I just got back from the best adventure in Tropical North Queensland, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you!
After picking up our campervan in Cairns, we hit the road and made our way north to Cape Tribulation, a region within the Daintree Rainforest. We did the drive in a day, stopping at a few amazing spots along the way, then spent a couple of nights exploring the Daintree.
On our drive back from the Daintree to Cairns, we visited a few places we’d missed on our way up, and spent the night in Port Douglas before finishing the trip.
I wouldn’t change a thing about our itinerary and route. In this post, I’ll share the best places to visit on a Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip, along with some tips to help you plan your getaway.
Things to know about the drive from Cairns to Daintree
Driving distance | The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation takes 3 hours.
No 4wd needed | The entire road is sealed, so you don’t need a 4wd to get there. We went in a campervan and had no issues.
Ferry to Cape Tribulation | As you get closer to Cape Tribulation, you’ll need to cross the Daintree River by ferry – there’s no bridge. It runs continuously from 5 am to midnight, and the trip takes about 10 minutes. You can pre-book tickets here, but it’s not essential.
How many days | If you have your own car, you can visit Cape Tribulation as a day trip from Cairns, or join a tour like this one. However, it’s not possible to fit all my recommended stops into a single day. To see everything properly, plan at least two days, ideally spending one night in the Daintree and another in Port Douglas, just like I did.
Best time to go | Plan your trip for the dry season (May to October). We went in July and had perfect conditions, though it was a bit windy out on the reef. From December to March, it’s hot, humid, and cyclone season in North Queensland, with box jellyfish also around the beaches and reef.
Cairns to Cape Tribulation Route
Here are all my favourite stops along the way to Cape Tribulation.
Cairns to Palm Cove
Drive time | 30 minutes
Highlight | Palm trees lining the beach
The small town of Palm Cove (location here) was my first stop after leaving Cairns. Lined with palm trees and a beautiful esplanade that runs right along the beach, it has such a relaxed, tropical vibe.
We stopped for a quick coffee and walked along the beach before continuing with our journey. If you’ve got more time, there are some lovely spots for breakfast and plenty of boutique stores to browse through.
Palm Cove to Thala Palm Field
Drive time | 30 minutes
Highlight | Rows of tall palms
Right alongside the Captain Cook Highway lies a beautiful palm field that’s become a popular stop for travellers chasing that perfect tropical photo.
We pulled over for a quick look, and it’s easy to see why it’s so loved. You can save the location here.
This spot also marks the entrance to Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a five-star eco-resort set among the rainforest with elevated bungalows and ocean views.
Thala Palm Field to Port Douglas
Drive time | 15 minutes
Highlight | Trinity Bay Lookout & Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
Next, we stopped in Port Douglas. Since we were planning to stay here on our way back, we didn’t spend too much time exploring the town.
Instead, we stocked up on groceries for our trip and drove up to the Trinity Bay Lookout (here), which has incredible views over Four Mile Beach and the Coral Sea. There are a couple of short trails from the lookout, too, perfect for a quick walk.
Port Douglas is also the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. I’d definitely suggest spending a night here on your return and joining a snorkelling cruise out to the reef. This one came highly recommended to us.
If you’re just passing through Port Douglas on a day trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, a quick stop at the lookout is plenty before hitting the road again.
Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge
Drive time | 20 minutes
Highlight | Mossman Gorge
20 Minutes north of Port Douglas lies Mossman Gorge. It marks the start of the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world.
I was blown away by the walking trails and swimming holes here – you’re surrounded by lush greenery and massive granite boulders throughout the walk.
Pack your swimmers because you’re going to want to take a dip.
There are two walking tracks at Mossman Gorge: The River Circuit (400m) or the Rainforest Circuit (2.4 km). If you have the time, the longer Rainforest Circuit track is absolutely stunning and not as busy as the River Circuit.
Mossman Gorge to Daintree River Ferry (Crocodile Cruise)
Drive time | 30 minutes
Highlight | Crocodile Cruise
The Daintree River is home to saltwater crocodiles, and the best way to see them is on a Crocodile Cruise like this one. You hop on a small boat, and the guides are great at finding crocs you’d never notice on your own.
The cruises run for about an hour and depart near the ferry terminal on the southern side of the Daintree River.
Note: The last crocodile cruise departs at 3:30 pm. I booked with Solar Whisper and they were fantastic. Their tours do sell out, so it’s best to prebook your space here.
Crocodile Cruise to Mount Alexandra Lookout
Drive time | 10 minute ferry + 10 minute drive
Highlight | Scenic photo spot
After the Crocodile tour, you’ll cross the Daintree River using the ferry. It’s a short 10-minute ride, and then you’ll be in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest.
The scenery changes dramatically from here on out. And in my opinion, this is the best part of the drive from Cairns to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Shortly after driving off the ferry, you’ll find Mount Alexandra Lookout on the right side of the road (here).
Mount Alexandra Lookout to Daintree Ice Cream Company
Drive time | 10 minutes
Highlight | The most delicious ice cream
The Daintree Ice Cream Company is an institution in the area. The setting is beautiful, and the ice creams are absolutely delicious.
Daintree Ice Cream Company to Noah Beach
Drive time | 20 minutes
Highlight | Lunch on the beach
The beaches in Cape Tribulation are beautiful and unlike any I’ve seen before. But you do not want to swim here as there are crocs in the water. Also, don’t walk too close to the waters edge!
We brought some snacks and had a picnic on the beach instead.
There are lots of other beaches to visit, including Myall Beach and Thornton Beach, but they’re all pretty similar. Depending on how much time you have, I suggest only visiting one of them.
Noah Beach to Dubuji Boardwalk
Drive time | 10 minutes
Highlight | The lush greenery
Dubuji Boardwalk is located in the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree Rainforest. I did all of these walks in the Daintree, and the Dubuji Boardwalk was my favourite.
The 1.2 km boardwalk winds through swamplands and mangroves and is lined with fan palms and basket ferns. As you near the trail’s end, you’ll reach Myall Beach.
Dubuji Boardwalk to Emmagen Creek
Drive time | 15 minutes
Highlight | The swimming hole
Emmagen Creek is a beautiful, secluded swimming hole that’s much quieter than others in the Daintree. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, with no clear signage or marked trail leading the way.
After parking here, follow the small footpath left (so that you go upstream, and away from the crocodile-infested waters). It’s about a 15-minute walk.
Emmagen Creek marks the unofficial end point for non-4wd vehicles driving from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. Unless you have an off-road car, you’re going to have to turn around after visiting Emmagen Creek.
My Cairns to Cape Tribulation Road Trip itinerary
If you have two days, here’s my suggested itinerary of where to stop and the way up and down.
Drive to Cape Tribulation | Stop at Palm Cove, Port Douglas (Trinity Bay Lookout only), Crocodile Cruise, Cape Tribulation Ice Cream Factory, Emmagen Creek.
Return drive | Stop at Dubuji Boardwalk, Mount Alexandra Lookout, Mossman Gorge, Thala Reserve Palms.
Where to stay
If you only have one night, it’s best to stay in the Daintree Rainforest. This is where you’ll find stunning lodges and cabins and the setting is what makes it so unique.
For a luxury stay, check out Daintree EcoLodge. The property is magnificent – you’ll be sleeping amongst the trees and waking up to bird song! There’s also a spa on-site and a restaurant that guests rave about. Read the reviews here.
For something slightly more affordable, I highly recommend Noah Creek Eco Huts. These self-contained units have open-air bathrooms, outdoor fire pits, and gorgeous views. Read the reviews here.
Camping
Because we had a campervan, we spent a night at Cape Tribulation Camping. This campground is set next to the beach and offers top-notch facilities. There aren’t many campgrounds in Cape Tribulation, so we booked our site a few months in advance. I recommend you do the same.
In Port Douglas, we left our booking to the very last minute, but managed to find a site at Big4 Port Douglas Glengarry. It was a bit of a drive out of town, but we were relieved to have a place to park our van as there is no free camping in the area.
Is the drive from Cairns to Daintree worth it?
Yes! The best way to experience Tropical North Queensland is by renting a car or campervan and driving from Cairns to the Daintree. There’s so much to see and do, and it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
If you’re looking for more Australia travel inspiration, check out my other posts!
- My Favourite Weekend Getaways From Gold Coast
- 10 Best Scenic Rim Wineries
- 7 Top Walks in Girraween National Park
- The Best Wineries in Stanthorpe
- Ultimate Guide to Camping on Fraser Island
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