Part of the allure of Australia tours is the unmitigated thrill of exploring the Pacific nation's epic coastline. The Eastern Coast of Australia is home to innumerable amazing sights, from its sweeping seascapes to the towering monoliths that poke out from water. Yet while locales along the Great Ocean Road may be more popular with international travelers, Daintree National Park's Cape Tribulation may be one of the best kept secrets in the region.
A small headland found nearly 70 miles (110 km) north of the city of Cairns, Cape Tribulation is the perfect hideaway for eco conscious vacationers who want to enjoy the greener side of the Land Down Under. The cape was named by famed British navigator James Cook, who believed that the troubles that plagued his journey across the region began when his ship ran aground on a nearby reef.
Despite its dubious history, the cape emerged as a hotbed for backpacker hostels in the 1980s, with more modern and luxurious amenities moving into the area in the '90s and so forth. Despite its newfound focus on incoming tourists, the area has managed to keep much of it natural charm and remains a great destination for vacationers hoping to explore the coastal wilds of Australia.
The cape is located in the heart of Daintree National Park's rainforest, a World Heritage listed rainforest. As such, there are numerous nature walks and educational hikes available for visitors spending the day in the area. There are also many boating tours that will take adventurers on an interesting journey on the many riverways that crisscross through the jungle. Both paths are exciting and informational, and both offer visitors a chance to interact with some of the local wildlife including a number of rare birds and the ever-present crocodile.
Cape Tribulaiton is also adjacent to the underwater majesty of the Great Barrier Reef. Composed of more than 2,900 individual reefs, this natural wonder is the largest reef system in the world and one of the top destinations for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Vacationers can see schools of tropical fish or marvel at the unique coloration of the varied and delicate reef system.
Of course, like most coastal locations, the area is also home to some beautiful beaches that offer up a welcome respite from the busier coastlines near large cities like Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.
