LOCATION/MAPS

Location:
Cape Tribulation, part of the Daintree region, is 160 km north of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia, and is home to the Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station. This is the only independent research facility in the coastal lowland seasonally wet tropical rainforests of Australia. The Station is surrounded by the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation National Park and private land. The dominant forest type is complex mesophyll vine forest, which reaches its pinnacle of complexity in Australia in this region. Forest over 100 meters in altitude is untouched primary forest. This area contains a diversity of habitats, from mangrove forests (with over 30 species recorded), littoral rainforest (the Station is less than one kilometer from the coast), to relict sclerophyll woodlands on the dryer slopes.

Backing the area is the coastal range, which varies in altitude from 700-1,348 meters (Thornton Peak). This range has a major impact on local weather and is the cause of exceedingly high precipitation in the region (4 meters per annum on average). The climate is seasonally wet with a monsoon-influenced wet season from January to May and a dry season from June to January.

Driving time from Cairns is about 3 hours. The road is completely sealed from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. The Daintree River ferry operates daily from 6 am to midnight.

A 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required to reach the Station, but any research involving sites north of Cape Tribulation will require a 4-wheel drive. Vehicles should be in good operating condition as the nearest location for most repair work is in Mossman, a one-hour drive south.

Sun Palm, Coral Reef Coaches and Jungle Tours (cheaper) operate a regular bus service from Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

*Prospective visitors and volunteers should contact the Station well in advance of their arrival at the Station as we can often arrange free or cheap bus connection.

Recreation:

Eco-tourism related activities are available through local tourist facilities. Day and night walks are offered as well as 4WD tours. The area is adjacent to some of the finest coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, and small diving and snorkeling tour boats leave Cape Tribulation daily. Some local resorts have dining rooms and bars open to the public. Greater choices for recreation and touring are available in Port Douglas and Cairns. You should consult with the Station before making final plans because many activities can be done here at far less expense than in town. We also book tours and receive concessions on local activities.