There are a host of activities around Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation catering for all age groups and all preferences from guided tours and excursions to self-drive destinations.

Beaches

There are a number of beautiful beaches within a 30 minute drive of the Epiphyte B & B including three accessible from the main Cow Bay Beach itself, Thornton's Beach, Noah Beach, Coconut Beach, Myall Beach and Cape Tribulation Beach. Rainforest reaches to the edges of all these sandy tropical beaches and most have patches of fringing reef just offshore for those keen on snorkling or fishing.

Boardwalks

There are three extensive National Parks boardwalks (at Cow Bay, Noah Creek and Cape Tribulation) which traverse a variety of rainforest types and habitats from primary lowland tropical rainforest to coastal mangroves. All have interesting information displays and signage describing rainforest processes and both the Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation boardwalks have picnic facilities.

Reef Tours

A variety of tours to nearby islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef are available from both Cairns and Port Douglas on vessels ranging from small 20-passenger sailing boats to the large and fast Catamarans of the Quicksilver fleet. One of the best tours, however, is Rum Runner which departs daily from Cape Tribulation. Courtesy bus transfers are available from the Epiphyte and the tour includes an informative briefing about the reef, snorkling and scuba diving demonstrations and assistance, five hours snorkling or diving at the reef, a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon refreshments.

Crocodile Spotting

The Daintree River is home to around ten companies offering crocodile-spotting tours which operate daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Night-time tours are also available by negotiation. Closer to the Epiphyte B & B, Cape Tribulation Cruises operate on Cooper Creek, home to a number of female crocodiles up to 6m in length.

Sea Kayaking and Paddle-treks

Daily sunrise Paddle-Treks and overnight Sea Kayaking tours are available locally from Crocodylus Village Backpackers and provide the perfect opportunity to get active in the water (the Coral Sea is warm year round) and see parts of the coastline and beaches inaccessible on foot. Basic instruction is provided for beginners and no experience is required.

Horse Riding

Rainforest horse rides are available at Cape Tribulation. There is a range of horses to suit total beginners and experienced riders alike. A trailride through the rainforest is an unforgettable experience - not to be missed.

The Daintree Rainforest Environment Centre

The Environment Centre has a vast range of information on the rainforest available in a variety of formats including touch-screen monitors, mini cinemas, displays of local rainforest fruits and insects, a library, a boardwalk with self-guided tour and a five-storey tree-top tower. The staff are friendly and helpful and a visit to the Centre is an essential part of any stay in The Daintree for those wishing to understand the uniqueness of this amazing place.

Guided Day/Night Walks

Guided walks through the rainforest are conducted by Crocodylus Village Backpackers, Cooper Creek Wilderness and Masons (at Cape Tribulation). Doing a guided tour is highly recommended as it is the best way to learn about the rainforest’s highly complex ecosystem and at the same time to have experienced guides point out examples of flora and fauna which would otherwise go unrecognised or noticed.

Daintree Icecream Company

Another essential visit to make is a stop-over at the Daintree Icecream Company which offers home-made mouth-watering tropical fruit icecreams and juices. This is just a five minute drive away from the Epiphyte B & B and is en-route to almost all places of interest.

The Bat House

The Bathouse is a fascinating information and display centre operating at Cape Tribulation which raises funds for orphaned bats (some of which you may be able to photograph and/or hold) and also promotes renewable energy. Check this link for more information : www.austrop.org.au

Joy Flights

Short joy flights over the rainforest to the Daintree River mouth past Thornton’s Peak and back across the reef are available from the Cow Bay airstrip during high season. Longer trips north to Cooktown and beyond are also available as are transfers to and from Cairns Airport.

Fishing

A number of different fishing tours operate from the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation with the potential to catch a wide variety of tropical reef and estuarine fish including Barramundi, Mackerel, Mangrove Jack, Coral Trout, Queen fish and a host of others. Fishing off the beaches and rocks or at several river mouths along the coast is also a popular pastime. River and ocean fishing is available. For more information check this link.

Day Tours and Beyond

There are a number of places of interest within a few hours drive of the Epiphyte B & B including Bloomfield Falls, Emmagen Creek, Mossman Gorge, Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, Laura aboriginal rock art and the Palmer River goldfields. Cooktown is an easy days drive away and has a range of accommodation options for overnight stay. A day tour of The Atherton Tablelands with its spectacular waterfalls and historic towns is delightful and the Kuaranda Skyrail cableway and return steam-train package is also a highly rewarding day out.

Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours

Glide through and above the spectacular rainforest canopy on Jungle Surfing's flying fox. Tours operate between a series of rainforest platforms operated by highly-trained guides. An amazing experience!

Numerous other activities and destinations for day tours exist...
Please ask if you have any particular interest.

Other valuable websites with information regarding tours, activities, accommodation options, restaurants and local news are provided by "Daintree Cape Tribulation Tourism" and "Mason's Tours".

www.daintreecoast.com

www.masonstours.com.au