Cape Tribulation

We took the Kombi as far north as we were game to, without fear of getting bogged and never returning... Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth.

We set up the Kombi at Cape Trib Camping, a spacious campsite set amongst the trees, where the rainforest meets the beach. It was a breath of fresh air after the sardine-can caravan parks of late. No Grey Nomads in sight!

Instead, we met a new species... the Fluro Euros, a breed of thirty-something Europeans, who can be found jogging, speed walking and doing calf raises against their campervans, decked out in high-vis athleisurewear for all to envy. Daph and Ern prefer to lounge around eating cheese and chorizo whilst listening to Spandau Ballets' greatest hits. Aaaah. Kombi life.

Apparently, ten minutes before our arrival, a crocodile was spotted sunning itself on the beach. Daph, ever her nonchalant self, suggested a walk on the beach.

Ern: “Promise me you won’t be complacent with crocodiles,” familiar with Daph’s penchant for putting Ern’s life at risk to acquire the perfect Pulitzer prize-winning photo.

We walked the entirety of Myall Beach, from one estuary to the next, up to Cape Tribulation... but no crocs.

Daph: “There’s no wildlife here at all?!”

Ern: “The crocodiles have eaten everything.”

Daph: “Not even birds singing?”

Ern *Nods, knowingly, “Crocodiles... Eaten everything.”

Daph: “There’s not even a souvenir shell to collect on the beach!?”

Ern: “The crocodiles have probably eaten all of them too.”

We found nothing but dead coral reef. Quite sad, really.

Determined to see crocodiles in the wild, we decided to cheat and enlist the help of the legendary Bruce Belcher and his Daintree River Cruise.

These guys are fabulous!! Captained by Duke, the croc spotting dog, we found several crocodiles and witnessed a croc duel for the female’s fancy. What a treat.

Crocodiles done. Now we begin our slow journey back down south.