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Mossman to Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Photo: ogwen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Drives Queensland, Australia Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree

Mossman to Cape Tribulation

Mossman Daintree Road, Cape Tribulation Road, Mossman-Daintree Road · Mossman → Cape Tribulation

Sweeping37 mi1 hr 20 min2,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 700 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive runs 60 km (37 mi) from Mossman to Cape Tribulation, crossing the Daintree River on a cable ferry and then following Cape Tribulation Road through the Daintree Rainforest. It passes Cow Bay and ends at Cape Tribulation.

The ferry is part of the drive. It takes about five minutes to cross and carries up to 27 vehicles. It runs daily from 5 am to midnight, and Douglas Shire Council sets the fare each year on 1 July. Tickets can be bought online, and the ferry operator suggests buying at least 24 hours ahead. Waits can build at busy times such as school holidays.

North of the river, Cape Tribulation Road is open to all vehicles to just past Cape Trib Beach House. The Bloomfield Track beyond is for four-wheel drives only and is not part of this drive.

Along the way

  1. Mossman
  2. Cow Bay
  3. Cape Tribulation
Elevation
2,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 700 ft
MossmanCape Tribulation
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
MossmanCape Tribulation
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A ferry fare applies each way, and the fee changes every 1 July.
  • The Alexandra Range section can be affected by landslips and traffic control after heavy rain, so check the council page before you go.
  • The ferry can be interrupted by weather, so check before you set out.
  • Wet-season weather can flood creeks and close the road; check the council page rather than relying on dates.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Douglas Shire Council: Daintree Coast road update.

Questions about this drive

How long does Mossman to Cape Tribulation take?

Mossman to Cape Tribulation is 60 km (37 mi) and takes about 1 hr 20 min, plus the ferry crossing and any wait.

Does the Daintree ferry cost money?

Yes. Douglas Shire Council sets the fare each 1 July, and tickets can be pre-purchased online.

What time does the Daintree River ferry run?

It runs daily from 5 am to midnight, according to the ferry operator, Birdon.

Is the road to Cape Tribulation sealed?

Cape Tribulation Road is open to all vehicles to just past Cape Trib Beach House. The Bloomfield Track beyond is four-wheel drive only.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 21 drives in Queensland, Australia ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Mossman to Cape Tribulation, from Mossman to Cape Tribulation