Road trips from Port Douglas
Road Trips from Port Douglas
So let’s say you’ve done all there is to do in paradise Port Douglas – a remarkable trip to the Great Barrier Reef, gone fishing, had too many breakfast dates, and swum your heart out… now what? It’s time to pack a picnic, grab your friends, create your dream music playlist, and jump in the car for a road trip! Far North Queensland is bursting at the seems with places to see and things to do, so why not check it all out?
Here’s the top six places to visit during your Port Douglas holiday – believe us, you won’t regret it!
Cape Tribulation and the Daintree
This region of Far North Queensland gives you the opportunity to delve into the depths of an ancient rainforest to uncover a world of pure natural beauty. Here you’ll discover breathtaking flora and fauna that is everywhere you look! Located just one to two hours from Port Douglas, this is a spectacular part of the world that anyone would feel blessed to visit.
WHAT TO SEE: Daintree Rainforest and National Park, Jungle Surfing, Daintree Ice-cream Company, Emmagen Creek, Cape Tribulation Beach, Cow Bay Beach, Mount Sorrow
Kuranda
This quaint fairytale-like village is simply too close to Port to miss out on. One hours worth of picturesque travel will take you to Kuranda – a stunning laidback destination that will probably steal a place in your heart! This place is commonly known for its vibrant markets, but it has SO much more to offer. For an extra special experience, travel here by Scenic Railway or Skyrail!
WHAT TO SEE: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Barron Falls, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Koala Gardens, Stoney Creek Falls, Rainforestation Nature Park, Rainforest Markets, Heritage Markets
Cooktown
Cooktown is a unique part of the Cape York Peninsula and is situated just over three hours north of Port Douglas. If you can spare the time, this really is a glorious area of Far North Queensland that has plenty of beautiful spots to see. If you plan to travel to Cooktown via the Bloomfield Track, a 4WD is usually recommended.
WHAT TO SEE: Black Mountain National Park, James Cook Museum, Mount Cook National Park, Isabella Falls, Trevathan Falls, Grassy Hill, Finch Bay, Cooktown Botanical Gardens, Keating’s Lagoon
Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands and surrounding areas are full of wonderful activities that you’ll be sure to love. A one hour and forty minute drive past the Rex Lookout, Coral Sea Beaches, and along the Captain Cook Highway, will lead you to this gorgeous scenic region. If you’re happy to spend the day eating cheese and chocolate or chasing waterfalls and swimming, you’d be silly to pass up on this cruisy adventure!
WHAT TO SEE: Herberton Range National Park, Lake Eacham, Mount Emerald, Waterfall Circuit, The Bat Hospital, Mungalli Creek Dairy, Lake Tinaroo, Nandroya Falls, Hasties Swamp National Park, Mount Baldy, Mount Bartle Frere, Lake Barrine
Cairns
If you’re holidaying in Port Douglas, it’s likely that you’ll arrive in Cairns initially, so a road trip might not be required for this one! There are some incredible places to discover here in Port’s neighbouring city, including some extraordinary outdoor locations and fantastic art centres. The one hour coastal drive is a great enough reason to get out and explore this area.
WHAT TO SEE: Great Barrier Reef, Crystal Cascades, Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, Night Markets, Fitzroy Island, Copperlode Dam, Tanks Art Centre, Cairns Art Gallery, Esplanade Lagoon
Innisfail
Not many people think to visit Innisfail during their ventures in Tropical North Queensland, but some would say that’s a mistake! If you love a bit of history and being blown away by natural beauty, this two hour drive will be worth your while. This ‘to do’ list includes epic waterfalls and the story of a man who built a castle for his fiancée!
WHAT TO SEE: Josephine Falls, Paronella Park, Etty Bay, Babinda Boulders, Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Lit Sing Gong Chinese Temple, Warrina Conservation Park