Great Barrier Reef in 1 Day

The Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is along spectacular coastline hugging two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. From Cairns, you head north across the Barron River to the Cairns Northern Beaches including Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. The drive then winds along the edge of the Coral Sea past unspoilt tropical beaches to Port Douglas, the ideal place to cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Intimate, relaxed Port Douglas is the gateway to the Daintree, the world's oldest tropical rainforest. To the north is beautiful Mossman Gorge where you can discover the culture of the Kuku Yalanji people before driving through sugar cane fields to the township of Daintree. Take a crocodile spotting tour, fish for barramundi or marvel at the incredible birdlife. Cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry for a leisurely drive through ancient rainforest, pausing at lookouts for a glimpse of the Coral Sea as you wind your way down the coast.

Cairns to Cape tribulation - North Bound

Distance: 140km

Duration: 2h 40min

Stops:

• Ellis Beach
• Wangetti
• Mossman Gorge
• Alexandra Lookout
• Marrdja Boardwalk
• Cape Tribulation

25min north of Cairns CBD, the Great Barrier Drive saddles up to the Coral Sea and offers the first spectacular view of palm fringed beaches. Ellis Beach rests neatly on either side of the road. On your left is a small bar and grill playing live music on Sunday and the Surf Life Saving Club. On the right is a campground, cabins, sailing club and a pull off area for day trips. 15 mins further north pull off to the right and access the 4km stretch of quiet and unspoilt Wangetti beach.

For the next 40km, the road tightly hugs the coastline as it winds between the dual World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest before turning left to Mosman Gorge. A great spot to stop for a picnic, swim and dream time walk with the local Kulkal Yalngi. Returning to the GBR Drive you’ll continue north through vast sugar cane fields until turning right at the Daintree Gateway across the Daintree River Ferry and deep into the Daintree Rainforest. Shortly after being ferried across the Daintree River you’ll climb Alexandra Range, keep an eye out for the viewpoint on your right which offers expansive views of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and south to the epic coastline you just traversed.

Driving through the 400million-year-old rainforest is mesmerising, however, nothing beats walking through cassowary territory and listening to the bark of a bower bird. Marrdja Boardwalk is a 1200m, wheelchair accessible loop that takes you deep into rainforest and mangroves with a viewing platform over Noah Creek. Last but not least, stepping straight on to the beach from the rainforest is a very special experience at Cape Tribulation where the dual World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest meet. Spot turtles and dugongs as you kayak over the coastal reef or fly through the rainforest canopy on a zip line.

Cape Tribulation to Cairns - South Bound

Distance: 140km

Duration: 2h 40min

Stops:

• Jindalba Boardwalk
• Daintree River
• Port Douglas
• Pebbly Beach
• Rex Lookout
• Palm Cove

Before taking to the road for your return journey, Kulki boardwalk offers a 10min 880m return journey offering stunning views of the beach and coastal ranges where the rainforest meets the reef. After a 30min meander past vanilla & tea farms, ice creameries and secluded beaches turn onto Tulip Oak Rd to Jindalba “foot of the mountain”, a 650m loop that is considered a ‘Cassowary hot spot’. Cassowaries aren’t the only dinosaurs still roaming these parts.

The Daintree River has over 80 saltwater crocodiles that can be observed with one of the many experienced wildlife cruise operators. 50km south of the Daintree River take a left into the cosmopolitan beachside village of Port Douglas. Stop for a coffee or lunch at one of 60 restaurants before heading to Rex Smeal Park or Flagstaff lookout for views to Low Isles and Four Mile Beach. 10min south of Port Douglas you’ll find Yule Point and Pebbly Beach. At low tide walk along fringing reef while fossicking for crabs, stingrays, octopus and starfish.

As the sun begins to dip to your right, the Coral Sea is awash with turquoise and amber. Soak up the beauty of the region at Rex Point, a viewpoint perched high on the cliff side looking directly out to the Great Barrier Reef. Be brave and soar over the mountains with a tandem paraglider or hang glider experience, sure to get the blood pumping!

As you come towards the end of your journey, take a left turn and head into the stylish seaside village of Palm Cove. Reflect on the day with the sound of waves lapping on the shore as you enjoy a sumptuous meal with views past melaleuca trees to Double Island and beyond. Don't forget to tag #GBRdrive on all your awesome pics!

This road trip was provided by Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree. For more information on this top drive visit the Official Tourism Website for the Port Douglas & Daintree Region.

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