When it comes to Australian road trips there are plenty of options to explore stunning natural beauty found all over this amazing continent.
When you visit the region of Tropical North Queensland in the northeast of Australia, you will no doubt have to include Cairns in your plans. Cairns road trips is a natural follow-on from that given the immense natural beauty in the region.
Cairns is pretty much the epicenter of tourism in this part of the continent and the most popular starting point for any North Queensland road trip itinerary. There are quite a few easy day trips from Cairns that offer some beautiful driving experiences and Cairns day trips self drive options are plentiful.
Here I share the 5 adventure road trips we researched and experienced when we visited. Each of these road trips from Cairns was quite different from one another but all offered insights into natural and cultural beauty found in this stunning region.
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Basing yourself in Cairns
Cairns in Australia is the major center for Far North Queensland and is recognized as a prime vacation spot, attracting both international and domestic tourism all year round due to its tropical climate.
This small yet cosmopolitan city is the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef as well as the world heritage rainforest close by. Aside from the reef, surrounding islands, and the rainforest, there are also beaches, inland lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and the ‘outback’. There is also an incredible amount of unique fauna and flora to see. So, if you love exploring nature in the tropics, Cairns is definitely an ideal place to base yourself.
The ambiance of Cairns is extremely laid-back and relaxed with lots of shopping and dining options, especially good for enjoying alfresco dining by the water at sunset as you gaze out to the Coral Sea.
Cairns trips are so easy to arrange, whether you hire your own car as we did, or decide to pick from over 600 different tours that head out to the many attractions that surround the city. When we visited we did a combination of tours as well as car hire.
Tours are a great way to get a feel for the place and having your own car then gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and focus on your own interests more.
Do you need a 4WD for Cairns?
As always, choosing the best cars for road trips depends on the conditions you are expected to encounter on your journey.
Cairns road trips for the most part can be comfortably undertaken with a conventional sedan with some notable exceptions. For example, if you are traveling along the coastline toward Cooktown north of Cape Tribulation, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly advisable – as is the case for some of the outback areas that are somewhat ‘off-grid’.
However, for the vast majority of places that most visitors would find of interest, these can be reached with a standard hire car. We would have hired a 4WD if there really was anything we wanted to see which required it, but this was not the case. So, the best road trips in the region known for being the most popular (including the 5 covered in this article) do not need a 4WD.
The Top 5 Cairns Road Trips
Creating the perfect Cairns road trip itinerary again comes down to what really interests you. You could literally spend years living here and still not see everything of interest.
We identified the top 5 Cairns road trips which offer the very best experiences of Tropical North Queensland as:
- Cairns to Mossman (including Port Douglas)
- Atherton Tablelands
- Kuranda
- Mission Beach and Tully
- Cooktown
I share some detail of each of these fabulous trips below.
Cairns to Mossman and Port Douglas
In my opinion, this is one of the best road trips you can possibly take in this region.
The road trip from Cairns to Mossman is also well regarded by Lonely Planet who featured it in the top 50 list of the planet’s most thrilling road trips in their ‘Epic Drives of the World’ book.
Only some 75 km long, the route follows the Great Barrier Reef Drive portion of the Captain Cook Highway which hugs the edge of the coast for most of the way.
Cairns great barrier reef road trips are the most popular of Cairns road trips for obvious reasons. The scenery along this route is just stunning all the way.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, Mossman, and then onto Cape Tribulation is a long spectacular coastline separating the two world heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics (Daintree) Rainforest. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip along the coast and please do read the Daintree Rainforest post for more information on Cape Tribulation, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge.
Port Douglas
While enjoying Cairns road trips you just can’t go past Port Douglas. This is a picturesque seaside village that has an atmosphere of tropical sophistication. It is an intimate, relaxed town where locals appreciate good food, wine, arts, and culture. There are some very upmarket boutiques as well as local markets where you can pick up locally made products.
Port Douglas also has some seriously beautiful beaches and is home to the fabulous Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina with many tours offered to visit the Great Barrier Reef, not to mention many great restaurants and cafes.
I highly recommend any itinerary to Tropical North Queensland include some time exploring and enjoying the beautiful town of Port Douglas.
Seaside Beach Communities
The thing about Cairns road trips is that you have to allow quite a bit of time to stop along whatever route you are on to take in the beauty of so many locations you would otherwise miss if you just followed the map.
In the case of the Cairns to Port Douglas and Mossman route, you will be passing so many stunning beachside communities.
For example, Palm Cove is a gorgeous spot that overlooks a glorious beach and Double Island. Just about halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove has some very modern accommodation for tourists and many tour companies cater to visitors staying here.
Even between Palm Cove and Cairns, there are multiple other seaside communities you can visit such as Trinity Beach, Holloways Beach, and Yorkeys Knob. If you are not in a hurry, each of these places is worth the detour from the main highway to check out.
What is the road like from Cairns to Port Douglas?
The road may only be a single lane for a lot of the way but it is sealed for the whole distance and in very good shape. Heading in either direction, you need to focus on driving as there are numerous turns as the road follows the beautiful coast. On one side you have rainforest and the other is the Coral Sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef. The speed limit for most of the way is 80km/h.
Port Douglas to Mossman is a short distance of 16 km and the famous Mossman Gorge within Daintree Rainforest is only 10 mins (if that) from Mossman. Mossman itself is a charming inland town with lots of places to stop, refresh and enjoy a bite to eat.
You can then head further north to visit Cape Tribulation and enjoy exploring different parts of the Daintree (the world’s oldest rainforest) on the route.
Atherton Tablelands
Picture lush rolling hills, abundant wildlife, rugged bushland, tropical waterfalls, impressive lakes, gourmet foods, and friendly people and you will be getting close to the Atherton Tablelands.
Easiest of the Cairns road trips to reach, there is fishing, water skiing, bird watching, swimming, mountain biking, and stunning landscapes to suit all ages. There are also some great camping spots and lodges surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
The Cairns waterfalls self-drive map is really popular with people who visit the Atherton Tablelands as there is an actual ‘waterfall circuit’ that is easy to follow and plenty of room to stop off at each waterfall on the circuit.
You can reach the Atherton Tablelands in a scenic and relaxed 1 hour and 25-minute drive via the Kuranda Range or Gillies Range.
In our case, we planned our Cairns road trips to ensure we entered the Tablelands from Mission Beach (south) and returned to Cairns via the Gillies Range.
Beautiful lakes are another wonderful feature of the Atherton Tablelands within Crater Lakes National Park.
If inland natural beauty is something that appeals to you in this region of Australia, then do check out the dedicated article written on the Atherton Tablelands
Gillies Range
Adventurous road trips are always the most memorable, especially where there is an element or possibility of danger involved.
Of all the Cairns road trips, the Gillies Range linking Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands is probably the most unforgettable driving experience.
We are talking about a stretch of road 35 kilometers south of Cairns at Gordonvale where you will start your gradual climb up the Gillies Range, famous for its 263 corners, and 800m elevation change in only 19 km of road.
In our case, we drove the Gillies Range descending from the Tablelands to Cairns. It was a ride that reminded us of the drive we did at Trollstigen in Norway for the sharp turns and sheer drops. This is a section of road where you really have to slow down and concentrate to ensure you don’t become another traffic statistic here. Fortunately, there are also lots of warning signs for motorists who haven’t heard of this range or these road conditions.
This road is known as the windiest road in Australia but also has spectacular views along with its sheer drops as you make your way up or down.
Kuranda
Known as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’, Kuranda is the shortest of the Cairns Road Trips, only being some 25 kms away from the Cairns city limits.
You head north from Cairns, turning off at Smithfield to head up to the top of Kuranda Range some 1000 feet above Cairns. On the way up the range, you will also catch sight of the Skyrail cable cars that travel above the rainforest taking passengers to Kuranda, in addition to seeing glimpses of the Coral Sea through the rainforest.
Before reaching Kuranda, you can also stop off at Henry Ross Lookout to admire the coastline and look out to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island.
Surrounded by Tropical Rainforest, nestled beside the Kuranda River, Kuranda village is a delightful experience.
Here you can take a cruise on the river, visit Birdworld, Koala Gardens, and Butterfly Sanctuary, go on a self-guided walk on the rainforest village walk circuit, visit many art and craft galleries and go shopping at their well-known markets.
We loved Kuranda so much we visited twice. The first time we went there was taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and then returning via the Skyrail.
The second time we had to include the village as part of the Cairns road trips we planned, wanting to drive up the Kuranda range.
Whether traveling to Kuranda by rail, Skyrail or car, don’t miss seeing this lovely part of Tropical North Queensland.
Mission Beach and Tully
Situated well south of Cairns, Mission Beach and Tully are on the radar of Cairns road trips even if not as popular as those already mentioned above.
Tully is a quiet, lovely, inland town. It is also the gateway to the heritage-listed Tully Gorge, is home to the 7.9m Golden Gumboot and holds the Australian record for the highest annual rainfall (7.9m in 1950). This is no doubt the reason why it is renowned for being one of the country’s most popular white-water rafting destinations.
The Tully River plunges through Tully Gorge National Park which has a camping area. The rainforest here is known for its colorful butterflies. As you approach Tully you also see Mt Tyson rising 687m behind the town.
Mission Beach is not far away from Tully and encompasses four seaside communities. Namely South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach Village, and Bingil Bay.
Mission Beach has long sandy, palm-lined beaches and the impressive Dunk Island sitting just off the coast. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax although it does offer some exhilarating activities such as sky diving over the coastline.
Accommodation options here include beachside cabins, a motel, and a caravan park. It is a calming and beautiful spot to spend some time.
Cooktown
As it is the longest distance of the options here, some wouldn’t include Cooktown as one of Cairns road trips but perhaps as part of a Cape York trip instead.
Getting to Cooktown
There are two main routes for getting from Cairns to Cooktown. The first is the 331-kilometer (206-mile) inland route, which takes about four hours to complete and is suitable for caravans and cars.
The second option is to take the 234-kilometer (145-mile) shorter coastal route, which requires a 4WD, takes much longer (about six hours) to complete. This is taking the Bloomfield track which is unsealed from Cape Tribulation to Wujal Wujal (approx. 40km) and is recommended for 4WD only. From about Emmagen Creek north of Cape Tribulation, a 4WD is required for getting to Cooktown the rest of the way as there are a number of potentially deep creek crossings as well as some particularly steep descents on the Cowie and Donovan Ranges.
This second option is said to be a very scenic drive through the Daintree Coast, passing through the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal and villages of Ayton, Rossville, and rural Helenvale to Cooktown.
We took the inland route option traveling through dry savannah landscape and being fairly flat and easy to drive. This is apart from Bob’s Lookout, a 6-7kms of a steep incline, which can be a bit of a strain on the car if you are towing a lot of weight (which we weren’t). The route from Cairns takes you over the range and away from the coast via Hwy 1, the Kennedy Highway, to Mareeba where you strike north on Hwy 81, the Mulligan Highway, which you follow all the way to Cooktown.
Enjoying Cooktown
Cooktown is the perfect base to start or end your Cape York adventure. With its rich history, must-do Aboriginal tours, world-class fishing, and loads to see and do, many visitors plan for a minimum of three nights with others staying much longer.
Situated on the eastern side of the mouth of the Endeavour River, Cooktown was named after James Cook who explored the east coast of Australia in 1770.
Cook was compelled to careen and repair his vessel, Endeavour, after holing it on reef coral.
This seaside town today is very historic and beautiful, with a laid-back charm, and attractions that include Grassy Hill, James Cook Museum, Cooktown Botanic Gardens, Top Pub Cooktown, and Cooktown Post Office.
It was a lot of fun exploring the town, heading to the lookout, checking out the seafront area and main street of Charlotte as well as enjoying dining and meeting with the locals.
A part of Far North Queensland that is well worth a visit and a great point to begin exploring the broader Cape York area. This will take you a distance well beyond typical Cairns road trips.
Things to note about visiting Cairns
What is the best month to visit and do Cairns road trips?
Winter in Cairns brings slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it the peak tourist season. Average temperatures range from 17.5 – 26°C (63.5 – 78.8°F) and there is low rainfall.
If you are keen on saving some money, the best time to visit Cairns is during the months of April and May or September and October. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and accommodation rates are less expensive, but you may encounter some wet weather.
Where can I stay?
Accommodation options in Cairns are many and varied, ranging from backpacker hostels and local pubs right up to the Hilton, the Reef Hotel and Casino, and other world-class properties.
If you would like to stay in a smaller center than Cairns but still have the 5-star experience with great access to stunning scenery, then head north to Port Douglas.
The Douglas Shire Council website also contains comprehensive information on nearby campsites and caravan options.
Driving basics
In Australia driving is on the left-hand side of the road, unlike in the USA or mainland Europe.
All the major routes in any direction are on well-maintained, sealed roads, and these are shown on free maps provided at rental car companies as well as tourist information centers. There are some roads that have long stretches of gravel and some that are better suited to 4WD vehicles and these are marked on maps so you don’t get any nasty surprises on your journey.
How many days do you need for Cairns?
This is so difficult to say as it depends on what your interests are. At the very least I would recommend nothing short of a week. This would allow you the opportunity to get out to all of the sites covered here via Cairns road trips and get some rest and relaxation at the same time.
Conclusion
For the sheer variety and natural beauty, there is no doubt that Cairns road trips offer some of the best places for road trips anywhere in Australia. In particular, if you are planning an east coast of Australia road trip, you should ensure Cairns features in your itinerary.
Your ideas of the best Cairns road trips
What did you think of my top Cairns road trips choices covered in this article? Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
Wow…I had no idea about these fantastic road trips one can take from Cairns. I loved Tully the most which is absolutely my kind of place. I love road trips and when it leads to quiet and picturesque places, it feels great. Loved reading about these destinations.
Thank you so much, Parnashree. I’m so pleased these destinations appeal to you and there is much in the way of peace and quiet among nature you can enjoy if you plan it that way.
What a great place for a road trip! I would totally rent a 4×4 for the more remote experiences. I’m a big fan of taking road trips, and Cairns sounds like the perfect place!
Wow – that’s great to hear, Jennifer! I think based on that, the Cairns to Cooktown trip going by the unsealed road coast route would be something you would love to do. You get the adventure of four-wheel driving in addition to the beautiful scenery there that most tourists miss.
When we visited Cairns, we did not have time to do some of these great day trips. It definitely means we have to plan a longer stay on our next visit. Good to know that if we plan just one that we should not miss a day trip to Mossman. But our day trips may be long with detours for beach stops! A visit to Kuranda has already been put on my plan from your detailed blog posts. We are crossing our fingers for maybe a return visit to Australia this year.
Now that Australia has been open to travel for a while, hopefully, a return trip will be possible later in the year, Linda. There really is so much to see in that part of Australia. Thank you for reading the various posts from our trip to this region and I’m so pleased you are keen to look at similar activities including the trip from Cairns to Mossman (don’t forget Port Douglas!) and of course Kuranda.
I have spent a few days in Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest. I booked day trips because I was afraid to drive. Reading this post I realize what a huge mistake that was and everything I missed. Just being able to stop at viewpoints on the Captain Cook Highway drive makes the rental worthwhile!
I would agree that driving is definitely worth the rental, Sherianne. The roads there are well maintained and not that difficult to drive (assuming you don’t drive on off-road or non-sealed road routes). Perhaps there might be an opportunity to return sometime in the future to do further exploration. Thanks so much for reading.
Thanks for sharing these great options for road trips from Cairns. Cairns certainly does seem to be a convenient home base, so we’ll check that out. Great advice to hire a 4WD car for the trip for some of the more challenging routes, too. What I love about some of the road trips you suggested are the coastal views and beach stops. There’s nothing better than taking a break from a long drive to put your feet in the sand! (Just dust them off before getting in the car, lol.)
I know what you mean Jackie. The beautiful waters of the Coral Sea are a real draw and seeing this as you drive along the coast is just fabulous. The sand in most places is gorgeous and yes, dusting would definitely be required before resuming your drive!
I’ve never been to Australia so any of these Cairns road trips look good to me. The Great Barrier Reef would be my first choice, followed by Port Douglas. It’s filled with natural beauty and I know my other half would love it too.
Thanks Lisa. The Great Barrier Reef is definitely the top draw of beautiful tourist attractions in the region and Port Douglas has such an lovely setting on the coast. It is hard to be disappointed with either of these two places.
My cousin lives near Cairns and I hope to visit in the future. These sound like some awesome road trips!
Thanks Rebecca! Sounds like another great reason to visit your cousin and go exploring together!
I did not know that there are such amazing road trips around Cairns. The beaches look really fantastic too. Although I do not like driving very much, I would definitely rent a car in Australia to be able to experience the spectacular nature there.
Until they start some researching for their vacation, most also wouldn’t think there would be so many driving options either, Natascha. It is great to discover this and then go exploring!
Since we ditched the RV, we had been doing road trips in our sedan. Like you, we base ourselves in a central location like Cairns. Then we fan out, like you did, to Port Douglas, the Tablelands, Kuranda, Mission Beach, and Cooktown.
Except we did it in a rental car, Carol. It is not really feasible to travel so far to so many places by air as we do and take our own car! We enjoy trying different rental car models in various countries. It is just all part of the fun.
Yes, road trips are great in Australia, like in the US. We did a rental car around Melbourne, too. We expect to do Cairns and Sydney in 2025. Thanks for the guide.
My pleasure, Carol. Great to know you are planning on similar experiences for 2025. Hope you have a fabulous time.
Cairns road trips sound like a blast! Knowing that Australia has a lot of beautiful places to visit. All of the places you recommend are marvelous, but my favorites are Mossman and the Atherton Tablelands. Will undoubtedly pay a visit to Port Douglas’ gorgeous beaches!
The inland areas of Mossman and the Atherton Tablelands are certainly surrounded by so much natural beauty, Maria. Balancing that out with a trip to coastal Port Douglas sounds like a great idea.
If Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, I think I would be spending most of my time snorkeling! But certainly, your road trip ideas would also be wonderful. I love being somewhat spontaneous and taking off to explore by car. What side of the road do they drive on in Australia?
Australians drive on the left, Tami, so depending on where you are from, that could take some getting used to. You would get the hang of it pretty soon. There is no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest tourist draw to the region and snorkeling, in particular, is something that is extremely popular. Balancing that out with inland road trips would be a great idea.
You’ve convinced me! I would definitely stop at Port Douglas. It looks so picturesque. I love how you described it as a relaxed town with good food, wine, arts, and culture. I’d want to check out the upmarket boutiques and local markets.
There is no doubting the popularity of Port Douglas, Renee, with some preferring to base themselves there on their vacation rather than Cairns. It is a really lovely, relaxed yet sophisticated town.
I would love to hire a car and do a road trip if I ever visit this part of the world. I have heard before about how beautiful Port Douglas is. Plus, I would love to go there for the Great Barrier Reef. It is good to know that you can do all of these trips in a sedan. I know how in Australia you have to know beforehand the route you will take in order to hire the right type of car.
Driving is a great way to see much more in Australia, Joanna, with the distances often being quite huge. Some destinations certainly do need a 4WD to access and it really comes down to the location, road condition and proximity to help if you need it. Pre-planning and getting local advice is the best approach.
Wow! It looks absolutely beautiful there! It is my dream to travel one day, and I really hope to get to every continent! Thanks for sharing your experience!
My pleasure, Jennifer. Best wishes for your future trips and I hope this has provided a couple of useful ideas.
One day I would love to visit Australia and explore the country. And we’d definitely hire a car so we could explore more, some of these road trips look great x
You bet, Rhian! You might not be able to explore it all in one trip though as Australia is a pretty huge country/continent. It would be worth a few trips to break up your experience and add to the enjoyment of experiencing ‘the land down under’.
I passed my driving test last year, although I am yet to buy a car yet as parking is a big problem where I live. I have so many road trips lined up on my bucket list, although mainly in Wales; I’m not sure I’d feel confident driving abroad at this stage, but it’s great to know that Cairns has a number of excellent road trip routes to offer.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Kacie. I’m sure once you gain more driving experience and confidence, you would love to undertake trips like these to places that are new, different and fun. So pleased you like these particular trips and perhaps you will also make it to Australia to give them a go.
I do love the sound of road trips in Cairns. Mission beach sounds lovely I do love beaches. We’d love to visit a few. Tully Gorge National Park also sounds great, I’d love to see the butterflies.
The flora and fauna there are so abundant and diverse, Melanie. It makes exploring the region a real treat.
It sounds like there are some amazing places to explore in eastern Australia, can’t wait to visit one day!
I certainly think it is worth the long trip, Jenny. Thanks for reading and commenting.
There is something special about doing road trips indeed. I don’t drive myself at all but I find it fun to drive with my friends long distance. Nice way to explore as well.
There is certainly something fun about doing road trips, Lyosha. Exploring the open road and letting it take you to wonderful places and fun experiences, with the freedom to stay as long or short as you like. There’s nothing quite like it.
I had never considered taking a road trip through Australia, but now I really want to grab my husband and my best friend, hop in a car and go! It sounds like it would be an amazing and fun journey for the three of us together.
That sounds like a fabulous idea, Erica. It would surely be a fun and unforgettable experience.
Oh gosh this is incredible! When I’m travelling in my own I really do do AAAAAAALLLL of the research. This is brilliant – thank you x
My pleasure, Laura. I’m happy this will help you plan your own trip.
WOW looks like you had amazing Cairns road trips for sure. Port Douglas looks stunning and the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina would be a fabulous place to simply stroll, watch the yachts and the world go by. By the way I am loving all your photos and so glad that you had an amazing time x
Thank you so much, Melanie. Port Douglas and its marina is certainly a highlight. Taking good photos there is not hard to do as everything looks so beautiful.
Wow, this was such an in depth breakdown! I haven’t personally taken many road trips, but having a long one with my sister or bff is definitely on my bucket list. Cairns seems like a great place to take one. You broke down all the considerations too – I wouldn’t have even considered 4 wheel drive as a factor! Thanks for giving me a great jump start into my future road trips!
My pleasure, Morgan! I hope you and your sister or bff get out on the road to have a wonderful time.
Visiting Australia is on my travel bucket list! Definitely saving this link to use later!
That’s great April. Hope you end up having as great a trip as we did.
These are lovely places to visit on road trips with family.
Lots of families enjoy their vacation around here Sonia which is hardly surprising. Such a beautiful region to explore and relax.
Thanks for all of these cool traveling suggestions. I am so happy it is traveling season!
My pleasure, Lily. Time to get your maps and planning info out to get your trip started!
These just look like amazing trips out of Cairns!
Thanks Danielle!
I’m excited to go on my first real camping trip in June in this area. Now I know there are some great road trips to be had there as well.
Lots of lovely places to experience in this region, Angela. Renting your own vehicle to explore is the way to go and I hope you have a great time.
Man, I am game for any kind of road trip especially now! give me some peace! Hehe
It’s great to finally get out more as the pandemic lessens and restrictions ease, Michael.
I can’t get over the Gillies Range. Among all the thrilling road trips you have put up in your blog, I was most intrigued by the Gillies Range. I did not know there are so many interesting roadways in Cairns and I am surely adding these to my list. Driving down the windiest road would be an experience altogether. Thank you for the recommendations.
The Gillies Range is something quite unforgettable Shreya! It has an element of fun and danger at the same time. It is definitely not a road to take lightly and it is so easy to get distracted by the views as you drive.
So true, I feel a car is absolutely necessary when there. Cannot miss driving down those roads. I feel Kuranda is also very fascinating.
That’s for sure Shreya, Kuranda is a truly lovely spot to spend some time.
Australia and NZ are on our bucket list.. and your travel posts tempt me to move them up the list
Both countries have so much to offer in the way of significant natural beauty, Vidya. I recommend you plan a visit(s) to enjoy as much as you can.
What stunning drives!! Might have to add these to my bucket list 🙂
Good idea, Chloe. Better sooner than later!
The area and these road trips look absolutely beautiful. I’d love to travel there someday and enjoy these routes and destinations.
Thanks Cinny! I’m sure you would love the stunning natural scenery there.
OMG! I want to do them all! I was hoping to go to Australia just before the pandemic. Now when we finally get there I have 5 epic drives to conquer!
I’m sure you would love these as much as we did Millie! Thank you so much for reading and leaving a comment.
I love road trips! These sound amazing!
Thanks Neely!
I read Cooktown and nearly died! I live in a wee town in Ireland called Cookstown! Wow, what a small world! I had no idea there was anywhere even similar to my hometown. I know this isn’t the point of your article but I’m just in awe!
That’s very interesting, Nyxie. Although I haven’t been to Cookstown in Ireland, it would of course be so different from Tropical North Queensland in Australia. Maybe if you plan to vacation in Australia someday, it would be an experience to visit Cooktown, the gateway to Cape York. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I’m looking forward to going to Australia soon and would love to check out these road trips and places. Thank you for sharing!
Great timing that you read this post, Frank. Hope it helps in planning your own trip.
Nnniiiccceeeee…it’s good to know I don’t really need to hire a 4WD for my time here. I am so much of a beach person! Thanks for sharing about them.
My pleasure, Ntensible! Cairns is a great place to be based on a holiday (or Port Douglas, Mission Beach and so many other nearby places) if you love the beach.
Wow I have never been to Australia and hope to visit one day! It is on our bucket list, and these road trips from Cairns look amazing!
Thanks so much, Dominique. It’s definitely a long way to go for many but we certainly found it to be so worthwhile.
Oh, I love road trips and this makes me wanna go right now! These places are amazing.
Thanks Alita! So please you liked it and hope you will visit yourself one day.
Oh wow, these look like fantastic road trips. I never made it to Cairns and the environs when I was working in Australia – so many great things to discover and I agree a road trip is the perfect way of doing so.
Perhaps this might be a reason to return to Australia to see parts you missed while you were there, Talya! At least this is again possible as their borders are now open for all vaccinated visitors without restrictions.
These look incredible. Such amazing scenery, you are very lucky to have experienced this in Australia. I have friends over there and they tell me that Port Douglas is a great place to visit.
Port Douglas is indeed a lovely town surrounded by some really stunning nature on land or out to the Coral Sea, John. You should plan a trip like we did when you get the chance. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Cairns road trips are filled with tourist attractions from stunning beaches to rain forests in Kuranda to the quaint towns like Cooktown and Tully. Also, it’s great that it’s the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and Atherton tablelands.
Couldn’t have summed it up better myself, Puloma. Thanks very much for reading and sharing your thoughts here.
I absolutely love going on road trips. There are so many good places to sightsee in Cairns, thanks for the tips!
My pleasure, Lani. Road trips in gorgeous areas are always likely to be enjoyable for all involved.
You highlighted some really great spots. I’m going to bookmark this article for my future visit.
Great to hear Ryan. I hope it will be helpful in planning your own trip.
Those are all such gorgeous spots. Road tripping is really the best way to experience a place, if you ask me.
I couldn’t agree more, Beth, especially where areas like this are so accessible. You can go at your own pace and see exactly what you want to see as an independent visitor.
I’d love to see Australia one day. Why not? Kuranda sounds a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks for this informative and exciting post.
You are most welcome, Yonca. So pleased you enjoyed this.
I’m yet to go on an Australia trip but it is high up on my wishlist. Cairns road trips sound awesome. The biggest advantage for me is, being an Indian, I’m used to left-handed traffic, and driving a car in Australia is a breeze, unlike in Europe or America! I think I love Cairns to Mossman (including Port Douglas) the most esp because of its sea view! I think I’d love Kuranda too coz it not only has a sea view but also cablecars & rainforests. Just awesome!
If you love sea views, then definitely the best route would be the Cairns to Port Douglas along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, Bhushavali. Kuranda is not to be missed if you like rainforests and gliding over the top via a cablecar. Thank you for sharing your impressions.
I’ve always wanted to visit that area. Any of these road trips sounds like such a fun adventure! They all look like great options.
Thanks Heather! Happy that you enjoyed this post.
Lots of great road trip to be had at Cairns! We are currently not traveling by plane so anything we can do in our own car is a must. Love that there are so many places to visit that is accessible by car. The only one I can’t do is Gillies Range. I get very dizzy on windy roads even if I am the one driving or keeping myself occupied. 🙁
I can relate to what you mean about roads like the Gillies Range, Maureen. A lot of people prefer to avoid such roads. Luckily, there are other routes you can take to enjoy the Atherton Tablelands at a very leisurely pace. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
That’s an extensive road trip list, shows how diverse and exciting Cairns is. I’d probably go the seaside trips, but I’m fickle-minded so why not do all, thank you for all the recommendations.
My pleasure, Marie. The seaside drives are the most common and popular but while you are there, I would suggest you try the others as you suggest.
I can’t wait to go to Cairns we have some friends in Port Douglas who have invited us over and we want to get the most from our trip. Very happy about the driving on the left hand side of the road. It’s the same here in the U.K.
You should really accept the invite to go as soon as you can travel Nicole as I’m sure you would love this region! Port Douglas would be a wonderful place to stay and is so stunning in its own right. Happy travels and I hope you have as an enjoyable time there as we did.
I like your article with many exciting and valuable tips on preparing for Cairns Road Trips. It’s great that you are giving suggestions for a few tour routes. Thanks to this, everyone, depending on the length of the planned stay, can choose options for themselves. Gillies Range looks perfect to me. I would like to see Port Douglas, Kuranda, Mission Beach, and Tully.
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment, Agnes. My intent was to offer different options depending on a reader’s preferred destination, although I found them all to be beautiful.
We love road tripping and I think we will love these road trips from Cairns. The beaches between Cairns and Port Douglas are beautiful and it makes wonderful detours. And we always enjoyed drives like the Gillies Range. It adds a thrill to the trips.
Thrills are something you would definitely feel from driving the Gillies Range, Umiko! Otherwise, there are just so many places to visit in a car that provide such lovely outlooks and atmosphere.
Good thing the roads are well-maintained and sealed and looks like wide enough, too. So, if driving on rainy days it won’t be a problem either, I believe. Since I used to drive on the same side, I think my husband will prefer to sit on the passenger side if we get a chance to visit here. Hehe…
I know what you mean. It can be a bit freaky at first driving on the other side from what you are used to. You are also right about it not being an issue on the roads with rain – which is just as well when you consider how much rain they get being so close to the Daintree Rainforest.
These awesome Cairns road trips are once in a lifetime experience for everyone. The lush rolling hills of Atherton tablelands and the coral sea of the great barrier reef offer panoramic views on these Australian routes. I would love to have the stunning views from the Skyrail across the Kuranda village, not to forget the Koala Gardens.
Thanks very much, Puloma. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the various aspects of the 5 road trip options offered here. If you love stunning natural scenery, this is a great place in Australia to start.
I have read about the surroundings of Cairns before and it looks like a great place to base yourself if you plan to explore the area. Kuranda sounds like such a great place to visit, especially that it offers both forests and seaside scenery. I’d love to experience the Skyrail cable car, I bet the views from it are spectacular.
The views from the Skyrail cable cars are definitely spectacular, Joanna. I cover more in this regard in a separate post around exploring the Daintree Rainforest region, again easily accessible from Cairns.
I will go read your post on the Daintree Rainforest region as well. I am not sure if I remember well, but is this where you can go and experience the culture of an aboriginal tribe, in a unique traditional dinner in the forest? I might be wrong, but I remember taking part in a webinar about the Cairns region of Australia where this was mentioned.
I am sure that is possible Joanna, not just near Cairns but in other places in Australia as well. Learning a bit about the Aboriginal culture and their traditional ties to the land is really quite fascinating.
The Australian East Coast is a fascinating place as I understand from my friends who are settled there. And one of them did mention about Cairns as well. All the trips look nice and each is different in terms of what to expect. Port Douglas looks so serene with its natural beauty. Kuranda also looks like a beautiful place to be in.
It’s certainly true that each location is different in what is offered but they all seem (from what I’ve seen) to be just as beautiful, Subhashish. Great that you have friends settled in Australia as it would be fabulous to visit with the local knowledge your friends could provide. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.