When I was planning my trip to Cape Tribulation and reading about tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches and warm, turquoise waters, I failed to make the connection between the word “rainforest” and the word “rain!”

After a long, winding drive from Cairns, we arrived in Cape Trib to cloudy skies and lots of humidity, which put paid to my idea of relaxing on a tropical beach for a few days. Perhaps the only downside to tropical havens is that, on the rare occasions the weather isn´t very good, there really isn´t much to do!

However, I soon found a perfect way to spend the afternoon and see more of the stunning scenery – horse trekking! Starting off at the base of Mount Sorrow (they aren´t really in to their cheerful names around here), we mounted our horses and headed down slowly through the rainforest, riding through shallow creeks and streams.

Nearing the beach, we picked up the pace. As the pathways are used by walkers, as well as horses, we were encouraged to shout loudly, cowboy style whilst we were galloping. This was to warn anyone unfortunate enough to be enjoying a quiet stroll that we were likely to run them down! Great fun!

Riding out on to Cape Tribulation beach was both spectacular and exhilarating, particularly as we were advised to keep a look out for salt water crocs lurking in the inlets

I was even offered a job at the stables at the end of it!