Welcome to my 7-day Cairns to Cape Tribulation highway journey itinerary. This journey information features a day-by-day plan with drive instances, the most effective campsites, mountain climbing trails, viewpoints, bakeries, and dip spots alongside the route.
I simply completed this Daintree Nationwide Park highway journey with my mum, who was visiting from the UK, and it was unreal. We obtained to modify up the gorgeous seashores of the Northern Rivers for a wild, distant journey, which included attending to tick off a bucket record journey for Mum – the Nice Barrier Reef!
This highway journey itinerary takes you thru the easiest of Far North Queensland, Australia, from the tropical metropolis of Cairns north to Cape Tribulation within the coronary heart of Daintree Nationwide Park. It’s one of many solely locations on Earth the place two World Heritage Areas meet: the Daintree Rainforest, estimated to be round 180 million years outdated, and the Nice Barrier Reef.
Count on epic landscapes. Are you prepared?
This highway journey itinerary could have you drive one among Australia’s most scenic coastal roads in Australia, swim in crystal-clear gorges, cruise (safely) down croc-filled rivers and camp metres from empty seashores.
That is additionally the standard land of the Kuku Yalanji folks, the Conventional Aboriginal House owners of the Daintree, and I extremely advocate investing of their information and knowledge in your journey (i’ve a suggestion in Port Douglas for you beneath).
For those who love early begins, no sign and falling asleep to the sound of the rainforest, this Daintree highway journey is for you. Persist with me; on this Cairns journey information, I’m sharing each tip, hike and campsite I want we’d identified earlier than we went.
Planning your Cairns to Cape Tribulation highway journey
The best way to get to Cairns
Cairns is the start line for this Cairns highway journey itinerary. Cairns Airport has worldwide flights from Asia and the Pacific, plus direct home flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and different main cities. It’s also possible to arrive by practice on the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane, a scenic however lengthy journey up the coast in its place.
The journey begins and ends in Cairns, so you may fly out and in of the identical airport.
Campervan rent and getting round
A campervan is totally one of the simplest ways to do a Daintree highway journey. You’ll have your mattress, kitchen and freedom multi function, and you may get up beside the seaside or rainforest each morning.
We booked our motorhome via RatPack Journey (all the time) and picked up our campervan from Apollo, proper by the airport. The highway is sealed all the way in which to Cape Tribulation, so that you don’t have to get a 4WD until you intend to proceed adventuring additional north on the Bloomfield Monitor.
The place to remain in your Cairns highway journey
This itinerary mixes vacation parks, personal campgrounds and nationwide park tenting. Our favourites have been Creeks Edge Park close to Mossman ($35 for an unpowered website) and Noah Seaside campground in Daintree Nationwide Park ($7.75 every per night time). You need to ebook nationwide park campsites in Queensland upfront via Queensland Parks, so lock them in earlier than you go.
The perfect time to do a Cairns highway journey
I’d say the dry season, roughly Might to October, is the most effective time for a Daintree highway journey. Days are heat and sunny, humidity is low, and the strolling tracks and reef situations are at their greatest.
The moist season, roughly November to April, is scorching and stormy. The rainforest is lush, and waterfalls are flowing, however heavy rain can shut roads, tracks and even the Daintree River ferry. Stingers (field jellyfish) are within the ocean within the hotter months, roughly October to Might, in order that’s one thing else to contemplate within the water on prime of crocs lol.
Highway journey suggestions and reminders in your Daintree highway journey
- E book campsites early. Nationwide park tenting like Noah Seaside should be booked upfront via Queensland Parks.
- Replenish earlier than the ferry. Gas, groceries and cellphone sign are restricted north of the Daintree River.
- Be croc clever. By no means swim in rivers, creeks or the ocean until a spot is understood to be secure, and keep no less than 5 m from the water’s edge.
- Drive slowly and preserve a watch out for cassowaries on the highway, particularly at daybreak and nightfall.
- Respect Nation. That is Kuku Yalanji land. Keep on marked tracks, be taught from Conventional House owners and depart locations as you discovered them.
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Tip: Be careful for crocs!!
Just about this entire itinerary is croc nation, and saltwater crocodiles dwell within the rivers, creeks, mangroves and alongside the seashores. To remain secure:
– By no means swim within the ocean, creeks or rivers until the spot is understood to be croc-safe / there’s a lifeguard. Obey each warning signal.
– Keep no less than 5 m again from the water’s edge.
– Take further care at daybreak, nightfall and night time when crocs are most energetic.
– By no means feed crocs or depart meals scraps. It’s unlawful in Queensland.
– Camp no less than 50 m from the water and effectively above the high-tide mark.
Enjoyable reality: Crocs are cold-blooded, so in winter they bask on the banks to heat up. That’s the best time to identify one, should you’re eager to ebook on to a river cruise.
Day 1: Cairns to Port Douglas by way of Palm Cove
Drive time: Cairns to Palm Cove about 25 min, Palm Cove to Port Douglas about 50 min.
Your Cairns highway journey itinerary kicks off in Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland. Choose up your campervan, then fill up on groceries, water and snacks on the town. Provides get pricier and more durable to seek out north of the Daintree River, so fill the fridge and the gasoline tank now – you’ll be grateful later. We truly didnt have to refill till we obtained again to Cairns, the drive instances and distances arent tremendous lengthy so simply be sure to’re full and also you’ll be candy!
Head north to Palm Cove for lunch. This gorgeous seaside village is lined with melaleuca bushes and has a relaxed esplanade stuffed with cafes. Seize an ice cream from Numi on the esplanade, then stretch your legs alongside the seaside. There’s an space of the ocean guarded by a lifeguard, which suggests you may get in for a swim. Completely don’t in any other case, you’ll see the warning indicators, take them very significantly.
Then from Palm Cove, observe the Captain Cook dinner Freeway, one of the crucial scenic coastal drives in Australia. Surfers, be warned: the Nice Barrier Reef blocks most swell, so waves are uncommon up right here however there are a couple of spots.
Don’t miss Rex Lookout at Wangetti, with its 180-degree view over the Coral Sea and hold gliders launching off the cliffs. Arrive in Port Douglas in time to arrange camp and watch the sundown.
Day 2: Exploring Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a stunning little laid-back seaside city and the gateway to each the Nice Barrier Reef and Daintree Nationwide Park.
Begin with a dawn stroll or run alongside 4 Mile Seaside, then seize the most effective espresso on the town (IMO) at Origin Espresso, which opens at 6:30am and roasts its personal beans. If it’s windy, 4 Mile Seaside can be a preferred spot for kitesurfing.
For those who’re right here on a Sunday, browse the Port Douglas markets in Anzac Park, subsequent to the St Mary’s by the Sea chapel, for native crafts and meals stalls.
For a extra religious immersion, I extremely advocate to ebook a cultural tour with Bama Bubu, led by Kuku Yalanji Conventional House owners. We booked a personal session, and it was one of many highlights of our entire journey.
Within the afternoon, choose up recent prawns from Port Seafood on Warner Avenue for a basic Aussie seafood picnic. End the day at Trinity Bay Lookout on Flagstaff Hill for golden-hour views over 4 Mile Seaside.
Day 3: Mossman Gorge, Newell Seaside and Creeks Edge Park
Drive time: Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge about 20 min, Mossman Gorge to Newell Seaside about 15 min, Newell Seaside to Creeks Edge Park about 15 min.
Set an early alarm, as a result of Mossman Gorge is greatest earlier than the crowds. It’s within the southern part of Daintree Nationwide Park, the place the clear Mossman River tumbles over big granite boulders via historical rainforest. Park on the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and take the shuttle into the gorge. Shuttles start at 8am and run each quarter-hour.
Then weigh up your strolling choices:
- The brief loop follows the 270 m Baral Marrjanga boardwalk and the river lookouts, it’s wheelchair accessible and excellent should you’re brief on time.
- For extra of a hike, the Rex Creek bridge observe is 1.4 km return (about an hour).
- Eager hikers can preserve happening the lengthy loop, the two.4 km Rainforest Circuit, which climbs previous big strangler figs with views of Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi).
Cool off within the river afterwards, swimming solely within the designated space.
In your means out, cease at Mossman Bakery on Entrance Avenue for pies, bread and sweets. It’s a conventional family-owned bakery, open Monday to Saturday.
Subsequent drive over to Newell Seaside, a quiet seaside city the place you may park up for lunch and spend a calming afternoon together with your ebook underneath the palms.
Spend the night time at Creeks Edge Park in Miallo, the place we paid $35 for an unpowered website. You should definitely go for a swim of their croc-free creek earlier than you allow!!
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Day 4: Croc cruise, the Daintree ferry and Jindalba boardwalk
Drive time: Creeks Edge Park to the Daintree River ferry about 25 min, ferry to Jindalba about 25 min, Jindalba to Noah Seaside about 20 min.
That is the day your Daintree highway journey actually goes wild haha!
Begin with a morning swim within the croc-free creek at Creeks Edge Park, then drive north to the Daintree River. Earlier than crossing, be a part of an eco-cruise with Photo voltaic Whisper.
Their quiet solar-powered boat glides alongside the river in search of saltwater crocodiles, and the guides use walkie-talkies to share sightings, so if there’s a croc round, you’ll see it. Look out for Scarface, the river’s resident massive croc. Check out the pictures beneath, see should you can spot the croc within the shallow water.
Subsequent, cross the river on the cable ferry. We paid $57 return for our automotive, and it runs day by day from 5am to midnight on daily basis except for Christmas Day.
On the opposite facet, you’re formally within the wildest a part of Daintree Nationwide Park.
Cease on the Jindalba boardwalk close to Cow Bay, a free, self-guided rainforest stroll that takes underneath an hour. Then deal with your self on the Daintree Ice Cream Firm, the place the ice cream is made with tropical fruit grown on the property.
Camp at Noah Seaside Campground for $7.75 every per night time, tucked into the rainforest simply behind the seaside. E book forward for this campground, it’s such a great cash saving choice however areas are very restricted – perhaps 13 websites?!
Day 5: Snorkel the reef and discover Cape Tribulation
Drive time: About 15 min round Cape Tribulation.
Cape Tribulation is the place the rainforest of Daintree Nationwide Park meets the Nice Barrier Reef, and at present you get to expertise each. Begin with a morning boat journey with Ocean Safari, a small-group reef tour based mostly at Safari Lodge.
You’ll head out to the reef (solely 25 minute journey) off Cape Tribulation to snorkel with turtles, reef fish and vibrant corals, with out the crowds of the massive Cairns boats. It’s completely gorgeous!!!!!
Within the afternoon, it’s time to decelerate.
Observe the brief Kulki boardwalk to the lookout over Cape Tribulation Seaside and Myall Seaside, then wander the sand at low tide. Bear in mind, that is croc nation, so don’t swim on the seashores.
For those who nonetheless have power, the Dubuji boardwalk is a straightforward, flat loop via fan palms and mangroves that takes underneath an hour. Hungry? Mason’s Cafe serves wild meat burgers with emu, crocodile and kangaroo, and Mason’s swimming gap subsequent door is among the few locations round Cape Tribulation the place you may safely cool off.
For critical hikers: Swap the reef journey for the Mount Sorrow Ridge Stroll, a strenuous 7 km return climb of about 650 m that takes round six hours. The views over Cape Tribulation and the reef are price each step. Begin early and carry 3 to 4 litres of water.
Spend a second night time at Noah Seaside campground.
Day 6: Alexandra Lookout and the drive south
Drive time: Cape Tribulation to Port Douglas about 1.5 to 2 hr, or to Cairns about 2.5 to three hr, plus the ferry crossing.
It’s time to start out the drive south, however this Daintree highway journey nonetheless has a couple of views to present.
On the way in which again to the ferry, cease at Alexandra Lookout (Walu Wugirriga), excessive on the vary above the coast. From right here you may see the mouth of the Daintree River winding into the Coral Sea, Snapper Island and the rainforest of Daintree Nationwide Park rolling right down to the seashores. It’s the proper place to say goodbye to the Daintree.
Then it’s time to cross the river and select your personal journey for the night time:
- Choice 1: Port Douglas. Break up the drive with yet another night time in Port Douglas. Seize one other espresso from Origin Espresso, fish and chips by the marina, and a last sundown at Trinity Bay Lookout.
- Choice 2: Cairns. Push via to Cairns and use the additional time for a day journey tomorrow, like Kuranda or Barron Falls. Stretch your legs at Rex Lookout on the way in which.
Day 7: Day journeys from Cairns
Drive time: Port Douglas to Cairns about 1 hr 10 min, plus your day journey.
The ultimate day of this Cairns highway journey itinerary is yours to fill. Return your campervan to Apollo while you’re finished, or preserve it an additional day and choose one among these adventures:
- Kuranda and Barron Falls. Kuranda is a village within the rainforest-covered hills above Cairns, identified for its markets, cafes and wildlife sanctuaries. Get there on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or drive up within the van. On the way in which, cease on the Barron Falls lookout, the place the falls thunder into Barron Gorge within the moist season.
- Fitzroy Island. About 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a rainforest-covered island ringed by coral. Snorkel straight off Nudey Seaside, then hike the Summit Monitor for panoramic views over the island and the Coral Sea.
- Hope Islands. For one thing extra distant, the Hope Islands Nationwide Park is a pair of tiny coral cays with fringing reef, greatest reached by boat constitution. It’s a wild, quiet spot for snorkelling, removed from the crowds.
Voila!
What a visit hey!? This Cairns highway journey itinerary packs all the great issues into one week…historical rainforest, the Nice Barrier Reef, croc-filled rivers and empty seashores. The type of journey that leaves you utterly in love with Far North Queensland.
Save this Cairns highway journey itinerary, ebook your campervan, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
Have you ever been to Cairns or Daintree Nationwide Park?
Something you’d add to this itinerary and bucket record?
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover in Australia. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and ALL my suggestions (over 400 pins) are on the contact of your fingertips.