Cairns and Highlands Loop Few places on earth can match the beauty and sophistication of Tropical North Queensland – where the rainforest meets the reef. Take to the water and explore the Great Barrier Reef, head north to the seaside village of Port Douglas and visit the superb tropical rainforest of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Atherton Tablelands © Tourism & Events Queensland
Cape Tribulation
6 days/5 nights Suggested Self-Drive Day 1: Cairns – Cape Tribulation (142km) Start your journey north on the scenic coastal road. Port Douglas is the perfect spot to stop for lunch before you continue north to the Daintree National Park. Day 2-3: Cape Tribulation – Atherton (174km) To get a true perspective of the magnificent rainforest, a visit to the Daintree Rainforest Environmental Centre is a must. Next stop is Mareeba via Mount Molloy, sitting atop a plateau 1000 metres above sea level. Day 4: Atherton – Mission Beach (143km) Head off early down the range towards Innisfail, one of Australia’s largest sugar-producing towns, before arriving in Mission Beach. Stretch your legs on the Ulysses Link Walking Track which is 1.5 kilometres long and winds its way along the pristine beach foreshore. Day 5: Mission Beach Spend a day relaxing in Mission Beach or if sightseeing is more your thing take a drive to Paronella Park, a crumbling Spanish castle at Mena Creek. Day 6: Mission Beach – Cairns (139km) Leisurely make your way back to Cairns.
Daintree Daintree National Park Mount Molloy Mareeba
Mossman Port Douglas
Cairns
Atherton
Paronella Park
Innisfail Mission Beach
Highlights worth seeing along the way The Great Barrier Reef – The hundreds of islands and reefs in this World Heritage-listed wonder are what dreams are made of. Take a flight over the reef, observe its wonders from underwater, dive into the deep or cruise its circumference in a yacht – the reef’s spectacular beauty will take your breath away. Mossman Gorge Centre – As the gateway to the Mossman Gorge World Heritage site, the Centre provides one of Australia’s most authentic Aboriginal experiences and is the perfect option for visitors looking for a genuine engagement with the Indigenous of Australia. Atherton Tablelands – Tucked away in the folds of the hills are lovely waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. Some popular cascades are Millaa Millaa, Malanda and Mungalli which are stunning.
Rental car: Hertz (Group C) from $75 per day Our favourite places to stay: • Southern Cross Atrium Apartments, Cairns • Mantra Aqueous on Port, Port Douglas • Mission Beach Resort • Cape Tribulation Beach House
Daintree Coastline © Tourism Queensland
46
Tropical Food – The Tropical North is home to a huge array of tropical fruits, tea and coffee plantations, and fruit wineries. All complimented by some of the freshest seafood around. Head out and explore this foodie region by tasting the local delicacies.
Mission Beach © Tourism & Events Queensland
Paronella Park © Tourism & Events Queensland
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date