Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a small village where the frontier of the north really begins.
Once you cross the Daintree River by ferry, you've entered into 4WD only country.
You'll soon pass through lowland and tropical rainforest to the road junctions for Cape Kimberley and Cow Bay. Make sure to take some time and explore these areas as they have excellent coastal lookouts where the reef literally meets the rainforest.
If you continue to follow the Bloomfield Track (the major coastal highway) north you'll drive alongside the coast and through the canopies of the Wet Tropics rainforest to the more isolated towns of the northern frontier.
Many people make day trips to Cape Tribulation from Port Douglas and Cairns, but there are camping spots and accommodation options available for those who would like to spend a little more time exploring the area.
Limited fuel access is available around Cape Tribulation and further north, so just be sure to monitor your fuel gauge often.