation? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cape Tribulation has a permanent population of 123 residents across approximately 111 square kilometres, reflecting its remote and primarily ecotourism-focused character.

Is Cape Tribulation a good place to live? +

Cape Tribulation is ideal for those who are passionate about conservation, ecotourism, or rainforest living and are comfortable with extreme remoteness. Services are very limited, access requires a ferry crossing, and residents must travel to Mossman or Port Douglas for most daily needs.

What is the postcode for Cape Tribulation? +

The postcode for Cape Tribulation is 4873, which covers Far North Queensland localities in the Daintree and Mossman region.