As the crow flies, Cape Tribulation is actually not that far south of Bloomfield. Actually, it’s only around 35km. The only issue is that 35km is known as the Bloomfield Track and it’s described as ‘not suitable for large vehicles or towing caravans’. After hearing mixed reports from other campers of “you’ll totally be fine mate”, we decided to take this short drive with the car only whilst we camped at Bloomfield so we could check out this apparently famous 4WD track.

Whilst described as a 4WD track, it’s actually just really steep roads and nothing like other 4WD tracks we have encountered on our travels so far. It’s probably 50% sealed… the only issue is that the reason those parts are sealed is because you are driving up or down a ridiculously steep gradient! It took us 1 hour 20 mins to cover the 35km with some pretty amazing views along the way.

Whilst our beast of a car could technically tow the caravan on this track, we decided it really wasn’t worth the pressure it would put on the car (or more specifically the brakes) and we would probably use the same amount of fuel as just driving the long way round anyway. So we opted for the 300km scenic detour.

We paused for the night in Mossman for a logistics stop and stock up for our trip up to Cape Trib. Found an awesome camp at a private property just outside of Newell Beach where you camp on a farm next to sugar cane fields with an amazing view of the range we just drove through from Cooktown. They even had a couple of canoes and barramundi in the farm dam for a spot of light afternoon fishing! Easy fun after a travel day.

Up early the next day for the short drive up to Cape Tribulation. The drive takes you across the Daintree River and into the Daintree rainforest – the Worlds oldest surviving rainforest. It really is a pretty amazing place to drive through and I am constantly amazing at how many different landscapes you can find in one country. This trip really has given Finlay and Kiera diversity of environments, from the rugged coast of South Australia, the Karri forests in southern WA, deserts and open plains and of course the magic of the Kimberly. Now they have the rainforest to discover. Amazing.

Our biggest surprise of the trip for Finlay was set for Cape Tribulation- the arrival of his best friend from Narrabeen! We somehow managed to keep their travel plans a secret from him and the surprise on his face was so worth it when they pulled up at the camp site next to us – just priceless.

We spent four fun filled days exploring Cape Tribulation with the Eglin family. The kids had a blast with a ‘new’ (old) friend to play with as we explored water holes, beaches and of course the reef.

The turtles came out to play on our second trip out to the Great Barrier reef and we had four ‘close encounters’ with some very friendly turtles on our first snorkel of the day which was super cool. I do love the way they move when they are relaxed and happy to swim around you. Special snorkel moments for sure.

Cape Tribulation is obviously on the tourist destination list and a large number of tour busses drive through the area every day. I am sure the area is thankful to be returning to some level of normality with visitors returning to the area and the businesses which rely on the tourism trade are happy to have everyone back. There are still many businesses which have clearly suffered over the last few years and closed their doors but hopefully over time these will reopen. Despite the number of visitors, it’s still easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy this slice of paradise.

With the Eglin family visiting, we all have that ‘holiday feeling’ so take the opportunity for an evening fire and some games on the beach. I know we could have done this many times over the last year but the reality is you often don’t!

Time in Cape Tribulation over and we make our way south back to Port Douglas for the last couple of days of the Eglin family visit. It’s been an amazing week having friends to ‘stay’ and share our adventures and I know Finlay enjoyed having his best friend around again for a week. Lots of happy memories made for sure.