Kayaking

Kayaking is where you use a paddle-powered boat to move across water. A kayak is different to a canoe is that the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double bladed paddle, whereas in a canoe the paddler sits or kneels in the boat and uses a single bladed paddle.

There are different forms of kayaking, from whitewater kayaking, to sea kayaking and river kayaking. There are six main classifications for kayaks depending on their use: polo, slalom, whitewater, touring/expedition, light touring /day tripping, and general recreation. Within these, kayaks can be modified for specific purposes (such as fishing kayak) and can be designed with different levels of performance in mind. They can also be used as a means of transportation for other sports such as snorkeling or diving.

Kayaking Adventures

There is heaps to do in Far North Queensland where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, one of which is to tour the area via a kayak. In fact there are two options when it comes to kayaking around Cape Tribulation, the first is to explore the Daintree River and the second is to explore the coast and surrounding islands with sea kayaking.

The Daintree River runs through the Daintree Rainforest in the Cape Tribulation region of Far North Queensland. It was given a Wet Tropics World Heritage Listing in 1988 in recognition of its outstanding natural universal value as an outstanding example representing the major stages of Earth’s evolutionary history, significant ongoing ecological and biological processes, and containing significant habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity. The only other way to cross the river is via ferry as there is no bridge. The Daintree River supports an array of tropical life, featuring both saltwater and freshwater marine life. This is because it winds through mangrove swamps where the water remains quite salty, gradually turning fresh as it progresses through the rainforest.

World Heritage Sites

Far North Queensland is unique for having two World Heritage listed sites existing side by side- the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest is both the largest rainforest in Australia and the oldest in the world. It also happens to host the largest range of plants and animals on Earth.

Apart from being an excellent example of biodiversity, rainforests source many vital materials. It is estimated that at least 80% of the world’s diet originated in tropical rainforests, everything from fruits, vegetables and spices. Not to mention the plant-derived pharmaceuticals.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, and although protected, can be explored with glass-bottomed boats or by scuba diving.

Attractions

There are many beautiful and pristine places to visit on Cape Tribulation including the Daintree River, Cape Kimberley, Cow Bay, Cooper Creek, Thornton beach and Bloomfield Track.

Cape Kimberley is only 5 kilometres north of the Daintree River and offers pristine beach walks and superb views. The wide, whie and sandy beach is an easy 1.5 hour walk, offering a backdrop of Calophyllum trees and Coconut palms, with the rainforest hills to the north, the Daintree River to the south and Snapper Island just off the coast. Snapper Island was named by Captain Cook in 1770 for its crocodile shape. On a clear day you can see some historical landmarks such as Port Douglas, Black Mountain and Low Isles.

Thornton Beach is another beautiful place to visit. Located halfway between Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation, it offers extensive views of Alexandra Bay. At low tide you will be able to see the reef around the little island Struck Rock, which is also excellent for snorkeling. Visitors can also explore the largest mangrove system on the east coast of Australia. The mangroves attract rare bird, plant and frog species, so you can try spotting some of them. Within walking distance is the mouth of Coopers Creek with picnic areas, a cafe and a river cruise.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is a popular tourist destination, located between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, both World Heritage listed sites. It is a headland in northern Queensland, 110 km north of Cairns. The area was named by Captain Cook on the 10 June 1770 after his ship ran aground on a reef.  The earliest inhabitants of Cape Tribulation were the Kuku Yalanji people who created the Aboriginal walking trails that still exist today.

Cape Tribulation (Latitude: 16° 4′ 60 S, Longitude: 145° 28′ 60 E) has a tropical climate, with wet and dry seasons of high temperatures, high gumidity and rainfall throughout the year. Consequentially, the Cape is one of the few places in Australia to produce tropical fruit trees. Most visitors come during the dry season between July and November.

There is a variety of accommodation on the Cape, from resorts to backpacker accommodation, camp sites, self-contained units and bed & breakfasts. There are restaurants and cafes in the town, and there is a huge range of activities. Some of the popular places to visit include the  Daintree River, Cape Kimberley, Cow Bay, Cooper Creek, Thornton beach and Bloomfield Track.

Places to Visit

The two main attractions of Cape Tribulationare, of course, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. There are all sorts of things to do on the Reef, from kayaking to scuba diving and snorkeling. When exploring the Daintree Rainforest, you could be on a crocodile cruise, taking a guided nightwalk, birdwatching or driving a 4WD.

If you visit Cow Bay you can take a horse ride in the forest, go on a two day guided sea kayak trip, hike to the waterfall, or swim in natural water holes. Cooper Creek has one of the most diverse mangrove ecosystems in Australia. Located between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, it is renowned for its rare and primitive flora and fauna. This is not an exhaustive list, there is much more to do on Cape Tribulation.