Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Starting from Cairns, the Captain Cook Highway runs about 75 km along the coast to Mossman, passing Palm Cove and the turn to Port Douglas. From Mossman you head to the Daintree and cross by ferry to Cape Tribulation, where rainforest runs down to the beach. It is a short, scenic trip best done over a long weekend.

The stops

1. Start

   Cairns

2. Beach

   Palm Cove

   Palm-lined beach north of Cairns

3. Town · Overnight

   Port Douglas

   Four Mile Beach and reef boats

4. Park

   Mossman Gorge

   Short rainforest walks and swimming

5. Landmark

   Daintree River Ferry

   Cable ferry into the Daintree

6. Park

   Daintree Discovery Centre

   Canopy tower and boardwalks

7. Beach

   Cape Tribulation

   Beach and rainforest boardwalks

8. Finish

   Cape Tribulation

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Port Douglas

  Holiday parks and hostels

• Night 2

  Cape Tribulation

  Lodges and campgrounds

When to go

May to Oct (dry); wet season Nov to Apr brings floods and stingers

On the road

Road is sealed. Daintree River ferry is a short cable crossing; beyond Cape Tribulation is 4WD. Watch for cassowaries.