Great Tropical Drive

The Great Tropical Drive is the ultimate highlight reel of all the epic landscapes and scenic wonders of Tropical North Queensland. Our itinerary covers the coastal part of this extensive road trip.

Is the road trip of your dreams filled with adrenalin-fuelled adventure? Maybe you're more into finding the perfect viewpoint for some spectacular pics? Or do you love lounging on golden coastlines and bouncing between luxe accommodation? Whatever your preference, the Great Tropical Drive is waiting to deliver.

The Great Tropical Drive is over 2000 kilometres and hundreds more if you decide to venture off the main route. This vast journey can take up to two weeks. But if you don't have that much time to spare, don't freak out. The awesome thing about this road trip is you can do as much or as little of it as you like.

Our itinerary only covers the coastal section of the Great Tropical Drive. It will take a week or so, stretching the 650 kilometres north up the coast from Townsville to Cooktown.

This drive follows the coastline where two of the planet's greatest natural wonders come together. We're talking about the oldest rainforest on the planet and the most extensive reef system in the world: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

As well as these two national treasures, the drive includes vibrant coastal cities, easy-breezy resort towns, historic settlements and many sites that are significant to the traditional owners who have lived in this region for thousands of years.

Duration 5 - 7 (or more) days
Distance 628km (390mi)
Key Places
Townsville, Mission Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown
What to expect

Expect the dramatic sight of lush rainforest meeting white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Expect a warm welcome in laid-back resort towns and bustling cities. And expect exhilarating outdoor experiences like snorkelling in the largest reef system on the planet and exploring the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest on the aerial walkway.

Townsville (A) to Ingham (B)

112km (1hr 28min)

Start in Northern Queensland's largest city, Townsville. This coastal hub sparkles with its delightful esplanade, 19th-century architecture and excellent museum. It'll take you just under 1.5 hours to make the drive from Townsville to Ingham, but we recommend taking your time to stop at a few choice spots along the way, like Paluma Range National Park and Crystal Creek.

Start in Northern Queensland's largest city, Townsville. This coastal hub sparkles with its delightful esplanade, 19th-century architecture and excellent museum.

While you're here, hop on the ferry to Magnetic Island. It lies just 20 minutes off the coast, so you can see it from the shore! Despite how close it is to the bustling mainland, the island is a secluded oasis and has over 23 bays and beaches to choose from. Mostly made up of national park, "Maggie" is home to one of Australia's largest koala populations, so keep your eyes peeled for the furry little fellas as you explore.

After basking in the delights of Townsville, chuck your bags in the car and start doing the thing you came here to do: driving!

It'll take you just under 1.5 hours to make the drive from Townsville to Ingham, but we recommend taking your time to stop at a few choice spots along the way, like Paluma Range National Park and Crystal Creek.

Then explore the unique and vibrant culture of Ingham. The town has a thriving sugar cane industry, which began back in the 19th century. Many of the workers who arrived to work in this industry were immigrants from Italy. Today, more than half of Ingham's population is of Italian descent, earning the township the nickname Little Italy.

One thing is for sure here. You won't find it hard to track down an incredible feed of pizza or pasta!

As well as a rich Italian culture, Ingham is home to several lovely natural spaces where you can chillax, including the TYTO Wetlands and Mount Fox.

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Discover: Paluma Range National Park
Paluma Range National Park Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

The Paluma Range National Park is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which covers almost 900 000 hectares between Townsville and Cooktown, and includes the Daintree, Barron Gorge and Wooroonooran national parks. After the heat of the coast, cool down on the trails, in the creeks and under the waterfalls of this lush rainforest.

Discover: Little Crystal Creek
Crystal Creek Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

You'll definitely want to feature Little Crystal Creek on your social feed. To call it a swimming hole wouldn't do it justice. The babbling creek passes beneath the arch of a heritage-listed stone bridge before cascading down into a crystal-clear pool. This place is pure natural magic. Chill out in the fresh water with the sounds and sights of the rainforest as your backdrop.

Discover: TYTO Wetlands
TYTO Wetlands Visitor Centre Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Bird watchers and lovers of nature rejoice! The TYTO Wetlands is a tranquil expanse of 90 hectares and home to over 245 species of birdlife as well as other native fauna and flora. If you've got 'em, grab your binoculars and look for the endangered eastern grass owls, which can often be seen leaving their grassy nests at dusk.

Ingham (B) to Mission Beach (C)

123km (1hr 30min)

Most of the short drive from Ingham to Mission Beach winds through gorgeous state forests and national parks and, as usual, there are plenty of places worth a stop along the way. Detour inland to gaze up at the immense Wallaman Falls and take your pick from the many trails that meander through the tropical rainforest in Girringun National Park.

Mission Beach Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Most of the short drive from Ingham to Mission Beach winds through gorgeous state forests and national parks and, as usual, there are plenty of places worth a stop along the way.

Detour inland to gaze up at the immense Wallaman Falls and take your pick from the many trails that meander through the tropical rainforest in Girringun National Park.

As a way of breaking up the trip, spend a day or two in the welcoming seaside town of Cardwell, a charming gateway to the dizzying array of natural attractions on offer. From here, there are plenty of different ways of getting out and exploring the great outdoors.

Hop aboard a boat tour and let your local guide take you out to the best snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef.

Head out on a fishing charter to discover the true bounty of these waters.

Or, if you're yearning for a bit of solitude, take a few days to explore the isolated island wilderness of Hinchinbrook Island National Park, accessible by boat from Cardwell.

Then, continue on to the resort town of Mission Beach to soak up some coastal bliss. This tropical paradise is super laid-back, with a distinct lack of chain stores, traffic lights and crowds. Wind down on your own patch of palm-fringed sand with a cool beverage in hand. The living here is easy!

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Discover: Wallaman Falls
Wallaman Falls Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Located in Girringun National Park, Wallaman Falls is the highest permanent single-drop waterfall in the county. This is where the waters of Stony Creek plunge 268 metres off the cliff and into the rocky gorge below. After enjoying the view from the main lookout, head out on one of the walking tracks for more epic views of the gorge.

Discover: Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Hinchinbrook Island National Park Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and most easily accessible from Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island National Park is one of Australia's largest island national parks. This is the place to go if you want to switch off from, well, everything! Hinchinbrook is untouched and isolated, with only 7000 visitors every year. If you have the time and some hiking experience, the four-day Thorsborne Trail, which crosses the island's eastern side, is considered one of the best multi-day hikes in the country.

Discover: Cardwell Spa Pool
Cardwell Spa Pool Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

The milky-blue colour of Cardwell Spa Pool is what makes this place so magical. The creek that feeds the pool is spring water that travels through sedimentary rocks absorbing minerals like calcium and magnesium, giving the water its unique tint. The pool's setting is equally enchanting, and there are plenty of trails in the surrounding dry eucalypt forest begging to be explored.

Mission Beach (C) to Innisfail (D)

52km (40min)

After spending a day or two blissing out at Mission Beach, hit the road again. This time you're headed towards Innisfail, but naturally there are a few fab places to check out before you get there. You'll pass through Djiru National Park, some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics. Stop for a bushwalk or a picnic and keep watch for the endangered southern cassowary.

Paronella Park, Innisfail Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

After spending a day or two blissing out at Mission Beach, hit the road again. This time you're headed towards Innisfail, but naturally there are a few fab places to check out before you get there.

On your way out of Mission Beach, you'll pass through Djiru National Park, some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics. Stop for a bushwalk or a picnic and keep watch for the endangered southern cassowary.

Continue north to Mena Creek Falls, where you'll find the enchanting Paronella Park. The park was established in the 1930s by Jose Paronella, a Spanish immigrant who built a castle and tropical gardens on the edge of the falls. Almost 100 years later, the crumbling castle remains and blends seamlessly into the rainforest around it.

Innisfail has a thriving sugarcane industry, and as you drive through the lush plantations, you'll be blessed with sweet-smelling breezes. The town itself lies on the North and South Johnstone Rivers, and the surrounding landscape is rich and green.

Spend some time at the riverfront, where there are cafes, restaurants and picnic areas to enjoy. This area is also the start of several kilometres of walking trails that follow both sides of the river.

If walking isn't quite your pace, head out on a boat tour of the river, and keep a look out for local saltwater crocs. Crikey!

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Discover: Mamu Tropical Skywalk
Mamu Tropical Skywalk Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Explore the rainforest at canopy level on the 350-metre-long Mamu Tropical Skywalk, set 15 metres above the ground. Then take the steps up to the observation tower, which offers jaw-dropping views of rainforest-shrouded mountains and the North Johnstone River Gorge.

Discover: Mount Bartle Frere
Mount Bartle Frere Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Mount Bartle Frere is the highest mountain in Queensland, rising up to 1622 metres. Experienced hikers can complete the climb in one day, but why rush? Consider pitching your tent in the designated campground near the summit. Then the following day, climb the rest of the way and witness sunrise at the summit. Now that is a sight that will stick with you for a long time.

Innisfail (D) to Cairns (E)

88km (1hr 10mins)

From Innisfail, buckle up and start driving to Cairns. Most of this leg of the journey winds along Wooroonooran National Park. Take your time and stop off at the many rivers, waterfalls, swimming holes, rainforest trails and gorgeous picnic areas along the way.

From Innisfail, buckle up and start driving to Cairns. Most of this leg of the journey winds along Wooroonooran National Park. Take your time and stop off at the many rivers, waterfalls, swimming holes, rainforest trails and gorgeous picnic areas along the way.

As the main gateway to the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns bustles with back-packers, road-trippers and resort-revellers. But don't rush out on a dive tour just yet! There's plenty of exciting stuff to get amongst in the city first.

Stop by the Wildlife Dome, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, all on the rooftop of the Reef Hotel Casino.

Indulge in some fresh-as seafood! Most of the restaurants around town offer local bounty hauled in that morning.

Wander down to the esplanade, the heart and soul of this waterfront city. Cool off in the lagoon, where you can be sure you won't run into any crocs. After the sun sets, head to the night markets to browse for keepsakes and tasty treats.

Once you've enjoyed the highlights of town, you won't have to look far to find a wealth of tours and experiences on offer. Take your pick from scuba trips on the Great Barrier Reef, guided rainforest tours, scenic flights and fishing charters in some of the planet's most abundant seas.

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Discover: Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

All aboard! The Kuranda Scenic Railway is an experience you won't want to miss. The train ride takes two hours one way from Cairns and winds through rainforest landscapes before emerging into the stunning Barron Gorge. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quirkiest little village in Tropical North Queensland, Kuranda.

Discover: Whale Bommie Dive Site

One of the most popular dives sites off the coast of Cairns, Whale Bommie is a giant mass of coral on the southern side of Milln Reef. Pull on your snorkel and delve into an underwater realm of otherworldly corals and vibrant reef fish. If you're lucky, you might even run into some larger locals like sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks.

Discover: Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Hop aboard a ferry to Fitzroy Island, an emerald gem surrounded by pristine turquoise waters. The island is shrouded in tropical rainforest and fringed by gorgeous beaches. You'll feel like you've found your own slice of heaven here. You can stay for a couple of luxury-filled nights at the resort or simply spend the day meandering through paradise on the many walking trails.

Cairns (E) to Port Douglas (F)

67km (1hr 6min)

Next stop, Port Douglas. Be sure to have your camera charged for this stretch of highway because it really is something. Much of the road hugs the coastline, so on one side you'll have pristine wilderness like Kuranda and Macalister Range national parks, and on the other, you'll have turquoise waves, lapping at rocky outcrops and sandy shores.

Next stop, Port Douglas. Be sure to have your camera charged for this stretch of highway because it really is something. Much of the road hugs the coastline, so on one side you'll have pristine wilderness like Kuranda and Macalister Range national parks, and on the other, you'll have turquoise waves, lapping at rocky outcrops and sandy shores.

As you drive into Port Douglas, feel the beachy bliss wash over you. This friendly seaside town is yet another gateway to the legendary natural attractions of Tropical North Queensland, but its chilled-out vibe and gorgeous Four Mile Beach will make you want to stick around and soak up some relaxation before you start exploring.

When you're ready, head out on a scuba diving or snorkelling tour. Some of the best local dive sites include Wreck Bay, which got its name for the sunken fishing boat on the reef, and Nursery Bommie, a column of coral that rises 25 metres from the seafloor.

There are also plenty of tours and experiences through the Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas, including ziplining through the canopy, 4WD tours and croc-spotting river cruises.

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Discover: Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Wildlife Habitat Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Say g'day to a bunch of native critters at the Wildlife Habitat. This award-winning and eco-certified sanctuary is home to five environments and the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre, which cares for native animals that are injured, sick or orphaned.

Discover: Low Isles
Low Isles Image: Tourism Media

The Low Isles is just 15 kilometres northeast of Port Douglas and is made up of two small islands connected by a reef. The smaller of the two islands has a lighthouse that has operated since 1878, and the larger is home to an enormous bird population. Their shared reef is a fantastic spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Pull on your flippers and get ready to see 150 different species of hard corals and a kaleidoscope of reef fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish and sweetlip.

Discover: Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

One of the Daintree Rainforest's most iconic attractions, Mossman Gorge, is just a 20-minute drive from Port Douglas. Pack lunch and your togs and head out to enjoy one of the magical rainforest-fringed swimming holes. Or, be guided through the gorge on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk and learn about the very special connection the Kuku Yalanji people have to this rainforest.

Port Douglas (F) to Cooktown (J) via Daintree Ferry (G, H)

186km (3+ hours)

This is where things start to get really exciting. If you're in a 4WD, you get to drive surrounded by the Daintree Rainforest all the way up to Cape Tribulation, then along the Bloomfield Track to Wujal Wujal and Cooktown.

This is where things start to get really exciting. If you're in a 4WD, you get to drive surrounded by the Daintree Rainforest all the way up to Cape Tribulation, then along the Bloomfield Track to Wujal Wujal and Cooktown.

After hitting the road from Port Douglas, it won't be long until you are driving through the Daintree Rainforest, and there are plenty of viewpoints, trails and picnic areas to stop along the way.

Step beneath the forest's emerald canopy and be transported to a land that time forgot. The Daintree Rainforest is ancient, to say the least. In fact, it's the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, growing here for more than 180 million years.

Continue north and you'll soon have to take the ferry (G, H) across the Daintree River. Just 40 kilometres further and you'll be in a remote and spectacular paradise. This route is one of the most scenic short 4WD drives in the country, with heaps of awesome stops to discover.

When you get to Cape Tribulation (I) , experience the wonder of stepping out from the forest straight onto the beach.

Hit the road again bound for Cooktown. If you aren't travelling in a 4WD, don't stress! Hit up a 4WD tour company to chauffeur you up to the Cape. Then once you're back to your vehicle, head inland to drive around the Daintree up to Cooktown.

On your way into town, stop off at Kalkajaka, also known as Black Mountain, a mysterious mountain of black granite boulders and an important landmark to the area's traditional owners.

Then it's time to relax in your final destination, easy-breezy Cooktown. Like Port Douglas, Cooktown is a laid-back gateway to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Be sure to check out the local tours and experiences on offer in the rainforest and the reef.

As well as its natural gifts, Cooktown has a fascinating history. It got its name when Captain Cook beached the Endeavour on a reef and stopped to repair his ship here in 1770. After a skirmish between Cook's crew and the indigenous people of the area over turtles being taken from breeding grounds without permission, it is said several of the indigenous Australians visited Cook and his crew to make peace. This important moment in history is believed to be the first recorded act of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

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Discover: Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

In the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and widely known as the place where two World Heritage-listed areas meet, Cape Tribulation is unlike anywhere else on the planet. It's here that rainforest-blanketed mountains roll down to meet pristine white sands and turquoise, reef-adorned waters. Choose from the range of secluded rainforest accommodation options and spend a few days soaking up some serenity in this remote and undeniably magical environment.

Discover: Kalkajaka (Black Mountain)

This brooding mountain of black granite was formed by subterranean movement over the millennia. As well as its geological significance, Kalkajaka is a sacred site for the local Kuku Yalanji people. Stop at the lookout along the Mulligan Highway to take in the towering formation rising starkly from lush green scrub. Don't venture into the park, though. Legends abound of people disappearing in the labyrinth of granite, never to be seen again.

Discover: Cod Hole Dive Site
Cod Hole Dive Site Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

One of the most famous diving locations in the world, Cod Hole Dive Site, off the coast of Cooktown, is a must-visit for diving fanatics and newbies alike. The clear, warm waters are home to a menagerie of aquatic life, most notably a family of very friendly, very large potato cod. These gentle giants have become used to divers over the past 30 years, so don't be surprised if they swim right up to your mask for a squiz. As you explore the reef, they will come along for the ride, following you around like your own personal reef guide.

Ready to go? Please check government advisories before booking or travelling.

When to take your Great Tropical Drive

In Tropical North Queensland you'll enjoy warm weather year round. Summer and autumn are usually pleasant, rarely rising above 30°C. Bring a rain jacket if you're visiting during this time as afternoon and evening storms are common. Winter and spring are much drier, and the mercury usually hovers around the mid-20s.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Tropical North Queensland

Temperature Av. Rainfall (MM)
27.9°C 27.9°C J J 359MM 359
27.8°C 27.8°C F F 323MM 323
27°C 27°C M M 260MM 260
25.3°C 25.3°C A A 123MM 123
23.4°C 23.4°C M M 58MM 58
21.9°C 21.9°C J J 41MM 41
21.3°C 21.3°C J J 36MM 36
21.9°C 21.9°C A A 26MM 26
23.8°C 23.8°C S S 29MM 29
25.4°C 25.4°C O O 55MM 55
26.8°C 26.8°C N N 86MM 86
27.8°C 27.8°C D D 157MM 157