Great Barrier Reef Drive in 5 Days

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. Buckle up, because from this point on the drive shifts up gears and on every turn you will discover unspoilt tropical beaches on the edge of the Coral sea colliding with dense national park.

It is the beginning of your journey into Port Douglas and the Daintree region which is 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. Cross the Daintree River on the cable ferry and delve deep into the oldest living rainforest in the world!

DAY 1: Cairns to Port Douglas

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. 15 mins further north break up the drive by stopping for a wildlife adventure at an expansive nature park that offers boat cruises and crocodile attack shows or pull off to the right and access the 4km stretch of quiet and unspoilt Wangetti beach. Next, you’ll ascend to Rex Point lookout and the incredible 180-degree view of the Coral Sea begging you to take a photograph.

From the Rex Lookout to Port Douglas is 40km of coastal views winding between the dual World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

The road leaves the blue of the ocean for the green of sugar cane fields just before the palm-lined entrance to Port Douglas. Known as the place where A-list celebrities escape, this tropical village has an incredible array of restaurants, great boutique shopping and the iconic Four Mile Beach. It is the closest mainland port to the Great Barrier Reef and only a short drive to the Wet Tropics rainforest at Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

DAY 2: Port Douglas - Ease into Tropical Living

Life in Port Douglas starts with sunrise over 4 Mile beach. The golden syrup of gentle sun rays welcomes early risers, excited families and furry friends. No matter where you are staying in Port Douglas the beach is never more than a few minutes away. Followed by a scrumptious breakfast overlooking the beach, the day is free for you to explore the chic village and the lush surrounds of tropical paradise.

Explore the boutique outlets on Macrossan St before a short walk to the Reef Marina. Always buzzing with people departing or returning from the Great Barrier Reef, the marina also boasts a lively atmosphere with restaurants, café’s and even a microbrewery.

Tucked into the gateway of Port Douglas is a rainforest habitat offering an immersive wildlife experience. Rainforest, savannah and grassland areas allow visitors to roam alongside diverse wildlife from tree kangaroos to cassowaries. You can even cuddle a cute Koala or enjoy a romantic picnic tucked away amongst the rainforest.

Fully appreciate the length of 4 Mile beach with a walk to Island Point lookout, offering views south along the spectacular coastline. Before the sun sets and you prepare for another lavish night of dining, walk along Dickson Inlet to Rex Smeal park. This iconic park is fringed with palm trees and lapped by the ocean. Watch the boats return from the reef as the sun sets over distant mountain ranges.

DAY 3: Port Douglas - Great Barrier Reef

A meagre 26 km to the Outer Reef from Port Douglas makes the world’s largest living structure, The Great Barrier Reef, incredibly accessible. Pristine islands secluded coral cays, flamboyant coral gardens and schools of exotic fish life can be discovered in a multitude of ways.

Idyllic Low Isles calls to those that want to drift into the relaxed pace of a tropical lifestyle. Enjoy an easy 1hr sail on a luxury catamaran or 20min jet boat ride before anchoring in a sheltered lagoon. Owing to its status as a turtle sanctuary, Low Isles boasts a pristine inner reef that blossoms with colourful giant clams and brilliant soft corals. Bury your toes in the soft white sand, explore the history of the lighthouse and research centre before relaxing under a shady cabana.

Want an up close encounter with a 300kg Groper or witness the silent shimmy of a 3m Moray eel as it glides between staghorn coral? Agincourt Reef is recognised as one of the most diverse and engaging reefs. Travelling with a dedicated dive & snorkel boat you’ll visit three unique sites, chosen on the day according to wind and tide. Drift dive along the outer wall with a 2,000km drop into the deep blue and navigate between towering pinnacles at 3 sisters. Travel between June and September to witness the curious Minke Whales.

If you brought the whole family on holiday, take a cruise to a reef pontoon. A day on the pontoon offers a diverse range of activities to suit every person. Semi-submersible boats, viewing platforms, helicopter flights and helmet diving ensure no one misses out on this once in a lifetime experience.

DAY 4: Port Douglas - Daintree Village

The short drive from Port Douglas to Daintree Village offers the opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal people who have called the rainforest home for thousands of years. The Port Douglas and Daintree region is the traditional country of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people who continue to have ongoing connections with the area and offer tours where you can experience their culture.

Mossman Gorge is the southern section of the Dain-tree National Park where steep mountains, thick with rainforest send the Mossman River tumbling over the gorge’s massive granite boulders creating cool, clear freshwater swimming holes. Take a picnic and discover the rainforest on one of the free walks around the gorge or join a local Indigenous guide on their traditional land to learn how their ancestors trapped fish and safely prepared poisonous foods to eat.

In Mossman, you can visit an Indigenous gallery where the resident artist will show you how to paint your own burnie bean. Experience traditional hunting at the coastal village of Cooya Beach where an Indigenous guide can show you how to hunt mud crab with a spear or relax with an Indigenous spa treatment at Daintree Village.

The quaint township of Daintree Village is perched on the southern side of the Daintree River and is famous for the resident saltwater crocodiles that live on its banks. The village has a number of crocodile, bird and wildlife spotting cruises that depart regularly where you can attempt to find Scarface, Fat Albert, Gummy or Elizabeth and her latest hatchlings hiding amongst the mangroves. Join a well-informed river guide on a river cruise to spot crocodiles, birds and a range of endemic species that line the Daintree river. Choose from a luxurious rainforest lodge, romantic bungalows or cosy safari tents to immerse yourself overnight in the rainforest.

DAY 5: Cape Tribulation - Cairns

Rise early to capture the Daintree Rainforest at its best. Journey through the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest to spot the endangered southern cassowary, be dwarfed by an ancient king fern or swim in a clear freshwater creek.

Stepping straight onto 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 Daintree rainforest meet. Spot turtles and dugongs as you kayak over the coastal reef, join a night tour to spotlight nocturnal animals, fly through the rainforest on a zip line or climb a 23m tower to peek through the dense rainforest canopy.

A day exploring the oldest living rainforest in the world, leaves you wanting more. Alas, it is time for the journey home and with every km further south you feel the ancient wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest beckoning for you to return. The last few spectacular turns of The Great Barrier Reef drive as you head back to Cairns leave you in awe of a place that will remain in your heart for years to come. 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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