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DAY 01 Cairns
Explore the laidback yet vibrant city of Cairns. Take a dip in its large man-made lagoon at the Esplanade, check out the array of shops and restaurants, and pick up souvenirs at the Night Markets.
There are plenty of bars and clubs for night entertainment. Alternatively, enjoy an Aboriginal dinner show, the award-winning Tjapukai by Night. Stay overnight in Cairns. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
DAY 02 Cairns to Kuranda
Make your way to the village of Kuranda, where you will find quaint market stalls, shops and art galleries amidst lush World Heritage rainforest. Visit Rainforestation, a 100-acre nature park where you can experience Aboriginal culture and Australian native wildlife. Travel to Kuranda on the Skyrail, an award-winning cableway that takes you on an amazing expedition over the rainforest. Then take a relaxing 1.5 hour journey back to Cairns on the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, an engineering feat that meanders through the Barron River National Park, across rugged mountain ranges, past spectacular waterfalls and through hand-made tunnels.
DAY 03 Adventure activities
Cairns is known as the adventure capital of Australia. Choose from a wide range of exciting adventures, such as whitewater rafting, quad biking, horse riding and sky diving. The Tully River is known as one of the most thrilling one-day rafting experiences.
After a day of thrills and spills, return to Cairns, where you'll spend the night.
DAY 04 Cairns to Great Barrier Reef
Experience the world's largest natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in a marine wonderland, where you will find more than 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of molluscs and 400 types of coral. There are many full day cruises to choose from. Nearly every tour is designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers, so that everyone can marvel at this inspiring wonder. Activities include diving, snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, semi submersible, and underwater observatories. You can even try walking amid the fish and marine life with a bubble helmet, or ride a motorised underwater scooter. Return to Cairns, where you'll spend the night.
DAY 05 Cairns to Port Douglas
Distance: 67KM, Approx. Travel Time: 1HR
Head north from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway, where you will pass the Northern Beaches and charming seaside villages. This is one of Australia’s most spectacular ocean drives. Make your way to the famous resort town of Port Douglas, where you can enjoy a laidback village atmosphere and great beachside dining experiences. Explore the chic shops and cafés along Macrossan Street, cycle or stroll along the beautiful Four Mile Beach, or visit the lovely wildlife park Rainforest Habitat.
There are more than 100 day tour options departing Port Douglas daily, so take the time to explore this piece of paradise.
DAY 06 Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation
Distance: 85KM, Approx. Travel Time: 1HR 35MIN
Travel north to the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park. Home to the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal people, this is one of the region's most popular rainforest stops, with pristine white beaches, unspoilt rainforest, walking tracks, 4WD safaris, mangrove boat tours and crocodile watching.
Spend the night at a rainforest lodge or a quaint bed & breakfasts cabin.
DAY 07 Cape Tribulation to Cooktown
Distance: 75KM, Approx. Travel Time: 2HR
Continue north along the coastal road to Cooktown. Please note that 4WD vehicles are required for this route. (Alternative route is available via Mount Molloy). Travel along the Bloomfield Track, which crosses the Bloomfield River and enters Australia's last great frontier - Cape York Peninsula. For a touch of authentic Australiana stop off at the Lions Den, an old Australian pub, for lunch, and then continue through the picturesque area known as Black Mountain.
On arrival in Cooktown, go to Grassy Hill to get a feel for the area and see the magnificent views. Explore the town's many historic attractions and the botanic gardens. Don't miss the James Cook Historical Museum. Recently renovated, this building was used as a U.S. command post during the Second World War. In the late afternoon watch the sunset over the Endeavour River.
DAY 08 Cooktown to Mareeba
Distance: 266KM, Approx. Travel Time: 3HR 25MIN
Travel South, and stop at Lakeland, situated in the picturesque Laura River Valley. Lakeland is home to one of the largest coffee plantations in Australia, and you can taste the local brew at the coffee lounge. Lakeland also provides access along 45km of unsealed road to the north to Laura and the world's largest collection of prehistoric rock art.
Further South, you can make a stop at the Palmer River Roadhouse. In the 1870s, tens of thousands of miners flocked to this area searching for gold. Today all that is left of the goldfields are legends of the hardships endured and mining memorabilia at the roadhouse.
Continue South to the Atherton Tablelands and spend the night in the lovely shire of Mareeba.
 DAY 09 Mareeba to Ravenshoe
Distance: 110KM, Approx. Travel Time: 1HR 30MIN
Mareeba is one of the best places in Australia for hot air ballooning. Go on a sunrise balloon flight. It is a truly breathtaking experience. Continue your journey South. Take time to enjoy the local produce from roadside stands or visit the local plantations, as you drive through the rich farming and grazing country. Explore the historic town of Yungaburra and don't forget to make a stop at the famous Curtain Fig Tree. Check out the beautiful lakes and waterfalls in the area, including Lake Barrine as well as the Millaa Millaa Falls, further South.
Spend the night at Ravenshoe, set amid lush mountain pastures and unspoilt rainforest.
DAY 10 Ravenshoe to Undara
Distance: 157KM, Approx. Travel Time: 1HR 50MIN
Travel along the Kennedy Highway, and make a stop at Innot Hot Springs. The spring is based around Nettle Creek, the source of natural mineral springs that were once bottled and sent to Europe. The springs come highly recommended for their rejuvenating qualities.
Follow the Savannah Way and continue your journey to the ancient lava tubes of Undara Volcanic National Park. The Savannah Guide Station at Undara Experience offers a variety of tour options. Allow plenty of time to explore Undara. Undara is a unique natural attraction, with 60 caves and arches extending over a wide area in Australia's largest underground lava tube system. Overnight camping or lodge facilities are available.
DAY 11 Undara to Townsville
Distance: 420KM, Approx. Travel Time: 5HR
Travel direct to Townsville via Herveys Range. Or if you want to break up the journey, make a stop at Greenvale, known as the "Outback Oasis". It has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, so you can spend the night there and continue your drive to Townsville the next day. Explore the surrounding countryside. Visit Jervoise Station to experience life on a cattle station, about 55kms from Greenvale.
DAY 12 Townsville
Spend the day exploring Townsville, which is surrounded by a rich hinterland of tropical rainforests and waterfalls. The town itself is charming and highlights include the world renowned Reef HQ, the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, as well as the Billabong Sanctuary, where you can learn all about Australia's fascinating native wildlife.
You can also visit the nearby Magnetic Island, with its abundant wildlife, beautiful corals and pristine beaches.
DAY 13 Townsville to Mission Beach
Distance: 250KM, Approx. Travel Time: 3HR
Stop at the friendly sugar town of Ingham, where you can enjoy an exotic fruit ice cream, or visit Jourama Falls for great views and walking tracks. Other suggested detours include Edmund Kennedy National Park, the lovely Murray Falls, or Tully Gorge National Park.
Spend the night at Mission Beach, a relaxed village that has access to the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage rainforest and national parks. It is home to abundant wildlife including the famous Cassowary, Ulysses butterfly and the Green Tree Frog.
DAY 14 Mission Beach to Cairns
Distance: 165KM, Approx. Travel Time: 2HR
In Mission Beach, walk along the 1.5km Ulysses Link Walking Track that winds its way along the breathtaking Mission Beach foreshore. Make your way north, and take a detour to Mena Creek to visit the intriguing Paronella Park, a multi award-winning culture and nature attraction that includes a crumbling Spanish castle based around the remains of a grandiose Spanish home.
Travel further north and you will soon be back in Cairns.
For more information:
www.greattropicaldrive.com.au
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