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The Captain Cook highway is 75 kilometers of highway sandwiched between rainforest and coral-studded waters. It’s only a short highway, so it’s best taken at a leisurely pace. Follow the Captain Cook highway all the way up to Port Douglas and on the to the Daintree Rainforest. On the way, you’ll come across beaches, waterfalls, and peaceful hiking trails.
Here’s our suggested itinerary for the Captain Cook Highway, one of Australia’s most iconic road trips.
25 kilometres - 30 minutes
Although you probably know north Queensland for the coast, there’s plenty to see if you veer inland as well. From Cairns, head to the mountain village of Kuranda.
25 kilometres - 30 minutes
From Kuranda, rejoin the coast as you make your way to Palm Cove. If you choose to skip the detour to Kuranda, stop at Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach and Clifton Beach as pitstops on your way from Cairns to Palm Cove instead.
40 kilometres - 40 minutes
Make your way up to Port Douglas.
22 kilometres - 25 minutes
From Port Douglas it’s only a 25-minute drive to Mossman Gorge, which is where you’ll get your first taste of the Daintree Rainforest. At the gorge you’ll be able to take your pick of walking trails winding through pristine rainforest, cool swimming spots surrounded in green foliage, and suspension bridges swinging in the canopy.
No matter what option you choose, you’ll emerge from Mossman Gorge feeling refreshed and restored. Hopefully, you’ll also have an appetite for more Daintree – because we recommend continuing further into the wilderness!
70 kilometres - 1 hour 40 minutes
Continue heading north until you reach Cape Tribulation. This involves a ferry crossing over the Daintree River. Cape Tribulation is the ideal destination for nature lovers, with a rich combination of tropical rainforest and glorious beaches.
There are dozens of activities to choose from in the area.
Cape Tribulation is within Daintree National Park, so you don’t have to go far to visit the rainforest!
The Daintree Rainforest is more than 15 million years old and home to a massive amount of birds, insects, and exotic plants. There are a number of ways to explore the forest, including guided night walks, crocodile-spotting cruises up the Daintree River, and simple boardwalks that are easily accessible from Cape Tribulation. The Marrdja Boardwalk and Dubuji Boardwalk are both easy options that will fully immerse you in the forest.
From Cape Tribulation, it’s only a three-hour drive back down to Cairns. You can prolong your arrival in Cairns by stopping off at any beaches you missed on your north-bound trip along the Captain Cook Highway.