Road Trips from Cairns

Cape York the ultimate trip from Cairns: The beginning of this 1432 km journey is in spectacular Cairns. You may find it hard to leave Cairns due to its laid-back atmosphere, but this journey is worth it. The trip will snake its way up the north coast until you reach Cape York where your journey will sadly conclude. During your travels, you will meet some interesting locals who may have a couple of stories to tell, cross creeks that will question the need for boats, and learn about the rich history of the North Queensland outback.

For the big trip to Cape York be sure to allow 7 to 10 days for this trip to ensure you experience everything on offer! This adventure needs to be planned. Starting your road trip in cairns means you can pick up all the supplies you need before heading off to Far North Queensland and ‘the Tip’, Cape York.

Some shorter Self Drive Options could include: Near Cairns, there are lots of beautiful places and National Parks with waterfalls, crater lakes & rainforest to explore around Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, the Daintree National Park, “Bloomfield Track”, Cooktown, The Atherton Tablelands, Undara, Chillagoe and all places in between without having to drive long distance.

Cairns to Cook town is a short trip: There are two different experiences that can be had when travelling on a road trip from Cairns to Cooktown.

Route 1 – This route begins with travelling to Kuranda. Kuranda is a town packed full of little cafes and pieces of art. It is famous for its markets which offer handcrafted goods, Aboriginal arts and crafts, galleries, local honey and coffee beans, and tropical fruit ice cream. Mareeba is the largest town on the Atherton Tablelands. This region produces 70% of Australia’s coffee crop and is home to the Coffee World Experience. This is a must-go if you are a coffee lover. From here you follow Mulligan Highway and continue onto Cooktown.

Route 2 – Route 2 is a more scenic drive. You stay on the coast for the first leg of the road trip journey by following Captain Cook Highway. This stretch of highway will leave you breathless – rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. This route will take you to Port Douglas. Port Douglas is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Once you have left Port Douglas in the rear-view mirror, you will head into Mossman Gorge which is teeming with rainforest flora and fauna. After Mossman Gorge, you will link up with the Mulligan Highway and continue onto Cooktown.