Travels and Tours Australia – Day 6: Cape Tribulation Queensland

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Having woken up and studied the map, it dawned upon me just how far away Cape Tribulation still was. Though I thought I had done the bulk of the big drives, I knew that another long haul lay ahead. I determined that I would only stop for petrol until I reached Atherton. The challenge was not a simple one, having been in the driving non-stop for several days, but I knew that if I did not persist now that I would be behind schedule and miss out on Cape Tribulation altogether.

With the roads far more occupied than the previous, I found myself having to adapt to the constant presence of other drivers. Having had little luck receiving attention from other vehicles, my waving game had more or less died down, so it was somewhat of a pleasant surprise to finally get a reaction from a truck – who not just honked their horn but also flashed their light at me.

With my spirits strangely raised by the brief interaction, I ploughed on to Atherton where I stopped for a shameful Subway lunch. Atherton itself proved far more sizeable than anticipated and after days of nothingness, I found the busy streets somewhat foreign but tempting terrain. Rather than rush, I decided to enjoy the city delights and spent time wandering the high street, before bouncing into the Manson Mobile with my spark once again alight and headed for Cape Trib via Mossman.

The winding roads through the Table Lands proved treacherous with strong headwinds and an onslaught of torrential rain. Slowing my speed seemed the only option, but I was constantly aware of time ticking away. Having indulged in a decent break at Atherton, I kept my stay in Mossman short but sweet. The clearly growing township deserved further exploration that I allowed it, but I knew that with the weather worsening and nighttime pending, I had little choice.

Having done little more than stretch my now aching legs, I headed north and into increasingly strong winds to make the boat across to Cape Trib. I was not alone as the sudden surge in traffic slowed to take in the view. A cloudy fog surrounded the Daintree Rainforest that simultaneously seemed terrifying and enticing. I knew this was going to be worthwhile.

I sighed a deep sigh of relief as I reached the boat and made the short journey across to Cape Tribulation, whereupon starting the Manson Mobile I noted a distinct change in road quality. I was now entering the real rainforest and the dark, narrow, winding roads would need to be traversed with caution. I let a few speedy locals overtake and took my time. With constant warnings of Cassowary Crossings adding to my misery, I persisted and was somewhat disappointed to have missed out on yet another sighting. However, there was more than a brief sigh of relief as I pulled into the parking lot at PK’s and knew my driving for the night was done. Before dinner and dark, I braved the blustery winds and continued to take my first walk through the rainforest and to check out the beach. Despite the weather and treacherous travel conditions, the drive had been worth it. I may have been exhausted but I knew Cape Trib would be a treat. I opted for another early night as I contemplated the morning’s Jungle Surfing with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

Read Day 7 of this road trip adventure >>