Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
‘Here began all our troubles,’ wrote Captain James Cook whilst – we like to think – looking out to a shimmering beach brushed with lush green jungle, as his half-sinking ship, Endeavour, perched precariously on a reef. And so on June 10th 1770 tricky little, ship-searing Cape Tribulation – aka this week’s Beach of the Week – was born.
Nowadays Cape Tribulation’s extreme northerly-ness is both the most troublesome and endearing thing about it. Those who bother to make the journey to Australia’s north east tip, 100 miles beyond Cairns, will be met with a stretching squiggle of pristine white sand, rainforest that reaches out across the headland to vibrant aqua waters and a sky-widening, shoulder-loosening sense of calm.
Though well enough trodden by now, with a small smattering of resorts and hostels ensuring a light but consistent flow of visitors, the wildness still pervades: Venture into the forest to discover living fossils and local trees, paddle around the headland in a kayak watching out for the odd passing dolphin, take a tour up a nearby creek for an afternoon of crocodile spotting or sail out to the Great Barrier Reef for some of the most famous coral cruising in the world. A potential tribulation exists in the east-coast curse of the stingers that flock to the ocean for a couple of months around November time, but should they coincide with your visit stinger-proof suits can be bought from the local pharmacy and, as they tend to stay close to the shoreline, you won’t encounter them when you’re snorkelling offshore.
So relax, lie back and soak up the serenity. Don’t let the name fool you – Cape Tribulation’s beach life is about as trouble-free as you can get.
WHEN: Aug – early Nov (before the stingers arrive!)
WHAT TO PACK:
If you’re heading to the tropical coast of north eastern Australia be sure to pack a few essentials. Slip into a Seventh Wonderland bikini and don’t forget to take some serious sun protection – Supergoop Sunscreen wipes and some Becca Butter Balm lip protection should do the trick. Relax on the soft sand with Markus Zusak’s moving tale ‘The Book Thief’ and some well known Aussie tunes. 
the bag: Hat Attack Classic Beach Tote in Natural and Navy, £110
the swimwear:Seventh Wonderland Bikini, £145
the products: SPF 30+ Supergoop Sunscreen Wipes, £25 and Becca Butter Balm SPF 20, £22
the playlist:
The Cat Empire- Hello
Fat Freddys Drop- Wandering Eye
Missy Higgins- Where I Stood
Jet- Are You Gonna Be My Girl
the read: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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